These little bites taste like a mini Snickers, but with a protein boost and a satisfying crunch. Each piece stays under 100 calories, so you can enjoy a sweet treat without going overboard. They’re easy to make, no baking required, and great for meal prep.
The texture hits all the right notes: creamy center, nutty crunch, chewy caramel, and a crisp chocolate shell. Keep a batch in the freezer for when your sweet tooth kicks in.
What Makes This Special
- High-protein snack: A simple way to satisfy cravings while supporting your goals.
- Under 100 calories each: Portion-friendly without feeling tiny or unsatisfying.
- No-bake and quick: Minimal steps, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Crunch factor: Crispy rice cereal adds a fun texture that mimics a candy bar bite.
- Customizable: Easy to swap nuts, protein flavors, or coatings based on what you have.
Shopping List
- Natural peanut butter (or almond butter), creamy
- Vanilla or chocolate whey or plant-based protein powder
- Honey or pure maple syrup
- Unsweetened almond milk (or any milk)
- Crispy rice cereal
- Roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (or almonds/cashews)
- Soft caramels or date caramel (pitted medjool dates + a splash of warm water)
- Dark chocolate chips (60–70%) or no-sugar-added chocolate
- Coconut oil
- Fine sea salt (optional)
- Vanilla extract (optional)
How to Make It
- Mix the base: In a bowl, stir 1/2 cup peanut butter with 1 scoop protein powder, 1–2 tablespoons honey, and a splash of almond milk. You want a thick, dough-like texture that’s not sticky.
Add vanilla if you like.
- Fold in the crunch: Stir in 1 cup crispy rice cereal and 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts. Don’t overmix or you’ll crush the cereal.
- Shape the bites: Line a tray with parchment. Scoop the mixture into 16 small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) and press into compact squares or balls.
Freeze for 15 minutes.
- Add the “caramel”: If using soft caramels, warm slightly and flatten tiny pieces onto each bite. For date caramel, blend 3 pitted medjool dates with 1–2 teaspoons warm water until thick and spreadable, then dab a pea-sized amount on top of each bite. Freeze 10 more minutes.
- Coat in chocolate: Melt 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon coconut oil until smooth.
Dip or spoon chocolate over the bites to coat. Tap off excess.
- Finish and set: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top if desired. Chill until the chocolate sets, about 15–20 minutes in the fridge or 10 in the freezer.
- Portion check: For under 100 calories, aim for 16 bites from the batch and keep the chocolate layer thin.
How to Store
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before eating.
- Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.
Why This is Good for You
- Protein helps keep you full: The protein powder and nuts support satiety and muscle recovery.
- Better fats: Nut butter and peanuts offer heart-friendly monounsaturated fats.
- Portion control built in: Bite-sized treats curb cravings without a sugar crash.
- Fiber boost: Dates (if using) add natural sweetness and a little fiber.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-wetting the base: Add milk a splash at a time. Too much makes it sticky and hard to shape.
- Heavy chocolate coating: A thick shell pushes calories over 100. Keep it thin.
- Crushing the cereal: Fold gently to maintain crunch.
- Skipping the chill time: Warm bites fall apart in the chocolate.
A short freeze keeps them firm.
- Using only super dark chocolate: Anything above 80% can taste harsh here. Aim for 60–70% for balance.
Alternatives
- Nut butter swap: Almond or cashew butter for a milder flavor; sunflower seed butter for nut-free.
- Protein options: Whey mixes creamier; plant protein may need an extra splash of milk.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup, agave, or a zero-cal sweetener plus a bit more milk to balance texture.
- Crunch: Use chopped roasted nuts or high-fiber cereal if you don’t have crispy rice.
- Caramel: Date caramel is the lighter option; soft caramel candies are closer to classic Snickers.
- Chocolate: Sugar-free chocolate chips or milk chocolate if you prefer sweeter (adjust calories).
FAQ
How many calories are in each bite?
When you make 16 bites with a thin chocolate coating, each comes in under 100 calories. Exact numbers depend on your brands and how much chocolate you use.
Can I make these without protein powder?
Yes.
Replace the scoop of protein with 2–3 tablespoons oat flour and adjust sweetness and milk as needed. The bites will be slightly less filling.
Do they taste like real Snickers?
They’re inspired by the flavor and texture: nutty, caramel-like, and chocolatey with crunch. They’re not identical, but they hit the same craving with a lighter profile.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate?
Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each, or use a double boiler.
Add a little coconut oil for a smooth, snappy coat.
Can I make them gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free crispy rice cereal and a dairy-free protein powder and chocolate. Check labels to be sure.
How can I boost the protein even more?
Add an extra half scoop of protein and a tiny bit more milk to keep the texture workable, or sprinkle crushed high-protein cereal into the mix.
Final Thoughts
These Crunchy Protein Snickers Bites are a smart answer to candy cravings—sweet, nutty, and satisfying with less fuss and fewer calories.
They’re easy to customize, easy to store, and perfect for a quick snack or dessert. Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have a better-for-you treat ready all week. Keep it simple, keep it crunchy, and enjoy every bite.