Start with the basics: Lay out all your ingredients so they're easily accessible. This will make the process seamless.
Chocolatey fusion: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, dark chocolate chips, and honey/maple syrup. Microwave this in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and combined.
Add the vanilla: Once the peanut butter and chocolate mixture is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract.
Coat those squares: Pour the melted mixture over the whole grain cereal squares in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold everything together, ensuring the cereal squares are well-coated.
Power up with protein: In a separate large Ziploc bag or container with a lid, combine the vanilla protein powder, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar.
Shake it up: Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag or container, seal it, and shake well until each piece is covered with the protein powder mixture.
Cooling time: Let the Protein Puppy Chow sit for about 10-15 minutes to cool and set.