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30 Minutes or Less

4-Ingredient Healthy Snickers Rice Cakes

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a healthy snicker rice cake broken in half.

My toddler recently decided that he loves rice cakes. So I’ve been keeping them stocked for him, and have even snacked on a few myself. However, rice cakes are pretty boring… so I wanted to think of a way to dress ’em up a bit! I thought back to my 4-ingredient healthy snickers and my smashed date with peanut butter, and came up with the idea for these 4-ingredient healthy snickers rice cakes. I gave one a try last week and immediately knew you guys would LOVE them too! So I got to work on writing up the recipe and sharing it with you all. 🙂

healthy snickers rice cakes with chopped peanuts on top.

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Snickers Rice Cakes

  • They taste just like a Snickers bar – but are made with real, wholesome ingredients.
  • Completely no-bake and ready in minutes!
  • Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
  • Perfect for a quick afternoon pick-me-up or post-dinner dessert!

What Makes This Recipe Healthy

These healthy snickers rice cakes skip the processed ingredients and refined sugars found in traditional candy bars. Medjool dates provide natural caramel-like sweetness and fiber. Peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein to keep you satisfied. And using dairy-free chocolate chips keeps the recipe vegan and allergy-friendly. Plus, the rice cakes offer a crunchy base with fewer calories than most traditional desserts.

overhead image of a healthy snickers rice cake.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh, soft Medjool dates for the best caramel-like texture. If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes first.
  • Choose natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oil for a cleaner treat.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed peanuts or sea salt on top before the chocolate sets.

Storage

Store your snickers rice cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just let them thaw at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter will work well in this recipe.

Can I make these nut-free?
Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and ensure your chocolate is allergy-safe.

What type of chocolate should I use?
Use dairy-free dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate bars for a rich, clean flavor.

a healthy snicker rice cake broken in half.
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4-Ingredient Healthy Snickers Rice Cakes

These 4-ingredient Healthy Snickers Rice Cakes are gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with wholesome ingredients like Medjool dates, peanut butter, and melted chocolate. They’re the perfect no-bake snack that tastes just like your favorite candy bar!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 rice cakes
  • 12 medjool dates
  • 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 1 cup melted chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Open up each date, remove the pit, then gently open up the date and press the inside half of the date onto the rice cake.Repeat this with one more date for a total of two dates pressed into each rice cake.
  • Then, spread a thin layer of peanut butter onto each rice cake (on top of the pressed dates).
  • Arrange all rice cakes on a baking sheet and pour/drizzle chocolate over each rice cake to seal in the dates and peanut butter.
  • Transfer the rice cakes to the fridge to harden for at least 30 minutes, then enjoy right away or store in the fridge for later!

Nutrition

Serving: 1rice cake | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 9.5g | Fat: 22g | Sugar: 18g
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30 Minutes or Less

4-Ingredient Protein Dunkaroo Dip (20g protein!)

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overhead image of 4 ingredient protein dunkaroo dip in a small bowl with rainbow sprinkles on top.

I found a new passion for recreating healthier versions of my favorite childhood snacks! Last week was 3-ingredient gluten free cheez-its, and this week is a healthy protein dunkaroo dip. It’s creamy, not too sweet, and absolutely packed with protein. Serve this dip with fruit, cookies, or… eat it by the spoonful! I won’t tell. 😉

And for more high-protein recipes, you gotta try my protein cookie dough bark, 3-ingredient protein pancakes, and/or my healthy protein cookie dough next!

a gluten-free cookie being dipped into 4 ingredient protein dunkaroo dip in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Protein Dunkaroo Dip

  • High-protein, healthy, and made with just 4 simple ingredients!
  • Quick and easy to make in just one bowl.
  • A fun, nostalgic treat that satisfies sweet cravings without the guilt (will make you feel like a kid again!).
  • Packed with a whopping 20 grams of protein to keep you full and energized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, and use a plant-based protein powder.

How do I store this protein dunkaroo dip?

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

What else can I mix into this dip?

Feel free to add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor, or mix in some mini chocolate chips for a twist.

overhead image of protein dunkaroo dip in a bowl with gluten-free cookies on the side.

What To Use For Dipping

  • Graham crackers
  • Animal crackers
  • Gluten-Free Cookies (I love the gluten-free Simple Mills Sweet Thins)
  • Fresh fruit like apple slices or strawberries
  • Sliced cucumber or celery for a low-carb option
  • Pretzels or whole grain crackers for a crunchy dipper
overhead image of 4 ingredient protein dunkaroo dip in a small bowl with rainbow sprinkles on top.
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4-Ingredient Protein Dunkaroo Dip

This 4-ingredient Protein Dunkaroo Dip is a high-protein snack that's both healthy and delicious. Made with Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, and rainbow sprinkles, it’s ready in minutes. Packed with protein, it's a fun, nostalgic dip you'll love!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 3 servings

Equipment

  • 1 small bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix together until smooth.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 2g | Sugar: 9g
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Dairy-Free

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Bark

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Hand holding a piece of 4 ingredient peanut butter cup cookie dough bark.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy and Fast: Made with minimal ingredients and no baking required, this recipe comes together in minutes.
  • Healthier Dessert: Sweetened with maple syrup and packed with healthy fats from peanut butter and almond flour, this bark satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping it wholesome.
  • Customizable: You can switch up the flavors, toppings, and even the type of nut butter for a bark that’s truly your own.
Close up image of 4 ingredient peanut butter cup cookie dough bark.

