Looking for a homemade protein bars recipe that actually tastes good? These delicious peanut butter protein bars are just 6 ingredients and taste like a peanut butter cup! Low in sugar and a great healthy snack.
Do you love the convenience of protein bars, but not all the extra refined sugar or ingredients that leave you feeling bloated? This homemade protein bars recipe is the perfect solution to enjoying a great protein-rich snack, without the mystery ingredients.
These peanut butter protein bars are just 6 ingredients and can be made in minutes. The chocolate peanut butter combination tastes amazing and have over 14 grams of protein per serving!
What do I need to make homemade protein bars?
- Good quality peanut butter – look for minimal ingredients (just peanuts and salt is ideal) and without refined sugar or added oils. I like Smuckers Natural Peanut Butter.
- Maple Syrup, honey or Lakanto Maple Flavored Syrup (if you want your protein bars to be sugar-free)
- Vanilla Protein Powder – I like and enjoy Orgain Organic Vanilla Protein Powder, as it has no refined sugar.
- Vanilla extract
- No Sugar Added Dark Chocolate Chips – I love using Lily’s Dark Chocolate Chips in this recipe.
- Unflavored Coconut Oil – Carrington Farms makes a great unflavored coconut oil that is great for cooking and baking.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the recipe. Thanks!
How do I make homemade protein bars?
The process of making your own protein bars is quite simple. You’ll also benefit by choosing better quality ingredients that what you would find in processed, store bought protein bars.
Here are the easy steps to making your own protein bars:
- Start by mixing together the peanut butter protein mixture. In a mixing bowl, add the peanut butter, maple syrup, protein powder and vanilla. This mixture will be very thick, so use a rubber scraper or wooden spoon to ensure everything is mixed together well.
- Press the peanut butter mixture into a 8 x 8″ square pan lined with parchment paper. Using parchment paper is helpful in that it is much easier to remove the bars from the pan.
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave on 30-40 second increments to melt the chocolate. You’ll likely only need 60-75 seconds. Stir well for the chocolate chips to melt smoothly.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the peanut butter protein mixture.
- Place in the freezer for 1 hour or until the chocolate is completely set. Once the chocolate is firmly set, cut into 12 bars and enjoy right away.
Other Mix-In Options and Ingredient Combinations for homemade protein bars:
- Crispy rice cereal – adding 1 cup of crispy rice cereal will add a great crunch to your peanut butter layer.
- Coconut or chopped nuts – adding a sprinkle of coconut or chopped almonds, walnuts, peanuts or pecans to the top of the chocolate will add some great texture and crunch to your bars.
- Good quality flake salt – adding a sprinkle of a good quality flake salt to the top of the chocolate while still wet will add a great flavor to your protein bars.
Love chocolate and peanut butter? Check out some of our other chocolate and peanut butter snacks and treats:
- Almond Flour Protein Balls
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- Monster Cookie Recipe
- Chocolate Protein Pudding
- Chocolate Covered Banana Bites
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Monster Cookie Bars
- Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse
Frequently asked questions about protein bars:
Most store-bought protein bars are just as unhealthy as a candy bar. They are typically loaded with refined sugar, unhealthy oils and ingredients that cause bloating and digestion distress.
They can be. Choosing a snack that has extra protein is a good way to increase your daily consumption of protein. Protein bars can help with this.
Overall, protein is satiating and filling. Having a snack that keeps you fuller, longer will prevent you from snacking later in the day is helpful. If weight loss is your overall goal, keep in mind that a calorie deficit will be an important factor.
It is beneficial to consume protein bars either before or after a workout to boost performance or recover from your workout. However, protein bars can also be a good, satiating snack any time of day.
If you are consuming protein bars every day, make sure the ingredients are good quality and they don’t contain excessive amounts of refined sugar or unhealthy oils. Homemade protein bars are a great option, as you get to control the ingredients.
If you loved this healthy homemade snack recipe, check out some of these other similar posts:
Inspired to make other healthier choices? Check out these other recipes and topics:
- 30 Best Healthy Target Snacks
- 5 Key Components to Goal Setting for Health at Randa Nutrition
- Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread
- Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- 10 Best Health and Wellness Journals
- Chocolate Avocado Smoothie
- Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
- How I Gave Up Sugar and Survived
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Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Equipment
- 8 x 8 Pan This non-stick 8 x 8" pan is perfect for homemade bars and brownies!
- Glass Mixing Bowls These bowls are a fantastic kitchen tool AND microwave safe!
- Rubber Scrapers These Cuisinart rubber scrapers are super handy & incredibly useful!
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup honey or no sugar added maple flavored syrup (like Lakanto)
- 3/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate topping:
- 1 c. no sugar added chocolate chips like Lily’s
- 1 Tbsp. unflavored coconut oil
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, syrup, protein powder and vanilla. Stir well to ensure ingredients are completely combined. Mixture will be thick.
- Evenly press the peanut butter mixture into a square 8 x 8" pan that has been lined with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil on 30-40 second increments until melted and smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate over the top of the peanut butter mixture. Spread evenly over the top. Place the pan in the freezer for 1 hour or until the chocolate is completely set and hardened.
- Cut into 12 squares and enjoy.
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