Protein Rice Krispies

16 comments

5 from 76 votes
Jump to RecipeJump to Video

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

These protein rice krispies are a healthy take on our favorite childhood snack. 4 ingredients, no baking, and over 15 grams of protein each!

Craving more high protein desserts? Try my protein pudding, protein cookies, protein cookie dough, and protein banana bread next.

protein rice krispies.

I am a diehard Rice Krispie treat lover, so of course, I had to replicate them, but with some added benefits.

Not to toot my own horn, but my protein rice krispies recipe might be even better than the original. This high-protein version was inspired by my healthy rice crispy treats, but a little more nostalgic.

Table of Contents
  1. Why I love this recipe
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make protein Rice Krispie treats
  4. Arman’s recipe tips
  5. Storage instructions 
  6. Frequently asked questions 
  7. More protein powder treats
  8. Protein Rice Krispies (Recipe Card)

Why I love this recipe

  • A healthier childhood treat. I skipped the butter and used coconut oil instead. I also tested this recipe using sugar-free marshmallows if that is your thing.
  • Over 15 grams of protein each. Adding protein powder gives each bar a generous boost.
  • Crispy and gooey. We can’t include rice crispy treats in the name if they aren’t crispy or gooey, and we can confirm that this recipe is both.

★★★★★ REVIEW

“These are fantastic. We had to modify it to suit us, 4 yr old in the house. Gluten-free rice bubbles and replaced protein powder with 4Tbsps collagen powder. Half had sprinkles, as everything is better with sprinkles when you are 4. Even my partner liked them.”Kylie

protein rice crispy treats.

Ingredients needed

  • Crispy rice cereal. Rice Krispies, brown rice cereal, or any crispy cereal of choice. If you need these to be gluten-free, gluten-free Rice Krispies work the same.
  • Protein powder. Plain and unflavored protein powder. I recommend using casein protein powder or brown rice protein powder for the best results.
  • Coconut oil. A healthier alternative to butter. Opt for refined coconut oil to avoid any coconut flavor.
  • Marshmallows. You CANNOT have rice crispy treats without marshmallows. If you want these to be a little healthier, feel free to use sugar-free marshmallows.

How to make protein Rice Krispie treats

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1- Combine the cereal and protein powder in a large bowl.

Step 2- Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan or skillet with the marshmallows. Whisk together until combined.

Step 3- Assemble. Add the marshmallow mix until the bowl and mix until the cereal is completely coated. Transfer to a greased dish.

rice krispie mixture in baking dish.

Step 4- Set and slice. Once the bars have firmed up, slice using a sharp knife.

sliced protein rice krispies.

Arman’s recipe tips

  • Know your protein powder. As mentioned earlier, casein, brown rice, and pea protein powders work best for this recipe. Whey protein powder tends to make the bars too sticky. If you use flavored protein powder, make sure you like the flavor, as it can be quite overpowering. 
  • Use other types of puffed cereal. These protein-enriched treats can be made with any puffed grains, including quinoa, amaranth, and barley. These grains have a neutral flavor and a crispy texture, making them amazing alternatives for puffed rice.  
  • Set at room temperature, and not the fridge. If you do refrigerate them, they firm up a little too much and lose their gooey-ness.

Storage instructions 

To store. I recommend storing these bars at room temperature so they remain crispy and gooey. They will keep well in an airtight container for up to one week.

To freeze. Freeze these bars in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper in between the layers to prevent the bars from sticking to each other. Allow the bars to soften in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. 

protein rice krispie treats.

Frequently asked questions 

What causes rice crispy treats to get hard?

High heat causes puffed rice to become hard. To prevent this from happening, don’t pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal when it is still piping hot. 

How do you keep rice crispy treats fresh longer?

Wrapping each bar with parchment paper helps keep them soft and chewy longer. 

More protein powder treats

protein rice krispies recipe.

Protein Rice Krispies

5 from 76 votes
These protein rice krispies are a healthy take on our favorite childhood snack. 4 ingredients, no baking, and over 15 grams of protein each!  Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
Servings: 16 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Line a 9 x 9-inch baking tray with parchment and set aside. Alternatively, use any deep dish or large loaf pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add your crispy rice cereal and protein powder and set aside.
  • In a saucepan over low heat, melt your coconut oil with marshmallows until combined.
  • Pour over the dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. Transfer the mixture to the lined tray and press firmly into place. Let it sit for 30 minutes to firm up.
    rice krispie mixture in baking dish.
  • Once firm, use a sharp knife to slice into bars.
    sliced protein rice krispies.

Notes

TO STORE. I recommend storing these bars at room temperature so they remain crispy and gooey. They will keep well in an airtight container for up to one week.
TO FREEZE. Freeze these bars in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper in between the layers to prevent the bars from sticking to each other. Allow the bars to soften in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 15gFat: 6gSodium: 51mgPotassium: 28mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 406IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 2mgNET CARBS: 22g
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Originally published July 2017, updated May 2023, and republished May 2024

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

You May Also Like

5 from 76 votes (68 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Why add the protein powder to the Rice Krispies and not the marshmallow mixture? It was near impossible to mix everything together thoroughly, The marshmallow mixture started to set and there was still so much dry protein powder that would not incorporate. The taste was good, but it was just weird. How much dry protein powder is scattered throughout the Rice krispie treats. I’m wondering if anyone has tried this with mixing the protein into the marshmallows instead?

  2. 5 stars
    These are fantastic. Had to modify to suit us, 4yr old in the house. Gluten free rice bubbles and replaced protein powder with 4Tbsps collagen powder. Half had sprinkles as everything is better with sprinkles when your 4. Even my partner liked them.

  3. Love this… drooling over if!! Would it be too much to ask if macros could be included in the nutritional facts (fats, carbs, protein)? Would love this- looks incredible!!

    1. Thanks Alex! We haven’t calculated it but you can easily do it via a calorie counting website or myfitnesspal 🙂 Enjoy!

  4. I made this recipe and I am very excited about it! I actually only put in about half of the peanut butter and maple syrup and no chocolate on top. I also only did a half scoop of protein powder. It didn’t clump together and so we are using it as cereal in our milk! It is a delicious alternative to store bought peanut butter cereal. I also added about 1/4 tsp vanilla, 2 pinches of salt, and a few shakes of cinnamon. It really made the peanut butter flavor stand out.

  5. These would be perfect for my days of 5 hours of class time 😀 miss you, friend ♥︎

  6. I love your recipes Arman. I like that I can substitute whatever I have on hand in terms of sweeteners or nut butters. Thank you for posting wonderful recipes.