Chewy and delicious Peanut Butter Protein Bars packed with natural ingredients, perfect for a healthy snack or post-workout energy boost. These bars are simple to make, require no baking, and are loaded with protein and healthy fats to keep energy levels steady throughout the day.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make – Just mix, press, and chill. No baking required!
Nutritious & Filling – Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick grab-and-go snack.
Naturally Sweetened – Uses maple syrup or honey instead of refined sugar.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)
Directions
Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper on the sides for easy removal.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Stir until smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat.
Add the rolled oats and protein powder to the saucepan, stirring until well combined. If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in at this stage.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or your hands.
Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until the bars are set and firm.
Once set, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan. Slice into 10-12 bars.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 10 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories per Bar: 220 kcal
Variations
Chocolate Lovers – Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars before refrigerating.
Nut-Free – Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Crunchy – Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.
Extra Protein – Increase protein powder to ¾ cup and slightly reduce oats.
Sweeter Option – Add a few tablespoons of mini chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
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FAQs
How do I make these bars firmer?
If the bars are too soft, try adding an extra tablespoon of protein powder or oats to absorb moisture. Also, ensure they are fully chilled before cutting.
Can I use a different type of protein powder?
Yes, any protein powder works! Just note that flavored varieties will alter the taste.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the oats and protein powder used are certified gluten-free.
Can I make these without coconut oil?
Yes, swap it for melted butter or another neutral oil like avocado oil.
How can I make these bars lower in sugar?
Reduce the maple syrup or honey slightly, or use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit syrup.
Conclusion
These peanut butter protein bars are a perfect homemade snack, offering a delicious balance of protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. Whether for a quick breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a satisfying treat, they are easy to prepare and store. Give them a try and enjoy a nutritious, homemade snack anytime.
📖 Recipe:
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Peanut Butter Protein Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (Including Cooling Time)
- Yield: 10 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy and delicious peanut butter protein bars packed with natural ingredients—perfect for a healthy snack or post-workout energy boost! These no-bake bars are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a satisfying and nutritious option for meal prep or on-the-go snacking.
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 ½ cups rolled oats
½ cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper on the sides for easy removal.
- Melt Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan over low heat, stir together peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add rolled oats and protein powder, stirring until well combined. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Press & Chill: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly and evenly. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.
- Slice & Store: Once set, lift the bars from the pan and cut into 10-12 bars. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
For firmer bars: Add extra protein powder or oats.
To make it nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead.
For extra sweetness: Add mini chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 bars
- Calories: 220 kcal
