This is an updated blog post. My original post for these "not quite lcms" was published on 27/02/2015. I've since done a facebook video for them as they are still a favourite. These rice bubble bars are super yummy as a snack or treat and great in the lunchbox. What are lcms? Well, that is what rice krispie or puffed rice bars are called downunder.
A while ago my daughter (Miss 4) was given a sample of a rice bubble bar at Costco. It was yummy, she loved it and I bought a pack before really reading the packet properly. They were basically white puffed rice aka rice bubbles and sugar. I was a bit annoyed with myself for buying them. They became a constant treat and were desperately sought after. Then we ran out. These Not quite LCMs are a replacement for those!
Miss 4 and I had a conversation in which she told me she'd like me to try and make some because apparently "you always make things taste nicer Mummy". So here's my attempt (and apparently they were the best ever). They still contain sweeteners, but that's kind of essential, for gluing them together and also for taste.
These are perfect in the lunchbox, freeze well and are dairy and gluten free. They are also independently taste tested by heaps of toddlers, kids, and adults are a hit! We cut these super small and one if normally enough in the lunchbox as they do contain a fair bit of sugar. The 22cm square wiltshire silicone baking dish used in this post makes 25!
Perfect for parties as well, these are the ultimate make in advance treat. You can either store them in the fridge for grab and eat immediately, or the freezer. Storing them in the freezer means they will also stay cooler in the lunchbox.
If you are a fan of this kind of treat, then these other treat ideas will be your kid's favourite for sure:
- Strawberry oat bars, no added sugar
- Carrot oat bars – reindeer treats, dairy and refined sugar-free
- No bake quinoa puff bites- a healthy LCM alternative!
"Not quite LCMs"
Ingredients
- 4 cups puffed rice I bought these from a health store- no sugar etc
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1 cup flaked quinoa
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup rice malt syrup
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
- On the stove over medium heat combine the rice malt syrup, honey and coconut oil. (In the video I did this step in the microwave, until it was bubbling)
- Add the wet to the dry ingredients, mixing well to stir and combine all the bits from the bottom of the bowl.
- Press into a lined 24cm square baking dish (I used a 22cm square silicone cake pan this time- no need to line!).
- Refrigerate for three hours or until set.
- Cut into the sizes you want.
- Keep in the fridge.
Katie says
Do you think these would work just as well with normal Rice Bubbles as I couldn't find the puffed rice. Would you change out the ratios of anything else if you were to do this?
Kylie says
Hi Katie, just keep to the same ratios and they should be fine!
Nikky Cassidy says
I halved the recipe and thought they were very sweet and coconuty! Reminded me of a childhood treat we use to make at school fetes with copha and chocolate rice crisps. I used half a 1/4 cup cocnut oil and id use even less in my 2 cups of rice crisps. Id also half the 1/2 cup rice malt syrup. I dont eat a lot of sugar. Thats just me. And im mot too fussed about them holding together heaps. Just a little is fine. And the freezer keeps them together well. 🙂
Marieke says
Hi - what can i use instead of quinoa flakes?
Kylie says
add more desiccated coconut or use quick oats
Rita says
Where would I source the rice malt syrup?
Kylie says
I don't know where you are based, but it's also called brown rice syrup. It's in the health food section of our supermarket, or sometimes with the sugar.
Elyse says
These look amazing!!
Do you think you could cut down on the amount of rice malt syrup or honey just to avoid so much sugar?
Kylie says
You can, but realistically, I think you'll have trouble getting them to stick together. I cut them into tiny squares, so they get one at a time.
Karly says
These look amazing! Can't believe they're freezer friendly, too- definitely need to try!
Kylie says
I love trying to make everything freezer friendly...it makes mornings more convenient for packing lunches!
Kathryn says
Hi, could you leave the quinoa and/or coconut out?
Kylie says
You could, but you need to add to the bulk of the recipe then, so you'll need to put something in their place.
Natalie says
If I don't have rice malt syrup, what could I use instead?
Kylie says
Honey. Just sub the rice malt syrup for more honey.
Kylie says
How long do these last in the fridge? Can they be frozen?
Kylie says
They keep for around 4 days in the fridge, and yes they can be frozen!