Description
These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars are a delicious and healthy homemade snack packed with protein and fiber. Made with rolled oats, natural peanut butter, protein powder, and rich cocoa, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and chocolatey flavors without any baking required. Perfect for quick energy boosts, post-workout refueling, or a nutritious treat on the go.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (if melting chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Warm Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, gently warm the peanut butter and honey together until smooth and pourable. Stir in the vanilla extract to combine.
- Mix Together: Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until fully combined into a consistent dough-like mixture.
- Press Into Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture evenly into the pan, compacting it well.
- Prepare Topping (Optional): If using chocolate chips, melt them with coconut oil in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed mixture.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour or until the bars are firm and set.
- Cut and Store: Once chilled, remove from the pan and cut into 12 bars. Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer preservation.
Notes
- Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
- Swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for different flavors.
- Add mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or seeds into the mixture before pressing into the pan for added crunch and nutrition.
