These yummy high-protein, no-bake cereal clusters are made with cottage cheese and protein cereal for a chocolaty, peanut buttery, crunchy treat!

These high-protein chocolate peanut butter cereal clusters are one of the easiest (and tastiest!) no-bake snacks you can make. They take less than 15 minutes from start to finish and are full of crunchy, creamy, chocolaty goodness. Just freeze and enjoy—no oven or stovetop required. Each cluster is super satisfying, low in carbs, and sugar-free.

We use Catalina Crunch chocolate peanut butter cereal for a yummy sweet crunch, then blend cottage cheese, peanut butter, sugar-free chocolate chips, and sweetener to create a high-protein binder. Simply pulse the base in a food processor, stir in the cereal, scoop onto a sheet pan, and freeze.

The texture stays best in the freezer. We found that storing them in the fridge can make them a bit soft and slightly messy to handle, but they still hold together well. We recommend keeping them frozen (though the fridge works too) and grabbing one whenever you need a quick, high-protein treat.

Key Ingredients

Catalina Crunch Protein Cereal (Chocolate Peanut Butter): One of our favorite protein cereals with 11 grams of protein per serving. We use the chocolate peanut butter flavor because it pairs well with the chocolate and peanut butter in the base. However, you could use another protein cereal of choice.

Low-fat cottage cheese: Works as a high-protein, creamy binder for the clusters. We use a low-fat cottage cheese (2% milkfat) to keep the protein percentage high. That said, you could also use a full-fat cottage cheese since it only slightly reduces the protein percentage. Whatever you have on hand.

Lily's sugar-free, semi-sweet baking chips: We use Lily's sugar-free semi-sweet chocolate baking chips, but you could also consider Lily's sugar-free dark chocolate or milk chocolate baking chips.

No-Added Sugar Peanut Butter: We use Santa Cruz Organic Light Roasted Creamy Peanut Butter since it has no added sugar. However, you could use another sugar-free peanut butter of choice. If not at room temperature, be sure to soften the peanut butter in the microwave before combining with the rest of the ingredients.

Sugar-free sweetener: We add a little sweetness to the cottage cheese base, but you can always add more to taste. We use Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener, but you can use another sugar-free option like allulose or erythritol.

Step-by-Step Video

How to Prepare

Blend the base: In a food processor, pulse the cottage cheese, peanut butter, and sweetener until smooth. Use a spatula to scrape the mixture into a large mixing bowl.

Melt the chocolate chips: In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the sugar-free chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Blend the melted chocolate into the cottage cheese mixture.

Stir in the cereal: Gently fold the cereal into the mixture until fully combined.

Form clusters and freeze: Line a small sheet pan with parchment paper. Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, scoop the mixture into 8 large clusters. Freeze for 30 to 60 minutes, or until set. Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

How to Store

For the best texture, store the clusters in the freezer. Once fully frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 weeks. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

You can also store them in the fridge if preferred, but keep in mind they may become a bit soft and slightly melty to the touch. Still delicious, just a little messier to eat by hand.

More High Protein Treats

If you try this recipe, we would love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag @lowcarbsimplified on your photo of this recipe on Instagram or Facebook. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

Recipe