Cocoa Pebbles Treats
These Cocoa Pebbles Treats have only 104 calories per bar! The rich blend of chocolate pairs perfectly with melted marshmallows and butter.
I love snacking on Rice Krispies. They taste amazing and they’re a good source of simple carbs before training. The best part is these Cocoa Pebbles treats are only 105 calories each!
All you need is a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes. And there’s no need to use the oven for this recipe, which means you can whip up this snack very quickly.
You can really make these bars with any kind of cereal (I’ve even used Fruity Pebbles). The instructions are generally the same – so get creative and try out different combinations!
Ingredients
Marshmallows: The foundation of this protein Cocoa Pebbles treats recipe starts with marshmallows. Make sure to buy mini marshmallows, because they will be easier to measure and melting them down takes less time.
Cocoa Pebbles: This rice-based cereal has an addictive chocolate flavor – which makes it a delicious choice when combined with marshmallows. You can save money when buying an off-brand variety at your local grocery store.
Unflavored Whey: The problem with Cocoa Pebbles is that they don’t have much protein. That’s why I added unflavored whey to this recipe. It mixes right in with melted marshmallows and trust me when I say – you won’t even be able to taste it.
Butter & Vanilla Extract: There’s nothing special about these two ingredients. A small amount of butter will give these Cocoa Pebbles treats richness and structure. Vanilla extract on the other hand will enhance the flavor of other ingredients.
Instructions
Start off by melting the butter in a pot on low heat. Make sure the pot is large enough, because it needs to hold the marshmallows and Cocoa Pebbles cereal together.
Once the butter has melted, add marshmallows and begin to stir. Even on low heat, the marshmallows will begin to melt quickly and you will need to stir them every so often.
Remove the pan from heat when the marshmallows have melted (the mixture should be smooth, with no lumps). Then, add in the vanilla extract and unflavored whey protein powder
At this point it’s crucial to work quickly, because the mixture will begin to get tougher to stir. That’s because marshmallows will start to harden when removed from the heat.
Finally, add the Cocoa Pebbles cereal and stir until everything is combined. You can then transfer the mixture to a 9×9 pan – just make sure to spray it first with non-stick cooking oil.
Use a spatula to remove any remaining marshmallows from the sides of the pan. Try using the back of a spoon, or your hands to press the mixture into the baking dish.
This process can be difficult, because the mixture will be very sticky to deal with. You can also try spraying a piece of parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray and place it over the mixture to spread it out.
Storage Tips
Once you’ve cut up your Cocoa Pebbles treats, store them in an airtight container. Place a sheet of wax paper in between each layer to keep them from sticking together.
You can store them the container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Placing them in the fridge will keep them fresh for 1 week. Keep in mind, they will harden in the fridge and need to be microwaved for 10-15 seconds prior to eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Cocoa Pebbles and Cocoa Krispies the same thing?
No, Cocoa Pebbles and Cocoa Krispies are not the same. The main difference is that Cocoa Krispies are NOT gluten-free, because they contain malt flavor that comes from barley.
- Are Cocoa Pebbles Treats Gluten-Free?
Yes, Cocoa Pebbles are certified gluten-free, along with all of the other ingredients in this recipe. In other words, this food is safe to eat if you have a gluten sensitivity, or Celiac disease.
- Do I Have to add Protein Powder?
No, you can make Cocoa Pebbles treats without using protein powder. I wanted to make a ‘healthier’ version of this breakfast bar, by adding protein and using less marshmallows and butter.
Cocoa Pebbles Treats
Equipment
- 1 9×9 baking dish
- 1 large pot
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 6 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 cups Cocoa Pebbles cereal
- 2 scoops unflavored whey protein
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over low heat.
- Once butter is melted, add marshmallows and stir. Remove from heat when the marshmallows are smooth and all lumps are gone.
- Combine protein powder and mix with a spatula. Make sure to work quickly, because the marshmallows will begin to harden.
- Finally, add Cocoa Pebbles and mix until everything is combined.
- Transfer mixture into a 9×9 pan sprayed with cooking oil. Use a spatula and scrape any remaining mixture out from the bowl.
- Use the back of a spoon, or your hands to press the mixture into the pan. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes, before cutting up the bars.