Happy Monday, friends! 😀
What do you say we start this week off on a sweet note?
Any objections?
No? Excellent! So remember that box of crispy rice cereal I told you about in my last post? Well, you’ll be happy to know that I put that sucker to good use this weekend and whipped up a batch of rice krispie treats.
These aren’t your average RKTs though. First, there are no marshmallows (I know, I know). Instead, I used a combination of almond butter and honey to hold things together.
You guys know how obsessed I am with this combo right now, but I have to admit that even I was kind of skeptical when it came to using it in one of my most beloved treats – there’s just no messing with the classics. Turns out I had nothing to worry about though… While these guys aren’t exactly like the original, they’re still pretty darn amazing – like ¾ of the batch is already gone amazing. You could use peanut butter instead of almond butter, but you guys know how I feel about the pesky peanuts…
Second, I decided to throw in some protein powder, both to improve the nutritional profile and because I really need to work my way through the big tub that’s sitting in my pantry. It was a good decision. The powder adds a nice subtle vanilla flavor and… well… some protein. So what you’re left with is a delicious balance of all three macros. In other words, it’s basically the perfect snack – especially when you take things one step further and  drizzle some chocolate on top…
The fact that these take all of 10 minutes to throw together, require no messy baking, and give me a ridiculous amount of energy is jut icing on the cake – I’ve already deemed them staple-worthy material. Buuuut I’m pretty sure that you’re tired of listening to me talk and just wanna see the recipe already. Here she be!
- 4 cups crispy rice cereal (I used Erewhon)
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup protein powder
- Optional: chocolate for melting
- Prepare a 9x9 baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cereal and protein powder. Set aside.
- In a small pan over medium heat, add almond butter and honey, stirring until the almond butter is melted and fully combined with the honey.
- Remove from heat and pour into the cereal mixture. Stir until everything is fully combined.
- Pour into prepared baking dish. Using the spatula or your hands, spread the mixture evenly in the pan, pressing down firmly.
- Optional: place chocolate into a microwave safe bowl and nuke on high in 20 second intervals, mixing between each. When chocolate is fully melted, drizzle over the top of the packed cereal mixture using a spoon.
- Place pan into fridge and allow to cool for ~30 minutes before cutting into squares.
I am a woman in love, especially since the all-natural ingredients mean I don’t have to feel bad about the fact that I basically can’t stop eating these. Consider yourselves warned… And then completely disregard my warning and go make these now – I need someone to share my addiction with!
What’s the last thing that came out of your kitchen?
Health coach, recipe developer, food photographer, makeup junkie, oatmeal addict, and general lover of life.
Well, don’t these just look amazing!
Especially that you used almond butter and honey.
I definitely need to try these out!!
I actually have only had a rice crispy square once in my entire life…now, that’s just embarrassing 😉
😯 I’m not sure that we can go on being friends. Well… okay… we can. But only because of our mutual obsession with all things coffee and makeup related 😉
OMG, last time I made almond butter rice krispie squares I ate the whole pan in one sitting. Hahahhaa! They’re SO GOOD.
That sounds like a great combination; even better than the original! 😮
Yum….I have a very similar recipe on the blog and you’re right, they are VERY addicting! I’m a nutbutter freak and I actually like them better than the original. Have a great Monday!
I’m not quite sure I’d be able to control myself from not eating the whole pan in one sitting… maybe I should challenge myself huh?
The last things I baked were a cheesecake, and banana cream pie, although the latter did not require any actual baking. These look and sound delicious!
I might have to cut the recipe in half… I have no control when it comes to rice krispie treats! My friend made some cake batter ones and I ate at least 7. Worth it!
Lol I’m the same way. I’d make them on a pretty regular basis back in the day, and an entire recipe would last me -maybe- 2 days. Ridiculous.
Well, I’d be happy to share them with you – but with YOU!! I’ll be over, say in…..18 hours?? Do you manage to keep the last 1/4 for us to share?
Oh my, what would I give to just do that now. I think we need to talk about another package exchange soon 
Lol no promises at to whether or not they’d last that long, but I’d be more than willing to whip up another batch 😉 And YES! More Swiss chocolate!! 😀 <3
What a great recipe! Actually, I think these would be better than regular ‘ol RK squares on so many levels!! Definitely on my “things to make” list. 😉
These sound fantastic! My grandfather loooooves RKTs, so sometimes I make him a package and send them. I’ll have to make these for a little twist.
