High-Protein PB&J Rice Krispie Bars (Printer View)

Crispy, chewy bars with peanut butter protein drizzle and jelly swirls—perfect for snacking.

# What you'll need:

→ Base

01 - 4 cups crisped rice cereal
02 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
03 - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1/4 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Toppings

07 - 1/3 cup peanut butter for drizzle
08 - 2 tablespoons vanilla or unflavored protein powder for drizzle
09 - 2 tablespoons milk, dairy or plant-based, as needed for consistency
10 - 1/3 cup strawberry or grape jelly, slightly warmed

# Method:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large saucepan, gently heat 1 cup peanut butter and honey over low heat, stirring until smooth and fully combined.
03 - Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, salt, and protein powder until fully incorporated.
04 - Add crisped rice cereal and mix until evenly coated throughout the mixture.
05 - Transfer mixture to prepared baking pan and press firmly and evenly across the entire surface.
06 - In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup peanut butter with 2 tablespoons protein powder and enough milk to create a thick, pourable consistency.
07 - Drizzle the peanut butter protein mixture evenly over the pressed base layer.
08 - Warm jelly slightly to loosen, then drop spoonfuls over the top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the jelly and peanut butter drizzle decoratively.
09 - Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes or until the bars are completely set.
10 - Lift bars out of pan using parchment paper overhang, cut into 12 equal bars, and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No-bake simplicity with just 15 minutes of active prep time
  • 7 grams of protein per bar helps keep you satisfied longer
  • Perfect make-ahead snack that stores well for grab-and-go convenience
  • Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
  • Adaptable for dietary needs with easy substitution options
02 -
  • For cleaner cuts, lightly coat your knife with cooking spray before slicing the chilled bars
  • If your protein powder tends to clump, sift it before adding to ensure smooth incorporation
  • The bars firm up considerably when chilled—if you prefer a softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating
  • For extra protein, add 2-3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed or hemp hearts to the base mixture
  • Store bars separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking
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