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4-Ingredient Protein Rice Crispy Treats

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protein rice crispy treats stacked on a plate with mini marshmallows.

Adding protein to my favorite desserts is nothing new for me. I have a protein dunkaroo dip recipe, protein chocolate chip cookies, and edible protein cookie dough (among many more!). So when I set out to make another protein dessert recipe, I wanted something classic, quick, easy, and ideally no-bake – especially in this summer heat! Rice crispy treats exactly fit the bill. What I love most about this protein rice crispy treat recipe is it’s made with just 4 very simple ingredients. Marshmallows, butter, protein powder, and rice cereal come together to make a protein-packed treat with over 10 grams of protein per serving that are just as delicious as classic rice crispy treats!

overhead image of protein rice crispy treats cut into squares.

Why You’ll Love These Protein Rice Crispy Treats

  • High protein, fun treat: Each square delivers around 10g of protein, making them satisfying and energizing!
  • No-bake: Ready in about 10 minutes with minimal cleanup.
  • Kid-approved: Still soft, chewy, and kid-friendly – just with a protein boost!
  • Gluten-free and easily made vegan: These protein treats are made with gluten-free ingredients and can be made dairy-free and/or vegan (see the “adjust this recipe to your dietary needs” section below).

What Kind of Protein Powder Can I Use?

Use your favorite – vanilla or chocolate whey or plant-based work great. Just be aware that vegan powders might need adjustment: adding extra melted butter can help keep the texture just right!

protein rice crispy treats stacked on a plate with mini marshmallows.

Storage Instructions

Store squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days – though they’re best enjoyed sooner for that perfect chewy texture. Want a more solid treat? Chill them briefly for firmer bars.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter in place of regular butter to make this a non-dairy protein treat!

Make it Vegan: Use vegan marshmallows and vegan protein powder – I like this plant-based protein powder from Aloha.

protein rice crispy treats stacked on a plate with mini marshmallows.
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4-Ingredient Protein Rice Crispy Treats

These Protein Rice Crispy Treats are a no-bake, 4-ingredient protein snack with 10 grams of protein per square! Easy to make, gluten-free, and totally delicious, they’re a healthy twist on the classic treat.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 9 servings

Equipment

  • 1 medium pot

Ingredients

  • 6 cups rice cereal
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 1 (12 ounce) bag marshmallows
  • 1 cup protein powder either vanilla or unflavored

Instructions

  • Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the inside of the pan with butter.
  • Melt the butter and marshmallows together in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Stir often until the mixture is smooth and marshmallows are completely melted.
  • Remove the pot from the heat, then add in the protein powder and mix together until fully combined.
  • Add in the rice cereal and quickly mix them into the melted marshmallow mixture.
  • Transfer the rice crispy treat mixture to your prepared baking dish, press it into an even layer, then let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
  • Remove the rice crispy treats from the pan and slice into squares then enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 7g | Sugar: 20g
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30 Minutes or Less

Healthy No-Bake Brownie Balls

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close up image of healthy no-bake brownie balls in a bowl, one with a bite taken out.

If my healthy edible brownie batter and 4-ingredient date caramels had a baby, it’d be these healthy no-bake brownie balls! They’re rich, fudgy, naturally sweetened with dates, and even include some sneaky protein. And the best part? They’re entirely NO bake! Because let’s face it, this summer’s already been too hot to turn the oven on. I honestly keep a batch of these healthier brownie treats in my fridge at all time for when I need just a little something sweet!

healthy no-bake brownie balls in a small bowl with flaky salt on top.

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Brownie Balls

These no-bake healthy brownie balls are the perfect healthy treat! Whether you’re craving something sweet post-workout or want a better-for-you treat during the day, these bites are loaded with flavor and come together in just minutes. Plus, they’re naturally sweetened with dates, made with wholesome plant-based ingredients, and dipped in chocolate for that irresistible finish!

What Makes This Recipe Healthy?

  • Naturally Sweetened – These brownie balls are sweetened entirely with medjool dates, offering fiber and natural sugars with zero refined sugar.
  • High in Plant-Based Protein – Thanks to chocolate protein powder and almond butter, these bites offer a nice protein boost to keep you satisfied.
  • No Bake + Easy Prep – Just toss the ingredients in a food processor, roll, dip, and chill. That’s it!
  • Allergy-Friendly – They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly, depending on your protein powder and chocolate chip choices.
healthy no-bake brownie balls in a small bow, one with a bite taken out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of almond flour?
You can use oat flour as a 1:1 substitute. It keeps the texture soft and fudgy and is also naturally gluten-free!

What kind of protein powder did you use?
I used Aloha Chocolate Plant-Based Protein Powder (use this link for 20% OFF Aloha!). It’s dairy-free, soy-free, and adds a rich chocolate flavor without any artificial ingredients.

