High-Protein Crispy Treats (12g Protein, Vegan)

Learn how to make high-protein crispy treats that are vegan & grain-free (and no protein powders)! Made with 4 ingredients, they have 12g protein each and are oil-free, gluten-free & straightforward to make.

High-Protein Crispy Treats: No Powders & Grain-Free

These treats are everything I love in a recipe: straightforward, wholesome, and minimalist. Think rice crispy treats, but made without rice or any grains at all. Each bar packs 12 grams of plant protein, yet they taste like dessert.

With just 4 ingredients and no baking required, these treats come together in minutes and are reliable for satisfying your sweet tooth or fueling your workouts. Vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free, they’re the ultimate feel-good treat that does double duty as a protein bar!

Why You’ll Love These High-Protein Crispy Treats

• High Protein (12 grams of protein per bar)
• High fiber (4 grams of fiber per bar)
• Grain-free (e.g., no oats, no crispy rice cereal)
• Gluten-free
• Oil-free
• Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
• No protein powder
• No artificial sweeteners or stevia (often found in protein powders)
• No baking required
• Quick and straightforward to make
• No marshmallow

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post.Toggle betweenUS Customary(volume) andMetric(weights) for preferred measurement option.

• TVP– Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP) is a plant-based protein product made from defatted soy flour, a byproduct of soybean oil production. Most people are familiar with TVP when it is rehydrated (soaked in water or broth) and used as a meat substitute. However, I am experimenting with brand new ways to use it. When it is used dry, it is light and crispy, and entirely neutral in flavor. See my TVP buying tips, below.
• Maple syrup– maple syrup adds sweetness to the treats while also helping to bind the ingredients into firm bars (instead of crumbles). I have alternatives for the maple syrup in the recipe notes below, and in the recipe card.
• Peanut butter– I use smooth peanut butter in the recipe. You can use either natural peanut butter or more traditional creamy peanut butter. If you do not use or like peanut butter, swap it out for any smooth nut butter or seed butter you prefer. I have alternatives in the recipe notes below, as well as in the recipe card.
• Chocolate chips— I use semisweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips. They are melted and spread over the top of the bars. You can also use an equal weight of chopped dark or semisweet chocolate. If you prefer plain bars, simply leave off the chocolate.

If the peanut butter you are using is unsalted, I recommend adding a generous pinch of salt to the recipe to enhance the flavors of the bars.

Guidelines for Buying TVP (Texturized Vegetable Protein)

1. Check the ingredient list:The only ingredient should bedefatted soy flour. Avoid products with added flavorings, colorings, preservatives, or oils.
2. Look for non-GMO certification:Choose TVP that is labeledNon-GMOor carries aNon-GMO Project Verifiedseal. This ensures it’s made from soybeans not genetically modified.
3. Opt for organic:Organic certification guarantees the soybeans were grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, adding another layer of quality assurance.
4. Inspect packaging carefully:TVP should be sold in a sealed, airtight bag or container. Avoid damaged or poorly sealed packaging, as TVP absorbs odors and moisture easily.
5. Check freshness:When you open the package, TVP should haveno noticeable smell. A stale, bean-y, or rancid odor is a sign of poor quality or old product.
6. Buy from trusted brands or suppliers:Select reputable companies with clear labeling and quality-control practices. Health food stores and natural food brands often carry purer options.
7. Check the texture and color:High-quality TVP should be light beige with a light, flaky texture (not hard pebbles). Discoloration may signal improper storage or age.
8. Buy in reasonable quantities:TVP is shelf-stable, but for maximum freshness, buy only what you will use within a few months.
9. Store properly after opening:Transfer TVP to an airtight glass jar or freezer bag. Keep in a cool, dark place (or freeze for long-term storage) to prevent odors or moisture from seeping in.
10. Avoid instant-flavored versions:Some TVP products are pre-seasoned for convenience, but they contain additives (such as caramel coloring). Always double-check labeling if you want pure, unflavored TVP.

Step by Step Instructions

Note that the complete instructions are also in the recipe card below.

Step One: Do Not Rehydrate the TVP

A reminder: do not hydrate the TVP, as you would do in most TVP recipes. The TVP is used as a dry ingredient here, much like crisp rice cereal or rolled oats in other no-bake bars.

Step Two: Line Baking Pan

Line a 9-inch (22.5 cm) square baking dish with parchment paper or foil (for straightforward removal of the bars, and straightforward cleanup).

Step Three: Combine Wet Ingredients

Place the peanut butter and maple syrup in a medium mixing bowl (microwave safe). Microwave, in 20 to 30 second intervals, until the mixture is hot (the peanut butter will look melty and the maple syrup will be starting to bubble). Whisk until smooth and well-blended.

Step Four: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the TVP and optional salt to the bowl. Stir until completely combined and all of the TVP is coated.

Step Five: Press Into Pan (Firmly)

Scrape all of the TVP bar mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture in an even layer. Use the spatula to begin pressing and compacting the mixture into the pan.

Now, press more: Use the bottom of a smaller pan, or a flat bottom mug or measuring cups, tovery firmly tamp downthe TVP mixture. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between my tamping “tool” and the TVP mixture to prevent sticking.

Step Six: Add Chocolate Layer

Place the chocolate chips in a small mixing bowl (microwave safe). Microwave, in 10 to 15 second intervals (stir each time) until the chocolate is melted.

Pour the melted chocolate over the bars. Spread in an even layer to cover the bars.

Step Seven: Chill Bars

Chill the bars in the refrigerator (at least 90 minutes) or freezer (at least 30 minutes) until the bars are well chilled and the chocolate is set.

Step Eight: Cut Into Bars

Use the parchment paper liner to transfer the chilled bars to a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars.

Storage for the High-Protein Crispy Bars

Store the No Bake protein crispy treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one week, or the freezer for up to six months. The bars are satisfying straight from the freezer.

Taste & Texture

The TVP does not have flavor, so you are left with a maple syrup-sweetened, peanut butter + chocolate confection. The bars have a crisp-chewy texture akin to peanut butter rice crispy treats (orSpecial K chewies, if you have ever had those).

The bars are very filling!

Stovetop Instructions

If you do not have, or do not wish to use, a microwave to make the bars, you can make the recipe on the stovetop (using a medium saucepan) instead.

• Peanut Butter Mixture:Place the peanut butter and maple syrup in a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat. Cook and stir until hot and the beginning to bubble. Remove from heat and proceed with the remaining instructions.
• Chocolate:Melt the chocolate in a double boiler (or a glass bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water). Stir until the chocolate is melted.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Peanut butter alternatives:Use an equal amount of any smooth nut butter or seed butter you prefer. For example, almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, pumpkin seed butter, or tahini.
• Maple syrup alternatives:Use an equal amount of agave nectar or brown rice syrup in place of the maple syrup. If you do not follow a vegan diet, you can also use an equal amount of honey.
• Use less chocolate:Reduce the amount of sugar and calories (while still getting a good dose of chocolate) by using only 3 to 4 tablespoons of chocolate chips. Melt the chocolate as directed and drizzle over the bars.

Recipe Variations

• Dried Fruit:Add up to 1/4 cup of chopped dried fruit, such as raisins, dried apricots, dried cherries, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, or dried figs to the TVP mixture.
• Nuts or Seeds:Add 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds, such as walnuts, pecans, peanuts, almonds, pepitas, or sunflower seeds to the TVP mixture, or sprinkle on top of the chocolate layer before chilling.
• Other Chocolates:Use an equal amount of dairy-free white chocolate chips in place of the dark chocolate chips.