Protein Rice Krispies

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These High Protein Rice Krispies are soft, loaded with gooey marshmallows and will satisfy any sweet tooth. Similar to childhood classic crispy treats, except these have an extra boost of protein and make a great dessert or snack option!

PIN this High Protein Rice Krispies Treats recipe to try later!

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Protein Rice Krispies

If you love Classic Rice Krispie Treats and looking for ways to get a little more protein, you’ll love this Protein Rice Krispies recipe!  This delicious treat is made with the same ingredients as traditional krispy treats except we add in protein powder and sprinkles for fun and color. 

These treats are thicker since we use a 9×9 inch baking pan and we cut them into 16 squares so they are a bit smaller than your typical treat. This is a great option for a quick snack or dessert. Swap your favorite protein bar for a few of these treats and your taste buds will thank you. 

Since I’m always looking for delicious desserts that have a protein boost, I’d consider these Protein Rice Krispies a healthy treat or nutritious snack. 🙂 

Other no bake treats to try are my Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Stuffed Pretzels, No-Bake Cheesecake Balls, and Sugar Cookie Truffles

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key ingredients

• Rice Krispies or crispy rice cereal: The main ingredient and base of this recipe. Any rice krispie brand will work. 
• Vanilla protein powder: You could use your favorite go-to brand. Vanilla makes the bread a bit sweeter so if you wanted it less sweet, I recommend using unflavored protein powder. Whey protein powder, vegan protein powder, soy protein powder, or plant-based protein powder will work.
• Milk: We mix together the milk and protein powder together to help make the treats soft otherwise the protein powder can dry out the cereal. You could use any type of regular milk or almond milk. 
• Mini marshmallows: You’ll need one full 10 ounce bag . The marshmallows will melt and bind the other ingredients together. Mini marshmallows works best for this recipe as opposed to the large size. 
• Butter: I use salted butter to cut balance the sweetness a bit but unsalted butter or coconut oil could be used instead.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm flavor and enhances the flavors.

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how to make Protein Rice Krispie Treats

Prepare pan: Line a 9×9 inch pan with foil or parchment paper and grease with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

Combine milk and protein powder: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and protein powder until combined and smooth. Set aside.

Melt butter: Bring a large pot or stock pot to medium heat and add butter and melt.

Melt marshmallows: Reduce the heat to low heat and add bag of mini marshmallows. Stir until melted, then add vanilla extract and milk mixture.

Add cereal: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cereal until the marshmallow mixture completely coats the cereal.

Add to pan: Add the mixture to the prepared pan and gently press the mixture into the pan. Top with sprinkles (optional). Make sure you don’t press too hard otherwise your treats will be too dense and hard. Let rest for 30-60 minutes and slice into squares. Enjoy!

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ARE protein RICE KRISPIEs GLUTEN-FREE?

Although rice is gluten-free, some of the manufacturers make their crispy rice cereal with malt which contains gluten.  If you want to make these gluten-free, be to check the cereal box packaging. 

CAN YOU USE MARSHMALLOW FLUFF INSTEAD?

You can, however, I don’t recommend it because it will take away from the fluffiness and softness. It will also be extra sweet since extra sugar is added. I’ve never used marshmallow fluff so if you do try it, let me know.

CAN YOU FREEZE RICE KRISPIE TREATS?

Yes you can! However, it can cause them to be less soft and gooey so I do not recommend it.

To freeze, place cooled treats in an airtight container and layer with a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking. Be sure to let the treats sit out at room temperature for at least 15 minutes or until softened before serving again. Store for up to 1 month.

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HOW TO KEEP TREATS SOFT

Keep them away from the refrigerator as they will get hard and the marshmallows will loose their softness and gooeyness. You also want to store leftovers in a sealed airtight container and keep out as much air as possible.

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recipe variations

• Alternative cereal: Chex cereal or Cheerios would also work since they don’t have any added flavors or colors.
• Add-Ins: Add in 1 or 2 extra cups of marshmallows to make these extra gooey. Chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, m&m candies, more sprinkles, crushed Oreos, crushed cookies, or graham cracker bits make great additions.
• Fruity flavor: Use Fruity Pebbles cereal to my Protein Fruity Pebbles Treats. You could also add in freeze fried fruit similar to my Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats.
• Chocolate topping and chocolate dipped treats: Dip half of the treat in melted chocolate for an extra chocolatey treat. You could also add a chocolate drizzle the treats with melted white chocolate, colored candy melts, or a combination of them all for different colors.
• Nut butter: Add a few tablespoons of your favorite nut butter to give these a nuttier flavor such as peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower butter). Be sure to add the nut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture. 
• Shapes: Use a shaped cookie cutters to make the treats in fun shapes such as hearts or stars.

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pro tips

• Spray your hands or rubber spatula:Use either cooking spray or rub them with butter before you press the rice krispie mixture on into your dish. This will prevent your hands from sticking to the sticky mixture. You can also use a butter wrap to press the mixture.
• Marshmallow tips: Be sure to use melt the marshmallows on LOW heat to insure they stay soft and will make the treats fluffy. Only use fresh marshmallows- stale marshmallows won’t make these treats as gooey.
• Treat size: I use a 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan because I love the thicker sized treats, but you can also use a 13×9 inch pan to yield 20-24 treats. 
• Extra gooey treats: I love adding an additional 2 cups of mini marshmallows to these treats. Add them when the cereal gets added to the melted marshmallow mixture so they don’t melt and create little gooey pockets in each bite.
• Brown the butter: If you’ve ever had Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats, you already know how amazing they are. Follow the steps in this recipe to brown the butter first before adding the marshmallows. This will add a rich, caramel, nuttiness flavor to your treats. 

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leftovers & storage

To-store on counter: Place leftover treats in an airtight container or cover a plate tightly with plastic wrap. They will store for up to 4-5 days without tasting stale. You can also store in a large ziplock bag. 

To-store in fridge: These treats will last a bit longer if you store them in the refrigerator. They will store well for up to 1 week. Be sure to let sit out for at least 30 minutes because they will become hard. 

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