Crispy Salted Caramel Protein Bars

Fuel your day with my Crispy Salted Caramel Protein Bars, a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and satisfying crunch packed with protein power! Not to mention 13 grams of protein per bar!

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Why You’ll Love This High Protein Recipe

  • Delicious Flavor Combination: The perfect harmony of sweet caramel and a hint of salt creates an irresistible taste that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.
  • Crunchy and Chewy Texture: The crispy base and gooey caramel layer offer a delightful contrast in textures that keeps every bite interesting.
  • Protein-Packed: With a high protein content, these bars are a guilt-free snack option for staying energized and fueled throughout the day.
  • Homemade Goodness: Made with love and wholesome ingredients, they taste fresher and healthier than store-bought alternatives.
  • Versatile Snack: Perfect for breakfast on the go, a pre- or post-workout treat, or a midday pick-me-up.

Key Ingredients

  • Rice Crispies: Provide the light and airy crunch that forms the base texture of the bars, giving them their satisfying crispiness.
  • Crunchy Peanut Butter: Adds a nutty, rich flavor and contributes to the crunchy texture while acting as a natural binder for the ingredients.
  • Maple Syrup: Sweetens the bars naturally with a hint of caramel-like flavor, complementing the salted caramel theme.
  • Coconut Oil: Adds a subtle richness, helps bind the ingredients, and ensures a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Also allows the chocolate chips to make a more runny and liquid texture when melted.
  • Salted Caramel Arbonne Protein Powder: Packs the bars with protein while amplifying the indulgent salted caramel flavor. Its adds 75 grams of protein to the recipe.
  • Chocolate Chips: Introduce bursts of sweetness and decadence, creating a rich contrast to the protein and crunch.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm and aromatic undertone that ties all the ingredients together.

Step by Step

Melt wet ingredients
Mix dry ingredients
Melted wet ingredients
Mix the wet and dry ingredients
Mix
Form on a sheet pan or dish
Melt choc. chips and coconut oil
Melted
Pour chocolate over bars
Freeze and chop
All done! ENJOY!

Tips and Tricks

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your rice crispy’s are fresh for maximum crunch, and check that your peanut butter is well-stirred to avoid excess oil or dryness.
  • Warm the Peanut Butter and Syrup: Gently heat the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil together to create a smooth, easily mixable consistency before adding the other ingredients.
  • Mix Quickly but Gently: When combining the rice crispies with the wet ingredients, work quickly to coat everything evenly but avoid crushing the crispies.
  • Pack the Mixture Firmly: Press the mixture firmly into the pan using a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure the bars hold their shape and don’t crumble.
  • Chill Before Adding Chocolate: Refrigerate or freeze the bars for 20–30 minutes before spreading the melted chocolate on top, so the base is firm and the chocolate sets quickly.
  • Melt Chocolate Properly: Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, to melt the chocolate smoothly without burning. Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil for extra shine and easier spreading.
  • Spread Evenly: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate into a thin, even layer.
  • Add Toppings Before Chocolate Sets: Sprinkle sea salt, chopped nuts, or additional rice crispies on the chocolate layer while it’s still melted for added texture and visual appeal.
  • Chill Again for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate the bars with the chocolate layer for at least an hour before cutting to get sharp, clean edges. Use a warm knife for best results.
  • Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their crunch and freshness. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Crispy Salted Caramel Protein Bars
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Crispy Salted Caramel Protein Bars

Recipe by Health With AlexCourse: Protein DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

14

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

100

kcal

Fuel your day with my Crispy Salted Caramel Protein Bars, a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and satisfying crunch packed with protein power! Not to mention 13 grams of protein per bar!

Ingredients

Directions

  • Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  • Melt Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and 1/2 cup coconut oil. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
  • Mix the dry Ingredients: Combine the rice crispy’s and protein powder.
  • Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Once the wet ingredients are melted together. Gently fold with a spatula until all the rice crispy’s are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
  • Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared sheet pan or glass dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to firmly press the mixture into an even layer. Place the bars in the freezer or refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  • Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. (Alternatively, melt using a double boiler.)
  • Spread Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the rice crispy base. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly.
  • Sprinkle Salt: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt evenly over the top.
  • Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the bars are firm and the chocolate has set. You can also place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes.
  • Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Substitution-Friendly: If you don’t have Arbonne Salted Caramel Protein Powder, you can use another brand with a similar flavor, or swap for vanilla protein powder for a milder taste.
  • Add Texture: For extra crunch, mix in 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) or seeds (like chia or flax) into the rice crispy mixture.
  • Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness by using honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup if preferred. Keep in mind these may slightly alter the flavor.
  • Make it Vegan: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure your protein powder is plant-based to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Chill Time Matters: Don’t rush the chilling step! The bars need to fully firm up in the fridge or freezer to hold their shape and make cutting easier.
  • Cutting Tip: For clean slices, warm your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then cut through the bars. Repeat as needed for each slice.
  • Storage Tip: Store the bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’re best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or slightly softened at room temperature.
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