Oh wow these sound amazing!
I made a yummy strawberry buttercream cake this weekend – yum!!
I haven’t baked in so long- I really want to give it a shot on the boat but it’s kind of a pain to buy all the ingredients and attempt to do more than break and bake cookies. Maybe I’ll get really gourmet one of these days and make something for real. Who knows… I haven’t had RKT in years but I would miss the marshmallow I think.
Hehe yeah… The way you describe boat living, I’d imagine that doing any kind of fancier cooking/baking would be kind of a pain. And I thought I’d miss the mallows too, but the nut butter and honey combination works so well that I don’t even notice.
Hot dayyyy-um..these look SO good! I am not a fan of protein baked goods but I think these will be an exception, especially given an all-star ingredient list like that! I’ve only ever said RKT with marshmallows but I love the sound of replacing them with nut butter. Like you, I have a whole lot of protein powder begging to be used…especially since my intake of protein shakes is zilch as of the past few months!
As for my kitchen….the last thing that came out from there was a quinoa & chickpea stir fry with pesto :)!
Amazing! My mouth is watering and I could really go for a couple of these right now! 😉
On Saturday, I made a Pineapple Upside Down Cake for a family picnic and today I’m making Avocado Chocolate Chip cookies (my hubby’s request!).
These are just too freaking good. You’re my food hero. <3.
So, you’re basically an absolute baking genius for coming up with these, you know that, right? I have everything but the cereal on hand (actually, I might need to restock the almond butter), so I’m definitely trying these soon. I love when desserts/snacks taste like heaven but are still uber good for you. Basically a win-win. (Although, there’s nothing wrong with good ol ice cream and a brownie.)
Can I still be a baking genius if no baking is involved? 😉 And I actually go into panic mode when I start to get low on AB. Not a good situation…
Droooool! These look so unbelievably good! Especially your photo of the melty almond butter & honey mix, I think I’d just wanna stick my head straight in the bowl haha! No wonder 3/4 of the batch are gone already..bet they taste AMAZING!
What type of protein powder do you use. I recently bought Vega French Vanilla… after so many good reviews I was bummed out not to love it as much as I thought I would.
I wasn’t a big fan of the Vega powders either, but I find most plant based powders to be a miss. I use Proteins+ from GenuineHealth http://www.genuinehealth.com/proteins.html
Rice krispie treats always remind me of elementary school when I would bring them for my birthday for the whole class. I recently made smores last week and oh my goodness, I ate SO much.
A use for my random tub of protein powder. Thank you. These do look really good though and I think they are simple enough I would try and make them.
Yeah I’m going to need to make these this weekend… they look and sound delicious! The last thing that came out of my kitchen? Uh, that I made? Ummmm… yeah it’s been a while lol. Oatmeal? :p
Mmmm!!! Those sound amazing!!! I used to LOVE Love Love making rice krispy treats for my friends, but I love that you don’t use marshmallows! nom nom!!
I haven’t made too many sweet treats lately but last night I sauteed chicken chunks with blackened seasoning and coconut oil. I tossed in some sliced portobello mushrooms towards the end. SO good and so simple. I’m all about simple, delicious dinners this time of year.
Oh I can always count on you for yummy treats I can stick in my pocket for when hunger strikes at work. I may just have to whip these up to survive some late shifts this week…I actually made your carrot banana muffins this past weekend and loved them! I added raisins as well – totally reminded me of carrot cake!
Hope you have a great Monday!
Those look pretty darn amazing! I baked some Lemon Sugar Cookies with a Lemon glaze on Friday. They were fabulous. Something about lemon and sugar that I go head over heals for.
I think it’s the sweet and sour combo… Contrasting flavors intensify each other, which is why I think I’m kind of addicted to the sweet ‘n salty combo too.
Okay, seriously…these sound awesome!! And can I just say, I love that they do not contain marshmallows, since as a vegetarian I do not eat them. Nice job :).
Mmmmmm… if I had rice crispy cereal at hand, and had not made Kammies red velvet protein bars today, and hadn’t a trillion other tempting snack bar recipes bookmarked… I would run straight in the kitchen (with a spoon of course) and start making these. The burden of being a food blogger: being constantly bombarded with mouthwatering recipes
I think I’m going to have to make those with (gasp!) peanut butter. I have to use it up since now all I want is almond butter, thankyoverymuch. I know some people are against putting protein powder in recipes, but honestly, if something has absolutely no protein in it, sometimes it will leave me hungrier after eating than I even was before!
