1-Step 1: Make the pistachio butter Add the 10 oz lightly salted roasted pistachios to a food processor. Blend for 3 to 4 minutes until the nuts become smooth and creamy. At first, the pistachios will look dry and crumbly, then they will begin to clump together before turning into butter. If your machine is struggling, stop and scrape down the sides once or twice. A high-powered blender can also work, but a food processor is usually the easiest tool for this job.

2-Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients In a large bowl, combine 1 cup old fashioned oats, 1 cup crispy rice cereal, and 2 servings vanilla protein powder. Stir them together so the powder is evenly spread throughout the mix. This helps the final texture stay balanced, so you do not end up with pockets of dry powder in one bite and too much sweetness in another.

3-Step 3: Add the wet ingredients Pour in 0.5 cup honey or agave nectar, 1 cup pistachio butter, and 2 teaspoons almond extract. Stir everything together until it looks evenly mixed. A sturdy spoon or spatula works well here. If the mixture feels stiff, gently warm the honey and pistachio butter first so they blend more easily.

4-Step 4: Adjust the texture Now check the mixture with your hands or spoon. It should be sticky enough to roll, but not so wet that it slides apart. If it seems too dry, add more honey or agave a little at a time. If it seems too sweet, reduce the almond extract slightly and add a pinch of salt. If you want extra crunch, mix in a little more crispy rice cereal.

5-Step 5: Shape into balls Scoop the mixture into 1-tablespoon sized portions and roll them between your palms. A small cookie scoop can help keep the sizes even, which is nice if you want the full batch to look uniform. You should get about 30 servings from this recipe, depending on how generous your scoops are.

6-Step 6: Add the optional coating For extra texture and a pretty finish, roll the balls in chopped pistachios. This step is optional, but it gives the outside a fun crunch and makes the snack look more polished. You could also roll them in more crushed cereal or finely chopped nuts if you like variety.

7-Step 7: Chill and serve Set the finished balls on a plate or tray and chill them briefly if you want a firmer texture. They can be eaten right away, but a short chill helps them hold together even better. That makes them a smart option for lunch boxes, snack jars, and make-ahead meal prep.