First lightly grease and 8x8 baking pan with coconut oil or butter and then line the pan both directions with parchment paper.

Next, fill a small saucepan with 2-3 inches of water. Then, place a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over the saucepan. Add butter, maple syrup, and almond butter to the bowl. Turn the small burner to medium and place the small saucepan with heatproof bowl on top. Ensure the water stays at a low constant simmer. Stir with a rubber spatula until all the ingredients are incorporated. Remove the pan from the stove and set the bowl aside.

In addition, add the oats, puffed rice cereal, chocolate protein powder, sea salt, vanilla, and chocolate chips to the same heatproof bowl. Mix with the rubber spatula until all the ingredients are incorporated evenly.

Lastly, pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Use your hands to spread evenly while pushing the ingredients down to compact the mixture.

Allow the bars to cool in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes or in the freezer for 15 minutes. Cut the bars into 12 equal portions with a sharp knife. Serve, and enjoy!