This Rice Krispies Protein Balls recipe comes together in about 15 minutes, no baking required! It’s a quick and easy snack that’s perfect for kids after school or even for a busy weeknight treat. Your family will love the crunchy, chewy texture combined with a hint of sweetness that hits the spot! Feel free to switch up the ingredients to suit your taste, or use whatever you have on hand, this recipe is super versatile!
Ingredient Breakdown
When it comes to making these Rice Krispies Protein Balls, you won’t need much, and the ingredients are easy to find. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
Rice Krispies Cereal
2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Rice Krispies are the star of the show, aren’t they? Their light and crispy texture give these protein balls that signature crunch. You can use any kind of puffed rice cereal if that’s what you have on hand, like a generic brand, or even Frosted Rice Krispies if you want a sweet twist!
Protein Powder
1 cup protein powder
Any type of protein powder works great here, whey, plant-based, whatever you prefer. The protein powder gives a nutritional boost and keeps you feeling full longer. If you want to switch things up, you could even use a flavored protein powder for a fun twist!
Nut Butter
1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or your choice)
I love peanut butter for its rich flavor, but feel free to use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you’re nut-free. Just make sure your nut butter is nice and creamy, so it blends in beautifully with the other ingredients!
Sweetener
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
You can adjust the sweetness to your taste, but this little bit of liquid gold adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. Honey has a lovely flavor, but maple syrup can give it a nice caramel-y twist if you’re in the mood!
Chocolate Chips (Optional)
1/4 cup chocolate chips
Now, this part is purely optional. I mean, if you’re a chocolate lover like me, you’re going to want to toss these in! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can work wonders here for a sweet addition.
Chopped Nuts or Seeds (Optional)
1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds
For added texture (and some extra crunch!), I love to throw in a few chopped nuts or seeds, walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds would work well! This is also a great way to clean out your pantry of any leftover nuts.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Alright, let’s dive into making these Rice Krispies Protein Balls! It’s as easy as 1-2-3!
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of Rice Krispies cereal and 1 cup of protein powder. Stir gently, just to get them cozy with each other!
Step 2: In another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of nut butter and 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. You can microwave this mixture for about 20-30 seconds to make it easier to stir. You want it nice and smooth! As you combine the wet and dry ingredients, it should start to look like a big, sticky dough. Yum, smell that sweetness already?
Step 3: Add in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips (if you’re using them) and 1/4 cup of chopped nuts or seeds. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. This part is fun because you get to feel the clumps of goodness forming!
Step 4: Now, here comes the tricky and probably the messiest part, grab a handful of that dough and roll it into balls, about one inch wide. If the mixture is too sticky, dampen your hands with a little water, and that should help. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Once you’ve rolled all the mixture, pop them into the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to set. Seriously, you’ll be amazed at how easy this was!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Rice Krispies Protein Balls recipe is my go-to recipe when I need a quick snack or a healthy treat for the kiddos! I mean, who doesn’t love a sweet, chewy bite packed with flavor and protein? Plus, I’m a real sucker for things that are customizable, this recipe is perfect because you can use whatever you’ve got hanging around in your pantry. Think of it like a clean-out-the-fridge recipe, but it’s so good you might want to make it on its own!
And the best part is, these protein balls are not just for the kids. I sneak a few for myself too! They’re fantastic after workouts or simply as an afternoon pick-me-up.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites, my Pioneer Woman Protein Balls, or my Gingerbread Protein Balls! Honestly, they’re all family favorites!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes! Seriously, with no baking involved, this makes for a perfect weekend project or a quick after-school snack.
Customizable
Want to add dried fruit? Go for it! Prefer not to use chocolate chips? No problem! You can literally use whatever ingredients you have on hand, making this a fun and flexible recipe to fit your tastes.
Make-Ahead Friendly
These protein balls can last in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage! Talk about convenience! It’s perfect for meal prep sessions.
Kid-Friendly
This is a great recipe to get the kids involved in the kitchen! They can help measure, mix, and roll out the balls. Plus, they get to eat the delicious results!
Budget-Friendly
With affordable, everyday ingredients, this recipe doesn’t break the bank either. You likely have most of these ingredients at home already, so why not whip up a batch?
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Recipe
These Rice Krispies Protein Balls make for a great snack on the go or after a workout. Just grab and go! Consider keeping them in a container in the fridge or a lunchbox, perfect for car rides, school lunches, or your busy day.
Storage
Once formed, they can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to a week. If you choose to freeze them, just stack them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer bag to keep them from sticking together.
Reheating Instructions
No reheating is necessary. They’re meant to be enjoyed cold, or at room temperature, really. But if you ever want them a tad softer, let them sit out for a few minutes before munching!
Freezer Friendly
Yes, these are freezer friendly! Just follow the storage tips above and enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
And that’s it! You now have a delicious, nutritious snack that your entire family will love! I can pretty much guarantee that just one bite won’t be enough, you’ll be reaching for another! Perfect for busy days or cozy evenings in. Give it a try, and I hope you love it as much as I do! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Rice Krispies Protein Balls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Rice Krispies cereal and protein powder. Stir gently.
- In another bowl, mix together nut butter and honey or maple syrup, microwaving for 20-30 seconds if needed for easy stirring.
- Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
- Mix in chocolate chips and chopped nuts or seeds until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls, about one inch wide. Dampen your hands if the mixture is too sticky.
- Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to set.