High-Protein PB&J Rice Krispie Bars (Printer View)

Crisp rice cereal bars with protein-packed peanut butter drizzle and jelly swirls for a nostalgic, protein-boosted snack.

# Components:

→ Cereal Base

01 - 4 cups crisp rice cereal
02 - 1.5 cups mini marshmallows
03 - 0.25 cup unsalted butter
04 - 0.25 cup creamy peanut butter
05 - 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - Pinch of salt

→ Protein Drizzle

07 - 0.5 cup vanilla protein powder
08 - 0.33 cup creamy peanut butter
09 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
10 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

→ Jelly Swirl

11 - 0.33 cup fruit jelly or jam

# Method:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large saucepan over low heat, melt butter and peanut butter together. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
03 - Add crisp rice cereal to the mixture and fold until evenly coated.
04 - Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together protein powder, peanut butter, almond milk, and maple syrup until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk for consistency if needed.
06 - Drizzle the protein mixture evenly over the pressed cereal layer.
07 - Spoon small dollops of jelly over the top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the jelly and protein drizzle together for a marbled effect.
08 - Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until set.
09 - Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 equal squares.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They taste like the PB&J sandwich you've loved since childhood but somehow count toward your protein goals without tasting like punishment.
  • The whole thing comes together in less time than it takes to scroll through your phone, and your kitchen smells incredible the entire time.
02 -
  • Don't skip the parchment paper—I learned this the hard way on my first batch, and let me tell you, trying to chisel Rice Krispie bars out of a bare pan is a tragedy.
  • The protein drizzle consistency is everything; too thick and it won't spread, too thin and it soaks into the cereal layer, so taste-test by pouring a tiny bit on a spoon first.
03 -
  • Use a damp knife between cuts to keep the frosting from sticking and tearing; it's a tiny detail that makes your bars look professionally finished.
  • If you want extra protein and texture, stir a handful of roasted peanuts into the cereal base, and suddenly these bars become even more substantial and satisfying.
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