Remember those irresistibly sweet and crispy Rice Krispie Treats you loved as a kid? Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a grown-up twist! These Protein Rice Krispie Treats are here to satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body. Made without butter or marshmallows, these healthier bars are vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and make a fantastic balanced snack.
Reimagining a Classic: Why Protein Rice Krispie Treats?
Let’s be honest, the classic Rice Krispie Treats hold a special place in our hearts. But as much as we love those gooey squares, they aren’t exactly what you’d call a healthy snack. That’s where our protein-packed version comes in!
These treats swap out the traditional butter and marshmallows for healthier alternatives like coconut oil, almond butter, and brown rice syrup. The result? A treat that’s just as delicious but with a fraction of the sugar and a boost of protein!
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before we embark on this culinary adventure, let’s gather our ingredients:
- Crispy Rice Cereal: 4 Cups (Choose a certified gluten-free brand if needed)
- Protein Powder: 1/2 Cup (Approximately 40g, vanilla or your favorite flavor)
- Creamy Nut Butter: 1/4 Cup (Almond butter is perfect, but peanut butter or soy nut butter works too!)
- Coconut Oil: 1 Tbsp.
- Brown Rice Syrup: 1/2 Cup (Honey can be substituted for a non-vegan option)
- Optional Chocolate Drizzle: 2-3 Tbsp. Chocolate Chips (Because everything is better with chocolate!)
Ingredients for making protein rice krispie treats
Crafting Your Protein Rice Krispie Treats: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to create these delicious and guilt-free treats? Let’s get started:
-
Prep Your Pan: Lightly grease an 8×8 baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside.
-
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the crispy rice cereal and protein powder.
-
Create the Gooey Base: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the almond butter, coconut oil, and brown rice syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once it reaches a boil, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the warm nut butter mixture over the cereal and protein powder. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
Combining wet and dry ingredients for protein rice krispie treats
-
Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Using a spatula or your hands, spread it evenly and press it down firmly to create a compact layer.
-
Optional Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of indulgence, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pressed cereal mixture.
Protein rice krispie treats with chocolate drizzle
-
Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, allowing the treats to cool and set completely.
-
Cut and Enjoy: Once chilled, cut the treats into squares and savor the guilt-free goodness!
Protein rice krispie treats cut into squares
Tips and Tricks from Robert Kline Art
-
Customizing Your Treats: Feel free to experiment with different protein powder flavors like chocolate or peanut butter to create your perfect blend.
-
Storage: Keep your Protein Rice Krispie Treats fresh and delicious by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Unleash Your Inner Craftsperson
Creating these Protein Rice Krispie Treats is a fun and rewarding experience that blends creativity with deliciousness. At Robert Kline Art, we believe that anyone can tap into their inner artist.
Give this recipe a try and share your delicious creations with us! We’d love to hear about your experience and any creative twists you come up with. Remember, the best art is the kind we can eat! Don’t forget to explore the rest of our website for more inspiring DIY projects and unique handmade gifts.