Rice cakes are a snack made from puffed rice pressed together into a circular shape. They are shelf-stable, crunchy and versatile. Rice cakes come in a variety of flavors, but watch for sugar and sodium content. We recommend using brown rice cakes or multigrain rice cakes.

Are rice cakes healthy?

Yes, rice cakes are a healthy snack ! Rice cakes are low in calories and sodium, and they're gluten-free, nut-free and soy-free. To make the most of your rice cakes, add toppings packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats.

Which peanut butter is best?

There are many varieties of peanut butter to choose from at the supermarket. We recommend using natural peanut butter, which is made with just peanuts and sometimes a little salt.

Can I swap in a different nut butter?

Absolutely! We recommend using nut butters made with just nuts and salt (or no salt).

Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter

Name: Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1.5 tablespoons peanut butter; 2 multigrain rice cakes

Prep Time:

5 mins

Total Time:

5 mins

Servings:

1

Yield:

1 serving

Nutrition Profile:

Dairy-Free Low-Sodium Soy-Free Heart-Healthy Vegan Vegetarian Egg-Free Gluten-Free

Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter make a great breakfast or snack. Airy, crispy multigrain rice cakes get a schmear of protein-rich peanut butter for an energy boost that will get you to your next meal. Feel free to add sliced banana on top to add to the filling factor. Keep reading for expert tips, including how to choose the best peanut butter.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

We recommend using peanut butter as a topping, but there is so much more you can do with them. You can top the peanut butter and melted dark chocolate, sliced bananas or a drizzle of honey. Or instead of peanut butter, slather on berry preserves, yogurt with sliced fruit or strawberries with cream cheese. You can also create open-faced sandwiches by adding mashed avocado and a fried egg, tuna salad, chicken salad or sliced turkey and your favorite condiments.
For a fun kids' snack, let them use various sliced fruits and breakfast cereal shapes to create animal and happy face designs on top of the peanut butter.
You can use any flavor or size of rice cake you prefer. For a bite-sized snack, use mini rice cakes.
Rice cakes can quickly go stale, so store them in an airtight container until ready to use. Alternatively, you can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you have stale rice cakes, try restoring their crunch by heating them for 30 seconds in a toaster oven.

Nutrition Notes

While rice cakes don't add a whole lot of nutrition, they are a great vehicle for nutritious protein- and fiber-filled toppings—like peanut butter. Choose rice cakes made with whole grains to provide a bit more fiber than rice cakes made with white rice. Rice cakes are gluten-, nut-, soy- and dairy-free, making them a food that can be enjoyed by many.
Filled with heart-healthy fat, peanut butter is also a great source of plant-based protein. The combination of healthy fat and protein is a great combo to slow digestion and stabilize blood sugar. There are several types of antioxidants in peanut butter, which means it may help reduce inflammation. The vitamin E in peanut butter acts as one of the antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation in the skin.

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Ingredients

1 ½ tablespoons peanut butter
2 multigrain rice cakes

Directions

Divide 1 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter between 2 rice cakes and spread evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are rice cakes?

Rice cakes are a snack made from puffed rice pressed together into a circular shape. They are shelf-stable, crunchy and versatile. Rice cakes come in a variety of flavors, but watch for sugar and sodium content. We recommend using brown rice cakes or multigrain rice cakes.
Are rice cakes healthy?

Yes, rice cakes are a healthy snack! Rice cakes are low in calories and sodium, and they're gluten-free, nut-free and soy-free. To make the most of your rice cakes, add toppings packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats.
Which peanut butter is best?

There are many varieties of peanut butter to choose from at the supermarket. We recommend using natural peanut butter, which is made with just peanuts and sometimes a little salt.
Can I swap in a different nut butter?

Absolutely! We recommend using nut butters made with just nuts and salt (or no salt).

EatingWell.com, November 2017; updated October 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

227	Calories
13g	Fat
19g	Carbs
7g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 1
Serving Size 2 rice cakes with 1 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter
Calories 227
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 19g	7%
Dietary Fiber 2g	7%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 7g	14%
Total Fat 13g	16%
Saturated Fat 2g	9%
Folate 4mcg	1%
Sodium 124mg	5%
Calcium 4mg	0%
Iron 1mg	3%
Magnesium 25mg	6%
Potassium 53mg	1%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by

Carrie Myers, M.S.