What You’ll Need to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Bark

For the Cookie Dough Base:

  1. Almond Flour: The foundation of the bark, almond flour provides a soft, cookie-dough-like texture and is naturally gluten-free.
  2. Unsweetened Peanut Butter: Adds richness and flavor while binding the ingredients together. Make sure to use a drippy, natural peanut butter for the best results.
  3. Maple Syrup: Acts as the natural sweetener, giving the cookie dough a perfect touch of sweetness.

For the Chocolate Layer:

  1. Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate creates a decadent top layer. I use Guittard Extra Dark Chocolate Chips in most of my recipes because they’re dairy-free, but rich and not-too-sweet.
  2. Chopped Peanuts (Optional): Add a delightful crunch and extra peanut flavor to the bark.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Bark

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, peanut butter, and maple syrup until a soft dough forms.
  2. Shape the Bark: Line a small baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Place the dough on the paper and spread it evenly with your hands to form a large, flat rectangle.
  3. Melt the Chocolate: Heat the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
  4. Assemble the Bark: Pour the melted chocolate over the dough, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top, if desired.
  5. Freeze and Serve: Place the bark in the freezer for at least 1 hour. When ready to enjoy, remove from the freezer and break or cut into pieces.
Overhead image of 4 ingredient peanut butter cup cookie dough bark cut into large pieces.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store the bark in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Keep leftovers in the freezer for up to 1 month. Simply remove pieces as needed and let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating.

Switch Up the Flavors of This Recipe

  • Add a Drizzle: Drizzle melted peanut butter or caramel over the chocolate layer before freezing for added flavor.
  • Toppings Galore: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt (I love this Maldon Flaky Sea Salt), crushed pretzels, or cacao nibs for a fun twist.
  • Different Nut Butter: Swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a subtle flavor variation.
5 from 1 vote

Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Bark

This peanut butter cup cookie dough bark is a quick and easy treat that’s not only delicious but also healthy! Made with just 4 simple ingredients, it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, and sweetened with maple syrup. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something sweet and indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, this bark is sure to be a hit!
Print Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freezing Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

  • 1 small bowl
  • 1 small baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons almond flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips melted
  • chopped peanuts (optional) for topping

Instructions

  • Mix together the almond flour, peanut butter, and maple syrup in a bowl.
  • Line a small baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper, then place the cookie dough mixture on top of the parchment paper. Spread and flatten the mixture with your hands to form a large piece of cookie dough bark.
  • Melt the chocolate chips, then pour the melted chocolate over the bark. Spread the chocolate into an even layer, then place the bark in the freezer for at least one hour.
  • When ready to eat, remove the peanut butter cup cookie dough bark from the freezer and either cut or break into large pieces. Enjoy right away or store leftover bark in the freezer for later!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 21g | Sugar: 14g
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30 Minutes or Less

4 Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies

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overhead image of 4 ingredient almond joy cookies on a baking sheet.

I recently shared a 4 ingredient healthy snickers recipe, and since those were such a huge hit, I thought… what candy bar can I recreate next?! So I took a quick peek into my pantry and found two giant bags of shredded coconut (bought one forgetting I had the other) and just like that the light bulb went off – ALMOND JOY! I continued my brainstorming and realized the easiest way to recreate this delicious candy bar would be in cookie form. So here ya have it, 4 ingredient almond joy cookies!

And if the few-ingredient healthier dessert thing sparks your interest, I have to recommend you also give my 5 ingredient gluten-free cookie dough a try! Yup, just 5 ingredients, NO baking, and healthier than most other cookie dough recipes out there.

close-up image of a 4 ingredient almond joy cookies with shredded coconut on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make 4-Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies

Unsweetened Coconut – Opt for a brand like Bob’s Red Mill, which offers high-quality unsweetened shredded coconut. Unsweetened shredded coconut adds natural sweetness and a chewy texture to the cookies without added sugar!

Chocolate Chips – I used semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best balance of sweetness and flavor.

Almonds – Choose roasted and salted almonds for a savory crunch. Chopping the almonds roughly ensures that each bite has a nice crunch and balances the chewy texture of the coconut.

Sweetened Condensed Milk – I used Nature’s Charm sweetened condensed coconut milk to make these vegan cookies, but regular sweetened condensed milk will work just as well. Both options give the cookies their rich, gooey texture and perfect amount of sweetness!

ingredients needed to make 4 ingredient almond joy cookies.

How to Make This Recipe

  1. Preheat oven to 325° Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until fully combined.
  3. Use a large cookie scoop to scoop out mounds of the mixture onto a baking sheet, spacing each mound about 4 inches apart.
  4. Wet the palm of your hand, then use it to gently flatten each mound into the size and shape of a cookie.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
overhead image of 4 ingredient almond joy cookies on a baking sheet.

