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Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups (No Bake Snack)

Updated: Nov 3, 2025 · Published: Oct 14, 2025 by Lindsay Lehrer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Easy Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups for Kids and Adults

These Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups are one of my go-to snacks for busy afternoons. They’re quick, no-bake, and perfect for both adults and kids who need a protein boost. My teens love grabbing one after school, and I love knowing they’re getting a bit of extra protein without me having to make something complicated. If you haven't tried Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups yet, you're in for a treat! Each cup has about 4-5 grams of protein, thanks to vanilla protein powder and creamy peanut butter.

Bowl filled with protein peanut butter rice cake cups topped with dark chocolate and sea salt flakes.

Why These No-Bake Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups Are Perfect for Moms and Kids

As a busy mom in my mid-40s, I know the importance of snacking smart with high protein treats. These protein cups are a lifesaver for keeping up my energy during hectic afternoons, while also giving my kids something that tastes indulgent but still fuels them. Using crushed caramel-flavored rice cakes gives these cups a fun twist on a classic treat, and topping them with chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt makes them feel like a little dessert — without the guilt.

This recipe is perfect for after sports, after school, or quick breakfast snacks. Plus, they’re easy to make in minutes, store well in the fridge, and can be adapted to suit your favorite chocolate or flavor combo.

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site — my Dark Chocolate Protein Raspberry Clusters — and pairs perfectly with a refreshing smoothie or a simple after-school salad.

Jump to:
  • Easy Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups for Kids and Adults
  • Why These No-Bake Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups Are Perfect for Moms and Kids
  • Ingredients for No-Bake Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups
  • Step-by-Step Instructions – Making High-Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups
  • Substitutions – Swap Ingredients in Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups
  • Variations – Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cup Flavor Ideas
  • Equipment Needed – Tools for Making Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups
  • How to Store Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups
  • Top Tip
  • Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups FAQs
  • Related
  • Pairing

Ingredients for No-Bake Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups

Protein peanut butter rice cake cup in hand after bite was taken out of it.

Here’s what you’ll need for these easy high-protein no-bake peanut butter cups:

  • Peanut butter
  • vanilla protein powder
  • Crushed caramel rice cakes
  • Chocolate of your choice (dark, milk, or white)
  • Coconut oil
  • Sea salt flakes

See recipe card for quantities.

Step-by-Step Instructions – Making High-Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups

Bowl of peanut butter, protein powder, and crushed rice cakes being mixed together for protein cups.
  1. Step 1: Prep peanut butter for no-bake protein rice cake cups. Microwave slightly to make it easier to work with.
Mixture of peanut butter and crushed rice cakes pressed into silicone cupcake molds.
  1. Step 2: Mix protein powder, peanut butter, and crushed rice cakes for the base.
Spoon pouring melted dark chocolate over peanut butter rice cake base.
  1. Step 3: Fill silicone cupcake molds with peanut butter rice cake mixture.
Protein peanut butter rice cake cups topped with sea salt flakes before freezing.
  1. Step 4: Top with melted chocolate and freeze to set.

Hint: If your chocolate thickens while melting, add a tiny splash of coconut oil and stir to smooth it back out.

Substitutions – Swap Ingredients in Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups

  • Chocolate: Dark, milk, or white chocolate can be used.
  • Protein Powder: Any vanilla or unflavored protein powder works.
  • Rice Cakes: Other flavored or plain rice cakes can substitute for the caramel variety.

Variations – Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cup Flavor Ideas

  • Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use plant-based chocolate and peanut butter.
  • Flavor Mix: Try almond butter instead of peanut butter or use a white chocolate topping.
  • Extra Protein: Sprinkle chopped nuts or seeds on top before the chocolate hardens.

Equipment Needed – Tools for Making Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Microwave or stovetop for melting chocolate
  • Silicone cupcake molds
  • Freezer-safe airtight container

How to Store Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups

Store these protein cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They’re best kept cold to prevent melting, but let them sit a few minutes before eating for easier bites.

Top Tip

Use silicone cupcake molds for easy removal — they make lifting the protein cups out simple and mess-free.

Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups FAQs

How much protein is in each cup?

About 4-5 grams per cup, depending on your peanut butter brand.

Can I make these cups vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based chocolate and peanut butter, and a vegan protein powder.

Can I use other nut butters?

Absolutely! Almond, cashew, or sunflower butter all work.

Can I freeze these cups?

Yes — freeze to firm up the chocolate, then store in the fridge.

Can I use plain rice cakes instead of caramel?

Yes, but the caramel flavor gives a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Are these cups safe for kids?

Yes! They’re a kid-friendly, protein-packed snack perfect for after school or sports.

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

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    Authentic Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad with Homemade Croutons
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    One Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stew
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    Easy Baked Pineapple Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze
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    Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

Bowl filled with protein peanut butter rice cake cups topped with dark chocolate and sea salt flakes.
Print Pin

Protein Peanut Butter Rice Cake Cups (No-Bake Snack)

Quick, no-bake peanut butter protein cups with crushed caramel rice cakes and chocolate topping — perfect for kids, teens, and adults.
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword healthy high protein snack, no bake protein snack, no-bake protein dessert, peanut butter chocolate cups, peanut butter protein dessert, protein peanut butter rice cake cups, protein rice cake cups
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Freeze Time 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 30 minutes minutes
Servings 12
Calories 120kcal
Cost $6

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls 
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Microwave or stovetop for chocolate
  • Silicone cupcake molds
  • airtight container

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 2 ½ scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 3-4 large rice cakes or 8-12 small rice cakes crushed into small pieces (I use caramel for extra flavor)
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • sea salt flakes

Instructions

  • Microwave peanut butter 10–15 seconds.
  • Crush rice cakes and mix with peanut butter and protein powder.
  • Spoon into silicone cupcake molds and flatten.
  • Melt chocolate with coconut oil, pour on top, sprinkle with sea salt, freeze until set. (About 20 minutes)
  • Remove and store in fridge.

Notes

  • Each cup contains roughly 4-5 grams of protein.
  • Freezer or fridge-friendly: ideal for meal prep and quick snacks.
  • The caramel rice cakes add a subtle sweetness without extra sugar.

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    Easy White and Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bark
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Finding Purpose Through Food and Family

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When I'm not spending my evenings driving my kids to all their activities, you can find me snuggling with our rescue pup, Wonder, meal planning, or creating new recipes.

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