These chocolate peanut butter protein bars are a no bake snack that taste like a peanut butter cup. Made with only 6 ingredients, these protein bars are easy to make and made with clean ingredients for a healthy, protein filled snack.
Want more peanut butter recipes?
- Flourless Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Copycat Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- One Bowl Baked Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Healthy Homemade Butterfingers
Reasons to love Peanut Butter Protein Bars:
- No added refined sugar, no preservatives, no additives, no sugar alcohols
- All ingredients you can pronounce
- Uses pantry staples- no weird ingredients here
- Loaded with protein from peanut butter and protein powder
- Tastes just like a peanut butter cup
- Perfect afternoon snack, dessert, or post-workout treat
- Can be made entirely gluten free and vegan
- Homemade protein bars save money!
Ingredients in Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars:
Peanut Butter- I like to use a thicker peanut butter rather than a super drippy one. My favorite peanut butters to use are ones that are just peanuts and salt.
Protein Powder- use your favorite protein powder. Since this is one of the main ingredients, use one that isn’t chalky or has a weird taste. You can use plant protein powder or whey protein.
Maple Syrup- I haven’t tested it, but you can most likely sub maple syrup for honey or agave nectar.
Flaxseed Meal- I love the added benefits of adding flaxseed meal to these bars. The more nutrients and powerhouses, the better!
Vanilla- added to the peanut butter layer for additional flavor.
Chocolate Chips- use your favorite chocolate chips. You could even use your favorite chocolate bar.
Flaky Sea Salt- optional, but recommended for topping.
How to make No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars:
Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla until smooth. Add in the protein powder and flaxseed meal and mix until combined. The dough will be thick.
Press into the lined 8×8 pan, creating an even layer.
Transfer to the fridge to chill while you make the chocolate layer.
Melt the chocolate and peanut butter together by your preferred method.
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and smooth into an even layer. It is easiest to do this with an offset spatula, but you can use a rubber spatula as well. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Transfer back to the fridge to set for about 30-45 minutes.
Slice into 16 squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. You can also store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. If frozen, let thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Variations:
Peanut Free- use sunflower butter or almond butter.
Sugar Free- use sugar free maple syrup, protein powder and chocolate chips.
Tips and Tricks for the best Peanut Butter Protein Bars:
- Do not pack the protein powder- just spoon into a measuring cup. If you add too much, the bars will be dry.
- Use your favorite protein powder- you can use your favorite flavor here (as long as it goes with peanut butter). Since protein powder is a main ingredient, if your protein powder has a weird taste or is chalky, the bars will reflect that.
- Protein Powders + Greens- I love to use a protein powder that has added greens so I can get even more of a healthy, balanced bar. Knowing that I’m eating a protein bar thats packed with greens, but tastes like a peanut butter cup- yes please!
- Do not use powdered peanut butter- Do not substitute powdered peanut butter in this recipe! Powdered peanut butter will not have the same consistency as regular peanut butter and will not hold up in these bars.
How to store Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars:
Place in an airtight container in the fridge to keep for 1-2 weeks.
Place in an airtight container in the freezer to keep for up to 3 months. I like to place a sheet or parchment paper in-between the rows so they do not stick to each other.
Craving other delicious recipes? Take a look!
- No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
- Oreo Cheesecake Dip
- Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles
- Hot Cocoa Dip
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No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
These chocolate peanut butter protein bars are a no bake snack that taste like a peanut butter cup. Made with only 6 ingredients, these protein bars are easy to make and made with clean ingredients for a healthy, protein filled snack.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup protein powder or collagen peptides, plant based or whey
- 2 Tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 3/4 cups chocolate chips, dairy free if needed
- 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla until smooth. Add in the protein powder and flaxseed meal and mix until combined. The dough will be thick.
- Press into the lined 8x8 pan, creating an even layer.
- Transfer to the fridge to chill while you make the chocolate layer.
- Melt the chocolate and peanut butter together by your preferred method.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and smooth into an even layer. It is easiest to do this with an offset spatula, but you can use a rubber spatula as well. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Transfer back to the fridge to set for about 30-45 minutes.
- Slice into 16 squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. You can also store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. If frozen, let thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
- Enjoy!
