Deliciously fudgy and packed with energy, these Chocolate Workout Bars are the perfect snack to fuel your day. Whether you’re gearing up for a workout or recovering after one, these bars are quick to make, nutrient-dense, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how versatile and simple these bars are to make. With just a few wholesome ingredients, I can whip up a batch in no time. They’re customizable to fit different diets and preferences, and they store well, so I always have a healthy snack ready. Plus, they taste like dessert, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
1/4 cup honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup oat flour
1/4 cup protein powder (optional)
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp milk of choice, as needed
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey, and cocoa powder until smooth.
Add the oat flour, protein powder (if using), and salt. Mix until a thick dough forms.
If the mixture feels too dry, I add milk gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is pliable but not sticky.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips if I want some extra sweetness and texture.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or my hands.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to set.
Slice into bars and store as needed.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories per bar: 180 kcal
Variations
Nut-Free: Swap the nut butter with sunflower seed butter.
Vegan: Use maple syrup or agave syrup and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Gluten-Free: Ensure the oat flour is certified gluten-free.
High Protein: Add the optional protein powder and use a milk with added protein.
Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts or seeds for additional texture.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to a week.
Freezer: Freeze the bars for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before eating.
Related Recipes:
- Lemon Custard Cake – A Deliciously Zesty Treat
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups
- Halloween Oreo Cake Bars
FAQs
Can I skip the protein powder?
Yes, the protein powder is optional. If I skip it, the bars will still hold together beautifully and taste delicious.
What can I use instead of oat flour?
I like using almond flour as a substitute. It gives the bars a slightly nutty flavor and keeps them gluten-free.
How can I make these less sweet?
Reduce the amount of honey or syrup, or skip the chocolate chips. The cocoa powder will still provide a rich chocolatey flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan instead and adjust the chilling time slightly.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes, they are great for kids, especially as a healthier snack option. I might skip the protein powder for younger children.
Conclusion
These chocolate workout bars are a delightful way to stay energized and indulge in a sweet treat. Easy to make and customizable, they’re perfect for anyone with a busy lifestyle. I love keeping them on hand for when I need a quick pick-me-up.
📖 Recipe:
PrintChocolate Workout Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 8 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously fudgy chocolate workout bars packed with wholesome ingredients to fuel your day. These no-bake energy bars are perfect pre- or post-workout snacks, customizable for various diets, and taste like dessert while being nutritious.
Ingredients
1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
1/4 cup honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup oat flour
1/4 cup protein powder (optional)
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp milk of choice, as needed
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, honey, and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Stir in oat flour, protein powder (if using), and salt. Mix into a thick dough.
- Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, if the dough is dry.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Press the mixture evenly into the pan and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Slice into bars and store as needed.
Notes
For nut-free bars, substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter.
Ensure oat flour is certified gluten-free for a gluten-free option.
Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 bars
- Calories: 180 kcal