No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars Recipe
Introduction
These no-bake peanut butter protein bars are a perfect, quick snack for busy days. Packed with protein and natural sweetness, they offer a delicious and satisfying boost without any oven time.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups creamy no-stir peanut butter
- ¾ cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- Optional: Sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, protein powder, honey (or maple syrup), and rolled oats until well combined. The mixture will be thick but should hold together easily.
- Step 2: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish.
- Step 3: Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second increments, stirring after each until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Step 4: Chill the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the chocolate set and the bars firm up.
- Step 5: Once set, slice into 12-16 bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.
Tips & Variations
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, or substitute almond butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling to enhance the chocolate and peanut flavors.
- Swap rolled oats for gluten-free oats if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra crunch and sweetness.
Storage
Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them frozen and thaw briefly before eating. They maintain their texture best when kept chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be used, but note the flavor and texture may change slightly.
What kind of protein powder works best?
Vanilla or chocolate protein powder both work well. Choose your favorite type—whey, plant-based, or collagen protein—to suit your dietary preferences.
PrintNo-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars Recipe
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars are a delicious and convenient snack packed with creamy peanut butter, protein powder, oats, and a rich layer of dark chocolate. Perfect for a quick energy boost, post-workout snack, or on-the-go treat, they require no baking and can be ready in just over an hour with simple mixing and chilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base
- 1 ½ cups creamy no-stir peanut butter
- ¾ cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup rolled oats
Topping
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- Optional: Sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Make the Peanut Butter Base: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the creamy no-stir peanut butter, protein powder, honey or maple syrup, and rolled oats until the mixture is thick and holds together easily.
- Press into the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Evenly press the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Chill: Put the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate topping to set and the bars to firm up properly.
- Slice & Serve: Once the chocolate is completely set, remove the bars from the dish using the parchment paper and slice into 12-16 pieces. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for extended storage.
Notes
- Use no-stir peanut butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Choose vanilla or chocolate protein powder based on your flavor preference.
- Optional sea salt sprinkled on top enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- For firmer bars, chill longer in the fridge or keep stored in the freezer.
- These bars can be customized by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit if desired.
Keywords: No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars, protein bars, no-cook snacks, healthy snacks, peanut butter bars, easy protein bars, homemade protein bars
