Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Protein Bars

Years ago, we used to spend an embarrassing amount of money on protein bars. Like, a lot of money: we got into a daily habit with a certain yummy brand, but then stopped cold turkey once we added up how much money we spent on them (close to $300/month, I kid you not).

We’ve since experimented with a variety of different recipes and have found some serious winners, this recipe being one of them. My hubby has been making these bars for the better half of a year now and they are SO good. Full disclaimer: I’d eat just about anything peanut butter + chocolate (name me a better winning combo). But I promise, these hit the spot and give you a little extra mid-day protein.

Ingredients

Makes 6-7 bars, depending on how you cut them

• 3 rice cakes, crumbled

• 1 scoop protein powder (we like this one, it’s super clean)

• 1/2 cup carob powder

• 2/3 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Directions

• Mix dry ingredients well, then add wet ingredients. Stir well.

• Press the mixture into parchment-lined container or a square cake pan. I recommend one that is no bigger than 8” (we use a takeout container like this one)

• Freeze the mixture for about an hour.

• Take the container out and cut into squares or rectangles. Store in the fridge.