Peanut Butter Protein Bars
These homemade chocolate peanut butter protein bars are great for any occasion! They feature a thick peanut butter oat layer and a smooth chocolate coating. These bars are great for on-the-go snacking, putting in school lunches, and having them on hand. Each bar is filled with 12 grams of protein!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These peanut butter protein bars are quick and easy to make.
- They take only 30 minutes in total.
- This recipe requires only 6 ingredients.
- The chocolate peanut butter flavor is delicious!
- Great for kids and adults.
- These bars are great for any time of the day.
- This recipe is gluten free, and can be made dairy free and plant based.
- Check out these Protein Overnight Oats for another high protein recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutions
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for these chocolate peanut butter protein bars. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and instructions.
First, use all natural creamy peanut butter made from only peanuts and salt. Do not use brands with added oils or sugar. If desired, replace with creamy cashew butter or almond butter. For nut free, use sunflower butter.
Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness. Replace with honey if needed.
Coconut oil goes into both layers. Use unrefined coconut oil for a subtle flavor. Otherwise, refined coconut oil is flavorless.
I recommend using a protein powder that you enjoy the flavor of. Both vanilla and unflavored work well.
Use rolled oats for the best texture.
For the coating, use any type of chocolate chips and coconut oil. I prefer dark chocolate but milk chocolate and semisweet work well too.
Lastly, top with flaky sea salt if desired.
Taste & Texture
These homemade peanut butter protein bars taste like chocolate and peanut butter! The flavor of oats is also detectable.
The bottom layer is soft and slightly chewy. In addition, the topping is so smooth and creamy!
How to Make
Step 1
First, line a standard bread loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, protein powder, and rolled oats. Stir until a thick mixture forms.
Step 3
Press this mixture down into the lined pan.
Step 4
Then, make the chocolate. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth and creamy. Pour on top of the peanut butter layer. If desired, sprinkle with sea salt.
Step 5
Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has hardened.
Step 6
Finally, slice and enjoy!
Expert Tips & Tricks
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best peanut butter protein bars.
For the best texture, use all natural creamy peanut butter made with only peanuts and salt.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Vanilla or unflavored protein powder works best.
Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil until fully smooth.
Allow the coating to completely harden before eating.
How to Serve & Store
These peanut butter protein bars are best kept in the fridge.
They are great by themselves or as part of a larger breakfast or lunch.
For a high protein meal, serve with eggs and bacon.
These peanut butter rice kripsie treats are another fun snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are many health benefits to these bars! They are much less processed than store bought protein bars. They are high in protein and contain no refined sugar.
It depends on the brand. Many retail snack brands are filled with preservatives and sugar.
Sure! Cashew butter, almond butter, and sunflower butter work well.
Use protein powder with a pleasant flavor or flavorless. Do not use a harsh tasting protein powder.
Equipment Needed
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: These are my favorite bowls.
Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups: Measure out the ingredients with these cups.
Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
You May Also Like
- Protein Mug Cake
- Protein Brownies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
- Protein Banana Bread
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake
If you make this peanut butter protein bar recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind the scenes look. I would love for you to follow along!
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Ingredients
Protein Bars
- ½ cup all natural creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, or honey
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 ¼ cups gluten free rolled oats
Chocolate Coating
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- sea salt, optional
Instructions
- First, line a standard bread loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, protein powder, and rolled oats. Stir until a thick mixture forms.
- Press this mixture down into the lined pan.
- Then, make the chocolate. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth and creamy. Pour on top of the peanut butter layer. If desired, sprinkle with sea salt.
- Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has hardened.
- Finally, slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use all natural creamy peanut butter made from only peanuts and salt.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars out of the pan.
- Feel free to use your favorite protein powder. I recommend one that you enjoy the taste of.
- Vanilla and unflavored protein powder work best for this recipe.
- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil until completely creamy.
- Allow the coating to harden before eating.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
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2 Comments on “Peanut Butter Protein Bars”
I made these today and they are delicious! So easy to make. I will be making these on a regular basis now instead of buying the store bought protein bars. Thank you!!!
Hi Cami! I am so glad to hear that. I prefer them to store bought bars too. Thank you for commenting!