🍫 High-Protein No-Bake Crunch Bars
Servings: 8 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30–60 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
🧈 Ingredients
Base Mixture:
1 cup (240g) natural peanut butter or almond butter
½ cup (160g) honey or maple syrup (or sugar-free syrup for low-carb)
1 ½ cups (135g) crispy rice cereal (or puffed quinoa for a healthier option)
1 scoop (30g) chocolate or vanilla protein powder
2 tbsp cocoa powder (if using vanilla protein)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Chocolate Topping (optional but amazing):
½ cup (90g) dark chocolate chips (sugar-free or 70% dark)
1 tsp coconut oil
Optional Add-ins (customize it!):
2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseed meal (extra fiber + crunch)
2 tbsp shredded coconut
2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped nuts or pretzels
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare your pan:
Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal later.
- Make the base mixture:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter and honey (or syrup).
Stir continuously until smooth and well-blended (about 2–3 minutes).
Remove from heat.
Stir in vanilla extract, salt, protein powder, and cocoa powder (if using). Mix until smooth.
Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal until fully coated and evenly distributed.
- Press into the pan:
Transfer the mixture to your lined baking dish.
Press down firmly using a spatula or your hands (tip: use parchment on top to prevent sticking).
Make sure it’s evenly packed and level.
- Add the chocolate topping (optional but worth it):
Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave (20–30 seconds at a time, stirring in between) or over a double boiler.
Pour melted chocolate over the top of the base and spread evenly.
- Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes, or until firm.
For a quicker set, place in the freezer for about 20–25 minutes.
- Slice and store:
Lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment overhang.
Cut into 8 bars (or smaller bite-size squares).
⚡ Nutrition (per bar, approx.)
Calories: ~230
Protein: ~12–15g
Carbs: ~16g
Fat: ~12g
(Varies by ingredients and protein powder type.)
