Description
These High-Protein PB&J Rice Krispie Bars are a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic treat, combining crisp rice cereal, melted marshmallows, and peanut butter with a protein-packed drizzle and a marbled fruit jelly topping. Perfect for a quick snack or post-workout boost, these bars deliver a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors while providing extra protein to keep you energized.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Mixture
- 4 cups crisp rice cereal
- 1.5 cups mini marshmallows
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup creamy peanut butter
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Protein Drizzle
- 0.5 cup vanilla protein powder
- 0.33 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 0.33 cup fruit jelly or jam
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Melt Base Mixture: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt together the unsalted butter and 0.25 cup creamy peanut butter. Add in the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from heat.
- Season Base: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Cereal: Add the crisp rice cereal to the melted mixture and gently fold until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Press Into Pan: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press firmly and evenly across the entire surface to create a compact layer.
- Prepare Protein Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together the vanilla protein powder, 0.33 cup creamy peanut butter, unsweetened almond milk, and maple syrup until smooth and pourable. Adjust the almond milk quantity if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Apply Protein Layer: Evenly drizzle the prepared protein mixture over the pressed cereal base layer in the pan.
- Create Marbled Effect: Spoon small dollops of fruit jelly or jam over the protein drizzle. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the jelly and protein mixture together, creating an attractive marbled effect.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour or until the bars are completely set and firm.
- Cut and Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 12 equal squares and serve.
Notes
- Use vanilla or fruit-flavored protein powder for added flavor variety.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey to suit your preference or dietary needs.
- For a nut-free version, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and ensure the protein powder is nut-free.
- Press the cereal mixture firmly but not too hard to maintain a light texture.
- Ensure the bars are fully chilled before cutting to prevent crumbling.
