Strawberry Matcha Rice Cake Bites: A Sweet, Guilt-Free Treat for My Sweet Tooth
Dessert
When I was almost 300 pounds, one of my biggest challenges was my sweet tooth. I loved indulging in sugary desserts, and it was a big reason why I found it difficult to lose weight. But as I shed 100 pounds, I learned how to create healthier alternatives that still satisfied my cravings without the guilt. One of my favorite treats today is this Strawberry Matcha Rice Cake Bite—it's a perfectly balanced, low-calorie dessert that gives me all the sweet, creamy, and indulgent flavors I love, but in a much healthier way.
This treat is incredibly easy to make, and it's a great meal prep option for anyone with a sweet tooth who still wants to stick to their health goals. The combination of fresh strawberries, matcha, and white chocolate creates a delicious flavor profile that feels indulgent but is packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s quick, portable, and totally satisfying!
Let’s dive into how to make these sweet little bites that you’ll want to keep on hand for when those cravings hit.
Strawberry Matcha Rice Cake Bites Recipe: Sweet, Refreshing, and Healthy
Macros per Serving (Makes 4 servings, 2 bites per serving):
Calories per bite: ~120
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Carbs: 16g
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
2 tbsp chia seeds
4 unsalted rice cakes
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
1 tsp powdered matcha
Parchment paper, for setting the bites
Make the Strawberry Jam:
Start by dicing your strawberries into small pieces. Then, place them into a small bowl.
Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to the strawberries and stir. The chia seeds will help thicken the mixture and create a jam-like consistency.
Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid from the strawberries and thicken up the jam. Stir occasionally to make sure everything is well mixed.
Assemble the Rice Cake Bites:
While the strawberry mixture is thickening, take 4 unsalted rice cakes. Place one rice cake on a flat surface and spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on top of it. You can use the back of a spoon to help spread it evenly.
Top with a second rice cake to create a sandwich-like structure. Repeat this with the remaining rice cakes and strawberry jam.
Prepare the Matcha White Chocolate Coating:
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/4 cup of white chocolate chips. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
Once the chocolate is melted, add 1 teaspoon of powdered matcha and stir well to combine. The matcha will turn the white chocolate into a gorgeous green color and give it that distinct earthy, slightly sweet flavor.
Dip the Rice Cake Bites:
Take each rice cake sandwich and dip it into the matcha white chocolate coating, covering it completely. You can use a spoon or fork to help coat it evenly.
Place the coated rice cakes on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking while they cool.
Chill & Enjoy:
Once all the rice cake bites are dipped, place the parchment paper in the fridge and allow them to chill for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
After they’re cooled, your Strawberry Matcha Rice Cake Bites are ready to enjoy!
Meal Prep Safety Tips & Storage:
Storage: These Strawberry Matcha Rice Cake Bites are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cool temperature will keep the chocolate coating firm and the rice cakes crunchy. If you’re meal prepping, these are perfect for making ahead and having on hand when a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing: You can also freeze these bites if you want to store them for longer. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, let them thaw for about 10 minutes at room temperature.
Avoid Over-Dipping: While dipping the rice cakes into the chocolate, make sure not to overload them with chocolate. You want a nice thin coating to keep the bites light and not too heavy on the calories. A little matcha-chocolate goes a long way!
Additional Notes & Customizations:
Use Dark Chocolate: If you're a fan of darker, more intense flavors, you can swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips. Dark chocolate has a lower sugar content and pairs wonderfully with the earthy flavor of matcha.
Low-Carb/Keto Version: For a lower-carb version, you can make your own sugar-free chocolate or use sugar-free white chocolate chips. You can also swap out the rice cakes for keto-friendly rice cakes or even use almond flour crackers for a more substantial crunch.
Add More Protein: For extra protein, try adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder into the strawberry mixture. This will make the bites even more filling and make them a great post-workout snack.
Flavor Variations: Want to switch things up? Try adding some dried lavender or a few drops of vanilla extract into the matcha white chocolate coating for a unique flavor twist. You could also drizzle some dark chocolate over the top for an additional layer of flavor and decoration.
Vegan Version: If you’re vegan, swap the white chocolate for vegan white chocolate chips or simply use a vegan dark chocolate and make sure the rice cakes are free from any dairy-based ingredients.
Conclusion:
These Strawberry Matcha Rice Cake Bites are my go-to when I’m craving something sweet but still want to stay on track with my health goals. They’re quick, easy, and full of flavor, offering the perfect balance of fruit, healthy fats, and protein. Whether you’re meal prepping, looking for a post-workout snack, or just need a healthier dessert option, these bites are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your progress.
With fresh strawberries, matcha, and a creamy chocolate coating, these bites feel like an indulgence but are much lighter than the typical sweets you might be used to. Try them out, and let me know how they turn out for you!
Enjoy and indulge in moderation!