High-Protein PB&J Bars (Printable Version)

Crispy rice bars layered with protein-infused peanut butter and jelly swirls for a nostalgic, protein-packed treat.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cereal Base

01 - 4 cups crisp rice cereal
02 - 1.5 cups mini marshmallows
03 - 0.25 cup unsalted butter
04 - 0.25 cup creamy peanut butter
05 - 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - Pinch of salt

→ Protein Drizzle

07 - 0.5 cup vanilla protein powder
08 - 0.33 cup creamy peanut butter
09 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
10 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

→ Jelly Swirl

11 - 0.33 cup fruit jelly or jam

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
03 - Add the crisp rice cereal to the mixture and fold until evenly coated.
04 - Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together protein powder, peanut butter, almond milk, and maple syrup until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk for consistency if needed.
06 - Drizzle the protein mixture evenly over the pressed cereal layer.
07 - Spoon small dollops of jelly over the top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the jelly and protein drizzle together for a marbled effect.
08 - Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until set.
09 - Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 squares.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • They taste like childhood but work like fuel, keeping you full without the sugar crash that regular Rice Krispie treats leave behind.
  • You can make them with one hand tied behind your back, no mixers or baking required, just a pot and a spoon.
  • The jelly swirl makes every bite a little different, like a surprise in each square.
02 -
  • Use low heat when melting the marshmallows or they'll scorch and turn brown and bitter on the bottom.
  • Press the cereal base really firmly into the pan or your bars will crumble apart when you try to cut them.
  • Let the bars chill the full hour, cutting them too early makes a sticky mess and ruins the clean edges.
03 -
  • Wet your hands lightly before pressing the cereal mixture into the pan so it doesn't stick to your fingers and pull apart.
  • Use a plastic knife to cut the bars for cleaner edges, metal knives drag the sticky layers and make a mess.
  • Warm the jelly slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds so it swirls more easily and creates prettier marbled patterns.
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