Maple Almond Butter Protein Bars with Crispy Chocolate — no-bake, freezer-ready bars

# What this recipe delivers These are no-bake maple-cinnamon almond butter protein bars built on a pressed nut-butter-and-whey base with a crunchy chocolate-topped layer. The loaf-pan slab freezes to set, then you cut it into 10 bars. The recipe was published by Lee Funke on Fit Foodie Finds on Sep 28, 2026.

# Why you might make them They're quick to prepare (about 15 minutes active prep), portable when kept frozen, and combine a soft, nutty interior with crispy cereal and chocolate on top. The recipe is designed for portion control and make-ahead storage.

# Ingredients at a glance

• 1 cup drippy almond butter
• 1/2 cup vanilla whey protein powder (Teras Whey was used)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon and a pinch sea salt
• 1 tbsp coconut oil plus 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for the topping
• 1/2 cup Rice Krispies and a pinch flaky sea salt for finish

# Step-by-step (condensed)

1. 1Mix almond butter, vanilla whey, maple syrup, cinnamon, and sea salt until combined.
2. 2Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined loaf pan and freeze briefly while you melt chocolate.
3. 3Melt coconut oil and chocolate chips in 20-second microwave intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
4. 4Scatter Rice Krispies over the frozen base, drizzle and gently spread the melted chocolate so the cereal is mostly coated, then freeze until set (at least 30 minutes).
5. 5Top with flaky sea salt and cut into 10 bars. Store airtight in the freezer.

• When melting chocolate in the microwave, melt in short intervals (20 seconds), stirring each time to avoid scorching. Spread the chocolate gently so you don't pull up the base's surface.
• Freeze the assembled slab for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts and set texture.

# Storage and make-ahead Keep bars in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer. They are intended to be stored frozen and are make-ahead friendly.

# Nutrition (approximate, per bar) The site provides calculated macros: 266 calories, 19 g fat, 17 g carbs, 10 g protein, 3 g fiber, 10 g sugar. Nutrition is an approximation.

# Variations and related recipes

• The author notes this base is similar to her no-bake protein bites (available in Thin Mint and S'mores), and suggests a peanut-butter variation (homemade peanut butter protein bars) for a different nut profile.
• For a crunchier rice-cereal dessert, see the author's protein scotcheroos. Other recipe links on the same site include protein Snickers–style bars and other no-bake protein snacks.

# Quick FAQs

• Do these need to be baked? No. The bars are set in the freezer and the chocolate is melted in the microwave.
• Can I swap the protein powder? The recipe author tested it with vanilla whey (Teras Whey) and cautions that plant-based or other powders may change how firmly the base holds together.

# Where this recipe appears Published on Fit Foodie Finds by Lee Funke, Sep 28, 2026. The post includes full ingredient amounts, detailed instructions, tips, and approximate nutrition.