Homemade Protein Rice Krispies Treats

These Homemade Protein Rice Krispies Treats are a take on the classic Rice Krispies treats with the added benefit of having extra protein! These are the BEST rice krispies because they're so delicious, ready in only 10 minutes, and can even be made vegan if you prefer! These Rice Krispies protein bars are the perfect on-the-go snack!

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• Recipe Ingredients
• How to Make This - Step by Step
• Watch How to Make This - Step by Step
• Quick Facts
• Substitution Options
• Fun Fact!
• Try these other delicious recipes!
• Recipe

Recipe Ingredients

How to Make This - Step by Step

Step One: Melt butter over medium heat in a large pot.

Step Two: Add marshmallows to melted butter and continue to heat on low until almost melted and you are left with just gooey marshmallows. We like to use a silicone spatula for this because the marshmallows won’t stick to it.

Step Three: Mix in protein and vanilla! When marshmallows are almost completely melted, add the protein powder to the marshmallow mixture and continue to stir over low heat until the powder is dissolved. Then, add vanilla extract and stir.

Step Four: Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in cereal. The more carefully you stir, the more tender the cereal bars will be. You can also move the cereal mixture to a large bowl to mix if your pot gets too full. Pour the mixture into a lined square pan or an airtight container (or one that can be covered tightly).

Wetting a spatula with water is a good way to keep the mixture from sticking to it as you gently press the mixture into the prepared pan or container. The container or baking dish can be any size that is approximately 8x8 or even a bread pan size. It can be helpful to grease the pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray or to line with parchment paper.

Step Five: Let cool and Enjoy!

Watch How to Make This - Step by Step

Quick Facts

How long do these bars take to make?

These high-protein rice crispy treats take 10 minutes to make and 30 minutes to set.

Does this recipe meet my dietary needs?

This recipe is high in protein! It can also be made gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan with the use of vegan marshmallows, gluten-free crisp rice cereal, and/or plant-based vanilla protein.

How many bowls should I plan for this recipe?

1 large non-stick pot and 1 pan or large Tupperware

How long do these last?

These treats will keep for about 3 days covered or 2 weeks wrapped tightly in plastic wrap before they start to become stale.

Can I use any protein powder in this recipe?

Any type of protein will work, but we recommend vanilla for the classic rice Krispies taste. Any other flavor will result in a much very different recipe. As far as protein brands go - we highly recommend I Heart Macros or KOS for a vegan protein. These proteins do not have a traditional chalky taste and are much easier on the stomach for those who have a hard time digesting protein.

How do I make this vegan?

This recipe can be made vegan with the use of vegan butter (like Earth Balance), vegan protein powder (like KOS), and vegan marshmallows (like Dandies).

Does Rice Krispies cereal have protein?

A serving of rice krispies cereal on its own has 3g of protein. These rice crispy protein bars have added protein powder so they have much more protein than Rice Krispies on their own!

Does rice contain gluten?

Natural forms of rice are gluten-free. However, the cereal Rice Krispies is not gluten-free.

Substitution Options

All substitution options are a 1:1 substitution unless noted otherwise.

Rice Krispies: Classic Rice Krispies are one of the all-time childhood favorites, but many types of cereal will work for this recipe. A crispy rice-based, such as white rice or brown rice crisps, or lighter cereal is preferred. Fruity Pebbles and cocoa Krispies also make for a tasty crispy treat!

Marshmallows: Any size marshmallow and either plain or vanilla marshmallows can be used. See the notes above for our preferred brands. Marshmallow fluff will not work since it does not become solid at room temperature.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla beans and vanilla bean paste can be used, in a reduced quantity. Origines Paradise Provisions is our favorite vanilla extract.

Butter: Coconut oil may work but this has not been tested. Although using coconut oil and a vegan marshmallow would make this recipe into vegan protein rice Krispies! Salted or Unsalted butter can be used or vegan butter.

Vanilla Protein Powder: Any vanilla protein powder can be used such as plant protein powder or whey protein powder. This can also be omitted.

Toppings: We love to add a chocolate topping (after you spread the rice krispies into the pan) to make these into chocolate protein rice Krispies! Natural peanut butter is also a delicious addition to add on top of these bars, and the result is a tasty peanut butter cup flavor!

Fun Fact!

Rice is one of the staple foods of the world, being the main thing that people eat in many countries. Did you know that sticky rice holds the Great Wall of China together? It’s true! The stones in the wall are held together by a “mortar” that consists of sticky rice and calcium carbonate. This rice mortar has held together since the 15th and 16th centuries when the wall was built. That’s some strong rice! (source)

Try these other delicious recipes!

Protein Fruity Pebbles Treats

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Smores Bars

Fruity Pebbles Pancakes

Grain Free Smores Bars

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