π« High-Protein No-Bake Crunch Bars
Servings: 10β12 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30β45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
Base layer:
1 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
Β½ cup honey or maple syrup
2 scoops (about 60g) vanilla or chocolate protein powder
2 cups crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies or puffed quinoa)
ΒΌ cup rolled oats (optional, for extra texture)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Chocolate topping (optional but amazing):
Β½ cup dark chocolate chips
1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
Warm the wet ingredients
In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together peanut butter and honey until melted and smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract and salt.Add protein and dry ingredients
Mix in the protein powder until fully combined. Then gently fold in the crispy rice cereal (and oats if using) until evenly coated.Press into a pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture and press it down firmly and evenly.Make the chocolate topping
Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil (microwave in 30-second bursts or use a double boiler). Pour over the base layer and spread evenly.Chill
Place the pan in the refrigerator or freezer until the bars are firm (about 30β45 minutes).Cut and store
Cut into bars or squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week (or freeze for up to 2 months).
Nutrition (per bar, approx.)
Based on 12 bars with whey protein and peanut butter:
Calories: ~210
Protein: 10β12g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 9g
Flavor Variations
Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch: Use chocolate protein powder and top with mini peanut butter chips.
Almond Coconut Crunch: Use almond butter, vanilla protein powder, and mix in shredded coconut.
Mocha Crunch: Add 1 tsp instant coffee to the chocolate topping.