I don’t mind mixing it in with other things that require no baking, but I’m not a fan of using it in things like pancakes and baked goods… it just makes the texture come out all goofy.
Wow, they look and sound incredible! I love that they are healthy too, I would eat all these up in no time. I’ll be bookmarking these for future consumption, thanks!
Oh, and the last thing that came out of my kitchen was strawberry pie!
Okay, just being honest here but I don’t think that the chocolate is optional – just sayin’ 😉 These look amazing and I love that we can call them “energy bites” thanks to the protein!
These look so amazing! I love how few ingredients you used too. Brilliant
Those look delicious. Can I admit I don’t own protein powder? I may be the only blogger without it. I always liked making rice krispy treats using cocoa pebbles. In fact I may need to make some. My son would be thrilled. I haven’t been baking as much as I was but I did make my original chocolate chip cookies last week. I keep them in the freezer and defrost as needed. Which seems to be everyday according to my son.
To be honest, I probably wouldn’t own any either if I didn’t still have this tub left over from back in the day. It’s not something I like to use on a regular basis anymore, so I’m just trying to get rid of it. Oh, and I’m in complete agreement with your son 😉
Okay these sound amazing! What a great way to make Rice Krispie treats! I love the traditional ones with peanut butter added in so mostly just using almond or peanut butter sounds wonderful!
Drip… drip… drip… 😯
(Closes mouth).
AMAZING energy bite recipe!
Could these be any easier – in the good way! – to make? If crispy brown rice cereal was available – yes, that’s how sad the cereal situation is around here – I’d hesitate no longer but make them right away. Great recipe in anyway!
Last thing that came from my oven about five minutes ago is my first ever Devil’s Food Cake. My mum requested I bake it and I was happy to oblige in a much needed study break. It’s nice to think that I can do my parents a little favour by having a chocolatey treat waiting for when they return from work in the evening.
Honestly, you could probably make these with any kind of cereal
I’m going to do some experimenting and see if any others turn out well.
Nicely done, girl! Why didn’t I think to use peanut butter and chocolate to make rice crispy treats before?? Can’t wait to test these out
YUM…that’s all! Seriously, those look delish. I’m making oatmeal raisin cookies later today if time allows…I love the dough
Happy Monday!
Those look amaaaazing! Thank you! The last thing I made was crockpot pulled pork sandwiches…
Ah I make something similar but mine always end up crumbly so I will definitely have to try this version out asap!
quite jealous of the barney butter. Care to deliver? 😉
I would if I could! I’m just trying to get rid of mine – it’s not my favorite 😕
These look amazing! I’m not a fan of almond butter, but I know many people who are, and would love it if i made these!
Those look delicious! They also look like a perfect kid treat. Thanks!
I’m glad the recipe worked out so well! I usually stick with my beloved peanut butter, but I suuuuuuppose I could stray for this one 😉 I love how you threw in protein powder as well!
Although, I have to disagree with the part where you say that the chocolate is optional 😉
The last thing I baked would have been the butterscotch cookies I gifted my dad for Father’s Day…although I’ll be making that ice cream pie this week! (so excited for that)
Uhm. So I’m definitely coming over for that… just leave any PB out 😉
What?! Healthy to boot? Those things look amazing! I need some now. Thanks for sharing!
Wow those look delicious! I’m feeling drained from this weekend and could use some energy bites in my life
Uh, yeah girl, when I saw these on Instagram I was totally jealous. Add reading about them here + seeing the ingredient list + more pictures, well, I’m an unhappy girl who wants some!!
So creative, though, and totally inspired! Good idea and they look great!!
This post/recipe took me back in time! I used to love Rice Krispies Treats as a kid! Definitely bookmarking this slighty more adult recipe.
I like this idea! I actually make something similar but with oats instead of rice krispies – perfect pre-gym snack for me. I should try this!
I was wondering how oats would work, but I’m kind of addicted to the crispiness.
OMG! My 5 year old just walked by and said you need to make these…like now. I agree
yum, I love rice krispy treats and I also love adding protein powder to my treats. These look so freaking good!
