⭐ Yields:

8–10 bars

⏱️ Total Time:

15 minutes prep + 1 hour chill time

🧊 Storage:

Keep refrigerated up to 1 week or frozen up to 3 months

🥣 Ingredients

Base (Crunch Layer)

  • 2 cups (60g) crispy rice cereal (or puffed rice, rice krispies, or quinoa puffs)
  • 1 cup (250g) natural peanut butter or almond butter
  • ½ cup (170g) honey or maple syrup
  • ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp sea salt

Protein Boost

  • 1 cup (about 100g) vanilla or chocolate protein powder (whey, casein, or plant-based)
  • 2–3 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (only if mixture is too thick)

Chocolate Topping

  • 1 cup (175g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cacao for less sugar)
  • 1 tsp coconut oil (helps chocolate melt smoothly)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds (extra fiber & omega-3s)
  • ¼ cup crushed nuts (almonds, peanuts, or hazelnuts for more crunch)
  • Sprinkle of sea salt or coconut flakes on top

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract.
  2. Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth and combined — don’t boil.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in protein powder and sea salt.
  4. Mix until a thick dough forms. If it’s too dry, add 1–2 tbsp almond milk gradually.

Step 2: Add the Crunch

  1. Pour in the crispy rice cereal (and any optional add-ins).
  2. Gently fold until all cereal is evenly coated with the mixture.

Step 3: Press into Pan

  1. Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square pan with parchment paper.
  2. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or your hands.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Topping

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  2. Pour the melted chocolate over the base layer and spread evenly.
  3. (Optional) Sprinkle a little sea salt or shredded coconut on top.

Step 5: Chill & Set

  1. Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or freezer for 30 minutes, until firm.
  2. Once set, lift parchment paper to remove the slab from the pan.
  3. Slice into bars or squares.

💪 Nutrition (per bar, ~10 bars total) (approximate values)

  • Calories: 240
  • Protein: 12–15g
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Sugar: 6–8g

🍽️ Tips & Variations

  • Use chocolate protein powder for a double chocolate version.
  • Swap peanut butter for cashew butter for a milder taste.
  • Drizzle white chocolate or melted peanut butter on top for a fancy finish.
  • Add 1 scoop of collagen powder for extra joint & skin benefits without changing flavor.