Coconut & Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars Recipe
These Coconut & Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack perfect for on-the-go energy. Made with natural peanut butter, coconut oil, honey, vanilla protein powder, oats, chia seeds, and a touch of chocolate and shredded coconut, these bars combine wholesome ingredients for a satisfying treat. They are easy to make with no baking involved, ideal for a quick healthy snack or post-workout fuel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/3 cup honey (use coconut palm syrup if vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- Optional: 1/3 cup dried tart cherries (or dried fruit of choice)
Topping
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Fancy sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Heat the peanut butter, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Remove from heat and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla protein powder until the mixture is smooth. Then fold in the oats, chia seeds, unsweetened shredded coconut, and dried cherries if using, ensuring an even distribution.
- Form the Bars: Line an 8×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and press the mixture firmly into the pan to create an even layer.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, stirring until completely smooth. Drizzle this melted chocolate evenly over the top of the pressed bars. Sprinkle with fancy sea salt to enhance flavor.
- Chill and Set: Place the loaf pan in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow the bars to set properly. Once firm, remove from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 10 bars or squares.
- Storage: Store the bars tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, keeping them fresh and ready to enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with coconut palm syrup for a vegan version.
- If you prefer, swap dried tart cherries for any dried fruit you like.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan for bars that hold together well.
- For a nut-free version, consider using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Ensure to use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oil for a healthier option.
Keywords: protein bars, peanut butter protein bars, no-bake snacks, healthy snacks, coconut, chocolate, homemade protein bars