Variations

Get creative with these add-ins for your Almond Joy Cookies:

  • Chocolate Drizzle: Melt 1/4-1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 15-second intervals, then drizzle over the top of the baked and cooled cookies.
  • Different Nuts: Swap out almonds for chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • Cherry Addition: Add dried cherries to the cookie batter for a fruity twist!
  • Almond Extract: Enhance the almond flavor by adding a little bit of almond or vanilla extract.
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Opt for using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk. I used Nature’s Charm Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk and my cookies turned out great!

overhead image of 4 ingredient almond joy cookies on a baking sheet.
3.87 from 15 votes

4 Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies

These delicious 4 ingredient almond joy cookies are one of the easiest cookies you could ever make! Filled with flaked coconut, chocolate chips, and crunchy almonds, this cookie recipe is totally gluten-free, and includes a vegan option too. Plus, all ingredients can be stored in your pantry, making it super convenient to bake these cookies anytime those sweet cravings hit!
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Ingredients

  • 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (for added texture, use 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut PLUS 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes)
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, or 1 (11.25 ounce) can sweetened condensed coconut milk

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325° Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until fully combined.
  • Use a large cookie scoop to scoop out mounds of the mixture onto a baking sheet. Spacing each mound about 4 inches apart.
  • Wet the palm of your hand, then use it to gently flatten each mound into the size and shape of a cookie.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Remove the cookie from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Breakfast

4-Ingredient Banana Bread (gluten-free!)

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Stacked slices of 4 ingredient banana bread, with a hand lifting the top slice.

We’ve been on a big banana bread kick in my house. But the problem was… every time I make a new loaf, it’s gone in a couple days! So I needed a quick, easy, and SIMPLE recipe to get in our banana bread fix without spending too much time in the kitchen. *enter 4 ingredient banana bread.*

And if you’ve been around here a while, you know I’m all about the easy sweet treats! This time last year I went through a huge 5-ingredient edible gluten-free cookie dough phase (major pregancy craving!) and over the summer, I couldn’t stop making my 6-ingredient healthy gluten-free mug cake. There’s just something about having a healthier sweet treat on-hand that leads to happier days and a happier life.

Something else I always have on-hand? Bananas. I pretty much buy a bunch of bananas every week because, again, we just love them in this house. However, we often find ourselves with a few overly ripe bananas by the end of the week. But thanks to this 4 ingredient banana bread recipe, I always have a way to put them to good use!

I made my banana bread gluten-free, but you totally don’t have to! This recipe is also naturally dairy-free which I LOVE. And I should mention, it’s easily made refined sugar-free as well. For all dietary swaps, check out the “adjust this recipe to your dietary needs” section below. Happy 4-ingredient baking, friends!

a slice of 4 ingredient banana bread with a bite taken out.

What You’ll Need to Make 4 Ingredient Banana Bread

Bananas: The star of the show! These bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. The riper, the better – those speckles on the peel are a sign of maximum flavor.

Eggs: Eggs play a crucial role in binding the ingredients together, providing structure to the bread. They contribute to the moist and tender texture we all love.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich caramel flavor and sweetness to the banana bread. It complements the bananas perfectly, creating a delightful depth of taste.

Self-Rising Flour: The key to keeping it simple! Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, eliminating the need for additional leavening agents. It ensures your banana bread rises beautifully. But if you don’t have self-rising flour, feel free to use regular flour instead, then add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to the recipe!

Tips and Tricks

  • The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Don’t shy away from those brown speckles!
  • Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can affect the texture, so keep it simple and stir until everything is blended.
  • Allow your banana bread to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This patience ensures a neater slice and preserves the bread’s texture.
sliced 4 ingredient banana bread with a knife on the side.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the self-rising flour for a gluten-free alternative to make this banana bread gluten-free. I used Beth Blends Grain-Free Flour Blend in my 4 ingredient banana bread and it worked great!

Make it Refined Sugar-Free: Opt for coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar for a refined sugar-free option.

Stacked slices of 4 ingredient banana bread, with a hand lifting the top slice.
4.25 from 20 votes

Incredible 4 Ingredient Banana Bread (gluten-free!)

Baking doesn’t have to be complicated, and this 4 ingredient banana bread proves just that! With one bowl and a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a loaf of incredibly moist and delicious banana bread. Best enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or dessert!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 9×4-inch loaf pan

Ingredients

  • 3 large and overripe bananas
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour see Notes

Optional Add-Ins

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and grease or line a 9×4-inch loaf pan.
  • Place the bananas in a large bowl and mash well with a fork, until mostly smooth.
  • Add the eggs to the bowl and whisk to combine. Then, add the brown sugar and flour, then mix again until fully combined and no pockets of flour remain.
  • Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the bread comes out clean.
  • Remove the banana bread from the oven, then let it cool completely before slicing.

Notes

If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use all purpose flour instead. But, if you use all purpose flour, make sure to add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to this recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 3.5g | Fat: 1g | Sugar: 10g
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