It has been a crazy past few months, meaning I’ve been relying on more store-bought snacks than usual. While they certainly have their place, I’ve missed my healthy homemade snacks (that’s you, No Bake Energy Balls). One of the shiny wrapper foods I’m prone to relying on the most is protein bars. However, today that changes because I’m taking back my breakfasts and snacks with these no bake peanut butter protein bars (and perhaps a batch of my favorite No Bake Granola Bars too). While store-bought protein bars are fine, nothing tastes quite as wonderful as making your own wholesome homemade protein bars (or Oatmeal Breakfast Bars).
I love knowing exactly what is in these peanut butter protein bars. Just like these Protein Balls, the ingredients for these peanut butter protein bars are simple and nourishing.Also, SO YUMMY. The texture of these homemade protein bars is soft and chewy (check out Peanut Butter Protein Cookies for another melt-in-your-mouth protein treat).PLUS, did I mention that the cost-per-bar is a fraction of the ones at the store?!
As an even-better bonus, these no-bake peanut butter protein bars can be stored at room temperature (like a baked protein bar recipe). This makes them travel-friendly and easy to keep at your desk or tucked in your gym bag for a post-workout snack.
How to Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Making peanut butter protein bars couldn’t be easier. Once you have your ingredients gathered, simply melt, stir, press, and chill. Voilà! Homemade protein bars ready and on demand for all your snacking needs.
The Ingredients
Peanut Butter. Healthy fats, protein, and the all-out delicious factor. You can use any kind you like, be it shelf-stable or drippy peanut butter. (For another healthy peanut butter snack, try these Peanut Butter Banana Cookies.) For a peanut-free version, swap almond butter, cashew butter, or sun butter.
Oatmeal. Rolled oats are hearty, rich in fiber, and give the peanut butter protein bars their structure. Using certified gluten-free oats makes these bars safe for those with a gluten allergy.
Honey. For its natural sweetness and “glue” factor.
Flaxseed Meal. Omega-3s, please.Protein Powder. Pump ’em up! To make these protein bars with protein powder, stir in 1/2 cup (about 2 generous scoops) of your favorite brand of protein powder. (For a protein-packed snack without powder, try this Chia Seed Pudding.)
Coconut Oil. To help the bars bind and solidify.Chocolate Chips. No ho-hum bars here. These peanut butter protein bars are loaded with the good stuff. Mini chocolate chips are easy to mix in; for a stronger chocolate factor, use dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Store the bars at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also store them in the fridge, though I find they taste best at room temperature.To Freeze. Place bars in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Mixing Bowl. This space-saving set of glass mixing bowls is my favorite.Square Pan. A square baking pan with sharp corners and sides is ideal for making perfect homemade protein bars.Parchment Paper. Essential for lining the pan for easy bar removal and slicing.
Ready for a pantry upgrade? Or, see these Vegan Protein Bars which are sweetened with dates.
Homemade Protein Bars with Raisins. Add a handful of raisins (or other dried fruit) to the mixture.Peanut Butter Protein Bars with Chia Seeds. Swap all or a portion of the flaxseed meal for an equal amount of chia seeds.Crunchy Homemade Protein Bars. For added crunch, stir in a handful of crisp rice cereal.Homemade Protein Bars with Nuts. Throw in a handful of your favorite chopped nuts for some additional healthy fats. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts would all be lovely additions.Double Vanilla Protein Bars. Add 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, use vanilla protein powder, and swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips.Salted Chocolate Protein Bars. Use chocolate protein powder. Drizzle the finished bars with melted chocolate, then sprinkle with flaky salt, such as Maldon or fleur de sel.
Sugar Cookie Overnight Protein Oatmeal
8 hrs
Blueberry Smoothie
3 mins
Overnight Steel Cut Oats
10 hrs Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe. Give these peanut butter protein bars a try! You’ll smile every time you open the door and find them waiting for you.
Trail Mix Granola Bars
2 hrs 15 mins
Healthy No Bake Cookies
1 hr
Fig and Date Energy Balls
15 mins
