High-Protein No-Bake Crunch Bars

🍫 High-Protein No-Bake Crunch Bars

Servings: 10–12 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30–45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour

Ingredients

Base layer:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)

• ½ cup honey or maple syrup

• 2 scoops (about 60g) vanilla or chocolate protein powder

• 2 cups crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies or puffed quinoa)

• ¼ cup rolled oats (optional, for extra texture)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Chocolate topping (optional but amazing):

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

1. Warm the wet ingredients
   In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together peanut butter and honey until melted and smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract and salt.

2. Add protein and dry ingredients
   Mix in the protein powder until fully combined. Then gently fold in the crispy rice cereal (and oats if using) until evenly coated.

3. Press into a pan
   Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture and press it down firmly and evenly.

4. Make the chocolate topping
   Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil (microwave in 30-second bursts or use a double boiler). Pour over the base layer and spread evenly.

5. Chill
   Place the pan in the refrigerator or freezer until the bars are firm (about 30–45 minutes).

6. Cut and store
   Cut into bars or squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week (or freeze for up to 2 months).

Nutrition (per bar, approx.)

Based on 12 bars with whey protein and peanut butter:

• Calories: ~210

• Protein: 10–12g

• Carbs: 20g

• Fat: 9g

Flavor Variations

• Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch: Use chocolate protein powder and top with mini peanut butter chips.

• Almond Coconut Crunch: Use almond butter, vanilla protein powder, and mix in shredded coconut.

• Mocha Crunch: Add 1 tsp instant coffee to the chocolate topping.