These protein rice crispy treats are indulgent, easy to make, and full of chocolatey flavor! If you want a sweet treat with added protein, these protein crispy bars are just the thing.
I'm kind of a sucker for rice krispie treats. And I don't mean the prepackaged, Kellogg's brand version. I mean ooey-gooey, homemade cereal bars made in my dutch oven. They are irresistibly delicious and so satisfying to make. Melting marshmallows soothes me. 😉
Like any mallow-lover, I've been experimenting with mix-ins! My newest flavor? Protein rice krispies! All you have to do is add your favorite protein powder. I used plant-based chocolate protein and threw in some cocoa powder for good measure.
Customize this protein rice krispy treat to create any flavor you like!
Ingredients
How to Make Protein Rice Krispies
Prepare the pan. Spray the square baking dish with nonstick spray. Cut a long piece of parchment paper slightly less wide than the bottom of the dish. Place the parchment paper inside the dish with the sides coming up over the top, like in the picture below. Spray the parchment with nonstick spray.
Melt the butter. In a large pot or dutch oven on medium-low heat, melt the butter. Be sure to use a bigger pot than you think you need. I recommend a large dutch oven.
Add the mini marshmallows. Add the mallows to the melted butter, and stir until the marshmallows completely melt and the mixture looks smooth.
Add the protein powder & cocoa powder, then stir until well mixed in.
Add the rice crispy cereal to the pot, then remove the pot from the heat. Stir until well coated with the chocolate marshmallow mixture.
Transfer protein rice crispies to the baking dish. Spray the spatula with nonstick cooking spray and use it to gently press the mixture into the baking dish.
Let the rice krispy treats cool, then remove and slice! Use the parchment handles to lift the crispy treats out of the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut into nine cereal bars.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh ingredients! As in, don't rifle through the pantry to find three year old marshmallows and a box of stale cereal. Ask me how I know this. 🙂
- To make life easier line the 8 by 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Then all you have to do is lift the chocolate protein krispie treats out of the pan using the overhang.
- If it's sticking to your hands and spatula, just spray it with a little nonstick spray. This will keep the gooey mixture from sticking to it.
- Add the rice cereal immediately after you finish stirring in the protein powder. Don't take it off the heat and leave it for a minute or it will solidify.
- Don't mash the rice cereal into the pan. Gently press the mixture into the pan. We don't want to pack it in, but we do want to make it even on top.
Variations
- Protein powder - Swap the chocolate protein powder with any flavor you like and omit the cocoa powder. Try vanilla, caramel, cake batter, pumpkin, or peanut butter protein. I used a plant-based version, but whey powder works great too! Just be sure to use a brand you know you like. The taste and quality of protein powder differs from brand to brand.
- Mix in's - Stir in M&M's, chocolate sprinkles, rainbow sprinkles, or chocolate chips! Wait a few seconds to stir them in or they will melt.
- Rice cereal - Any brand works! Just choose your favorite brand as they all look and taste a bit different. Or try a different cereal all together. Honey nut cheerios, golden grahams, or cocoa puffs are good options.
FAQs
No, kellogg's rice krispies are not gluten-free. They contain malt which comes from barley. If you can't have gluten, look for another brand that's labeled gluten-free.
Yes, simply use gluten-free ingredients! Look for gluten-free labeled rice cereal, marshmallows, and protein powder. I have no problem finding these items in the grocery store. If you can't find them, try whole foods or another health food store.
More Sweet Recipes!
- Protein Powder Overnight Oats
- 10 Best Gluten-Free Protein Bars
- Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats
- Coconut Oil Rice Crispy Treats
- Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Fluff
- Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats
Protein Rice Crispy Treat
Equipment
- 8-inch by 8-inch square pan
- Parchment paper
- large pot
- Spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cups mini marshmallows
- 4 ½ cup rice crispy cereal Make sure to use gluten free rice cereal for gluten free rice crispy treats.
- ½ cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder
Instructions
- Spray an 8-inch by 8-inch pan with nonstick spray. Cut a long strip of parchment paper slightly less wide than the pan. Place in the bottom of the pan with the sides coming up over the pan. Spray with nonstick spray.
- In a large pot or dutch oven over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
- Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows, stirring until completely incorporated. This may take a minute.
- Add the chocolate protein powder and cocoa powder to the marshmallow mixture. Stir until incorporated then remove the pan from the heat.
- Immediately add the rice cereal to the pot. Use a spatula to stir the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Spray the spatula with nonstick spray and use it to press down the mixture evenly inside the pan.
- Let the marshmallow treats cool for a few hours before removing from the pan and slicing. Enjoy!
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