No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars with Dark Chocolate Recipe
Introduction
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars are a quick and delicious way to fuel your day with minimal effort. Made with just five simple ingredients, they are perfect for a healthy snack or pre-workout boost.
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 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 and press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom.
- Step 3: Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Step 5: Chill the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until the chocolate is set and the bars are firm.
- Step 6: Slice into 12-16 bars and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, add chopped nuts or seeds to the peanut butter mixture.
- Use flavored protein powder like chocolate or vanilla depending on your preference.
- If you prefer sweeter bars, increase the honey or maple syrup slightly.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer before chilling for a sweet-salty contrast.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw as needed. Reheat slightly at room temperature for a softer texture before eating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used and will add extra texture to the bars.
Can I substitute the protein powder with something else?
You can omit the protein powder, but it will change the texture and reduce the protein content. Alternatively, try using powdered oats or ground nuts to maintain a firm texture.
PrintNo-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars with Dark Chocolate Recipe
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars are a quick and easy snack made with just five simple ingredients. Packed with creamy peanut butter, protein powder, oats, and topped with melted dark chocolate, they offer a deliciously satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for a post-workout snack or an energy boost throughout the day, these bars require no baking and can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
- 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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base 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
Topping
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- Optional: Sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Make the Peanut Butter Base: In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, protein powder, honey (or maple syrup), and oats. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture will be thick, but it should hold together easily.
- Press into the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the dish, making sure it’s evenly spread out.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring after each until smooth. Then pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Chill: Place the dish in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate to set and the bars to firm up.
- Slice & Serve: Once the chocolate is completely set, slice the bars into 12-16 pieces. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup to make these bars vegan.
- Use your preferred flavor of protein powder for different taste variations.
- For added crunch, consider stirring in chopped nuts or seeds into the base mixture before pressing it into the pan.
- Optional sea salt sprinkled on top of the chocolate adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Store bars in the refrigerator to maintain firmness and freshness.
Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter, protein bars, healthy snack, easy recipe, high protein, energy bars
