Your favorite crispy cereal treat, but with a plant-based protein boost and snappy salty dark chocolate topping! These protein rice crispy treats are nut free made with SunButter and marshmallow free with maple syrup to sweeten instead. A perfect easy healthy snack or no-bake dessert!
I (like everyone else on the internet it seems) am trying to be more intentional with my protein intake lately, and sneaky snacks that pack 10+ grams of protein are an absolute gift. Because protein at meal time is great, but protein that tastes like a cereal treat and comes covered in chocolate and is highly snack-able and perfectly grab-and-go-able is everything I could ask for. These protein rice crispy treats are so buttery and sweet and yummy they could easily be a before bed dessert too!
How To Make Protein Rice Crispy Treats
These protein cereal bars are no-bake, require minimal prep, and will be the best treat to wake up to ready in your fridge tomorrow. So if you have 15 minutes and the following ingredients, you can throw a batch together right now…
Protein Rice Crispy Treat Ingredients
Crispy rice cereal. Toasted, not puffed is best for that CRUNCHY texture.
Protein powder. Either an unflavored or vanilla variety. I linked the one I used in the recipe, but whatever you like and have on hand should be fine. The protein content will vary slightly based on what brand you use.
Hemp seeds. I didn’t want to rely only on protein powder for the protein aspect of these rice crispy treats, so I added in hemp seeds for some natural plant protein and a little extra texture too.
Salt. If your SunButter variety is salted, you can skip this. But if not (Organic), then add a pinch. Or if you just like extra salty cereal treats.
Natural Crunch SunButter. Since we already had a protein-rich seed thing going with the hemp, I opted for Crunchy SunButter to add even more seeds into the mix. And SunButter also adds a good amount of protein with 7g per 2 tablespoons too!
Maple syrup. Or honey, brown rice syrup, agave, etc. Any liquid sweetener, the stickier the better.
Coconut oil. This helps the rice crispy treats hold together better and slice without too many crumbs, but if you prefer an oil-free recipe you can omit it.
Vanilla extract. For extra flavor.
Dark chocolate. Just enough to get a perfect ultra thin layer on top, I promise it makes them taste next level decadent. And a pinch of flaky salt never hurts either!
Protein Rice Crispy Treat Step-By-Step
First, toss the dry ingredient together in a large bowl. Next combine the wet ingredients, microwave to melt them all together, then stir until smooth (ish, there will still be sunflower seed chunks). Then add wet into dry – this is where hands are very helpful, and it’s going to get a little messy. Next press all this sticky cereal stuff into a pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal, and when I say press I mean PRESS. Finally, drizzle/coat with melted chocolate and refrigerate overnight. Now you know what to do…slice and EAT!
Protein Rice Crispy Treat FAQs
Can I freeze them to speed up the process?
I haven’t tried it myself, but should be fine. Just know that the chocolate is more likely to crack if you try to slice it frozen.
Can I use other types of cereal?
Sure, a flake cereal for example would also be really yummy here! I just recommend using one that is toasted and crunchy.
Can I make them oil-free?
You can omit the coconut oil, but the treats will be a bit more crumbly.
How much protein per rice crispy treat?
With the protein powder I used, they were about 10g per serving. It will vary slightly based on what protein powder you use. Full nutrition facts below the recipe.H
What is the best way to store them?
In an airtight container in the fridge is ideal, they will easily last 1-2 weeks that way. You can also freeze them after slicing.
Your favorite crispy cereal treat, but with a plant-based protein boost and snappy salty dark chocolate topping! These protein rice crispy treats are nut free made with SunButter and marshmallow free with maple syrup to sweeten instead. A perfect easy healthy snack or no-bake dessert!
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cereal, protein powder, hemp seeds, and salt.
In a measuring cup or microwave safe bowl, combine SunButter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Microwave 60-90 seconds to fully melt the coconut oil. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add to the cereal mixture, and mix until evenly coated and sticky.
Press into an 8×8″ pan lined with parchment paper (I like to cover the top with wax paper and use another pan or the bottom of a measuring cup to really press it in firmly and smooth).
Melt the dark chocolate, and drizzle overtop. Tilt the pan to evenly coat with a thin layer of chocolate.
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