Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Store bought protein bars can be expensive. Even the cheaper brands that tend to have more added sugar and other unnecessary ingredients are still a few dollars per bar. Not to mention the bars with more natural ingredients.This homemade protein bar recipe does not have any nasty preservatives or artificial sweeteners and are packed with healthy fats. Many protein bars on the market aren't fit for everyone's dietary needs (gluten free, vegan, nut-free etc), but when making your own, you can make sure that they are!Also when you make your own, it comes out so much cheaper than buying from the store. Whip up a batch in under 5 minutes, and you might never want to spend money on another packaged protein bar ever again.This protein bar recipe tastes better than store bought bars and is packed with clean and nutritious ingredients. It tastes like cookie dough and is perfect for all chocolate and peanut butter lovers!These bars have a chewy texture and are made with just a few simple ingredients that you can find at almost any grocery store.They are one of my go-to recipes to make so I can have a quick snack to grab on a busy day. In my opinion, They are a great post-workout snack or the perfect snack to curb your sweet tooth.This recipe doesn't require any baking, you don't even need to blend anything. You simply mix all of the ingredients in a bowl, then top (or coat) the bars with the melted chocolate, refrigerate or freeze until chilled and you have your chocolate peanut butter protein bars ready to snack on!They are great for an on-the-go snack, with 10 grams of protein and under 2 grams net carbs per bar.Feel free to use your favorite protein powder, and the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if you want to make up a big batch for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
- 1/2 cup protein powder of choice
- 1/2 cup almond or coconut flour
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- You can make these bars in silicon bar moulds or you can use a dish or pan.Line an 8 x 8” baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.In a medium sized bowl, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, almond flour, honey, coconut oil and vanilla. Next, fold in the chocolate chips.Transfer the dough to the prepared dish or pan spread out evenly using a spatula or back of a spoon.For your chocolate topping, you can either simply spread your melted chocolate on top of the bars in one layer or cut the bars and coat each one separately.
Chocolate Topping
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.To add to the top of the bars only – simply pour the melted chocolate over the bars in the pan and place in fridge or freezer to set for 2-3 hours.Remove and cut into 10-12 bars or more squares if preferred.To coat each bar:Remove pan from fridge and after checking the bars are firm and set, remove from pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 10-12 bars or pop out of molds.Skewer each bar or use 2 forks to hold each bar or a fork underneath, dip into the melted chocolate, then place on a rack to dry. Dip twice for extra coating.Put the bars into the freezer for 2-3 hours.Once chocolate is set and crisp, enjoy your homemade protein bars.Store in fridge for up to a week or freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