So say I don’t have any protein powder yet still want to make these, do you think they would hold together w/out it? Or should I sub in something else perhaps?
I’m pretty sure they should still hold together – if you find that they’re too “wet” from the AB and honey, just add an extra handful of cereal until you get a good consistency.
Okay I know I said I wasn’t a big rice krispies square fan, but these look really good! It was the chocolate drizzle on top that won me over haha. 😉
The last thing to come out of my kitchen was a batch of granola I baked this afternoon. I used to make granola at least every 3-4 weeks, but it’s been ages since I last made it and I’ve been craving it!
I definitely need to try these out!!
“What do you say we start this week off on a sweet note?” — umm, the answer to this is always-and i do mean always- a big YES PLEASE
those look delicious! what a great take on a classic- i love the protein powder addition!
Amanda if I’m ever on the other side of the world I’m coming over to yours first 😉
my heart just melted. send those my way. there is something about the classic rice krispie treats that still melts my heart
Yum! I need to make these asap
DYING. Seriously. Holy moly…
Making these as soon as possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you…
I am SO excited about this recipe..I don’t eat marshmallows so I never eat rice crispys, but I will EAT all of these ingredients!! HOLY YUM!! Last thing I made were energy bites cause they soooo damn easy.
Mmmm, these look fab!! Hmm, I can’t even remember the last thing that came out of my kitchen. Thats how long its been since I last cooked/baked and I think its about time I fix it! I have a 3 day weekend coming up and I think that may just be the perfect time hehe
HECK YESS these babies look freaking amazing. And I love the addition of protein powder in there. It would definitely give them a different twist! I see many variations happening in my near future
Love this recipe! So simple and comforting. Rice krispie treats were THE go-to dessert in our house because we were allergic to everything else. Hah.
I love that you took the marshmallows out, too. While I have nothing against them, that just ups the nutrition. Great!
I love you. I will be making these this weekend. xoxo
I love you used almond butter and honey to make these. I will, of course, replace it with peanut butter but this genius and I can’t wait to try them. Sketch-free rice krispy treats…Amen to that.
yum yum I never thought of adding protein powder in them, can not wait to try these. then eat the entire batch.
i love bars like this especially to bring to work.
Love these!! I tried to do something like this once with puffed kamut…yeah, didn’t really work out…ended up with lumps of soggy cereal! Oops? haha! I’m not a HUGE fan of the original RKT, but I may have to give these a go!
I’ve just wiped up a batch of these using cornflakes instead of rice krispies as I didn’t have any and didn’t use protein powder either (i’ve never bought the stuff). Can’t wait to see how they turn out!
Delicious!! I quatered the recipe as it was my first time with almond butter but I’ll be making the full one this weekend for sure!
Hi,
These are super tasty! However, they fall apart the minute I bite into one. Any suggestions?
Hi Lyndsay,
If they’re too dry, try adding either another spoonful of honey or almond butter to moisten them up — that should prevent them from falling apart.
I really like these rice krispie bar.
Looks Delicious!
I was looking for the nutritional value of these. Could you please let me know, just in case I missed them? Thank you. Kristen
Hi Kristen, sorry but I don’t calculate the nutritional value for my recipes — I just focus on using quality ingredients.
I don’t do protein powder. What can I swap it with?
You could probably get away with leaving it out completely and maybe just adding some more cereal if the mixture is too liquidy.
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I love the ingredients and taste of this recipe! The issue I had was with the measurements and consistency. This came out way too dry. I had to add a lot more peanut butter and honey than the recipe called for. The ratio of dry to wet ingredients was off. Otherwise this was delicious!
I’ve tried making these twice and mine don’t stick together! What am I doing wrong??? I make my own almond butter and it is JUST ALMONDS… maybe that is the problem? I also added one teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of spirulina to boost their “healthy” rating.
Mone didn’t stick together! Anybody why not? Its not like they were hard to make!
Tried making these and they didn’t stick together. Some clumps of it did, but when I cut it it was a crumbly mess
Not sure if I did something wrong or what, but I followed the recipe exactly and my rice crisp cereal would NOT stick together at all. Thoughts??
I had the same issue – there didn’t seem to be enough nut butter and honey. Mine came out very dry and crumbly and it was really difficult to mix the dry ingredients into the wet. I would highly suggest reducing the amount of cereal and/or increasing the nut butter/honey mixture. Very sad these didn’t work out for me.