How do I store these brownie balls?
Keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage—just let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying!

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Soak your dates if they’re dry or firm. Just 10 minutes in hot water makes them easier to blend.
  • Chill the dough if it’s too soft to roll into balls. Even 10 minutes in the fridge can help.
  • Use parchment paper when dipping the balls in chocolate to avoid sticking and messy cleanup.
  • Add toppings like crushed nuts, flaky sea salt, or shredded coconut to the chocolate coating before it sets for a decorative (and delicious) twist.
close up image of healthy no-bake brownie balls in a bowl, one with a bite taken out.
5 from 1 vote

Healthy No-Bake Brownie Balls

These no-bake healthy brownie balls are rich, fudgy, and made with just 6 simple ingredients! They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened with dates. Keep a batch in the fridge for a delicious and healthy treat anytime!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 brownie balls

Equipment

  • 1 food processor or high speed blender
  • 1 small bowl

Ingredients

For the brownie balls:

  • 1 cup medjool dates pitted
  • 1/4 cup almond flour or oat flour
  • 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder or cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup almond butter or any nut/seed butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract optional but recommended

For the chocolate coating:

  • 1 cup chocolate chips I used extra dark chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil

Instructions

  • Add all brownie ball ingredients to a food processor and pulse until a dough form.
  • Use a cookie scoop to scoop the mixture, then roll it between palms into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined plate and transfer to the freezer for a few minutes while you make the chocolate coating.
  • Make the chocolate coating by melting together the chocolate chips and coconut oil in either a microwave or over a double boiler until completely smooth.
  • Remove the brownie balls from the freezer, dip each ball into the chocolate until it’s evenly coated, then place them back on the parchment-lined plate. Transfer the chocolate coated brownie balls to the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened. Either enjoy right away or store in the fridge for later.

Nutrition

Serving: 1brownie ball | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Sugar: 14g
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30 Minutes or Less

The BEST Protein Cookies (one-bowl!)

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overhead image of a protein cookie cut in half.

My single serve protein cookie recipe went viral, and one of the most frequently asked questions was “how can I make a whole batch of these?!” So, here ya have it – a big batch protein cookies recipe, with just 6 simple ingredients! These cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, and easily made vegan (just like the last recipe) but totally indulgent and delicious. Throw this recipe into your weekly meal prep as an easy protein snack or protein-packed dessert!

close up image of a protein cookie with a bite taken out.

Why You’ll Love These Protein Cookies

These cookies are everything you could want in a protein-packed treat – rich, soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened. They’re made with protein powder, creamy peanut butter, and your choice of oat flour or almond flour for a nutritious, allergy-friendly alternative to traditional cookies. Plus, there’s no refined sugar, and they’re so easy to customize – add chocolate chips, skip them, or toss in chopped nuts or dried fruit!

  • Made with just 6 ingredients!
  • Ready in under 20 minutes.
  • Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
  • High in protein and perfect for a healthy snack or dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use almond flour instead of oat flour?
Yes! Almond flour works beautifully in this recipe and gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture. If you’re looking for nut-free, stick with oat flour.

What kind of protein powder did you use?
I used the Be Well By Kelly Vanilla Grass-Fed Beef Protein Powder, which is non-dairy and great for baking. You can use your favorite protein powder – just make sure it’s unsweetened or mildly sweetened for best results.

Can I make these protein cookies sugar-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the maple syrup for a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup or a few drops of liquid stevia. Just note that texture and sweetness may vary slightly depending on your swap.

overhead image of protein cookies on a table.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • For best texture, make sure your peanut butter is smooth and runny – not thick or dry.
  • Don’t over-bake! The cookies firm up as they cool, so remove them once they’re lightly golden at the edges.
  • Add-ins like chia seeds, flaxseed, or chopped nuts can boost nutrition even further.

Storing and Freezing Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. They also freeze beautifully – just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temp or warm slightly before enjoying.

More Protein-Packed Recipes You’ll Love

overhead image of a protein cookie cut in half.
5 from 3 votes

The BEST Protein Cookies (one-bowl!)

Soft, chewy, and loaded with protein, these best ever protein cookies are made with just 6 simple ingredients you likely already have at home! They come together in under 20 minutes, are totally gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with wholesome fuel to satisfy your sweet tooth and power your day!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 8 cookies

Equipment

  • 1 large baking sheet
  • 1 large bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups oat flour or almond flour
  • 1/3 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or your preferred liquid sweetener
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a large bowl and mix until fully combined. Then, fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
  • Scoop 2-tablespoon sized balls of cookie dough onto the cookie sheet, spacing each cookie a few inches apart. Once all cookies are scooped, gently press the top of each cookie to slightly flatten it.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cookies are lightly golden brown around the edges then remove from the oven and let cool before serving or storing.

Notes

Nutrition info includes the chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 13g | Sugar: 10g
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