Description

These Peanut Butter Protein Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack perfect for a quick energy boost. Made with creamy peanut butter, rolled oats, protein powder, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, these bars are easy to prepare and customizable with optional chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. They require no baking and are set by chilling, making them a convenient, no-cook protein-packed treat for any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
2 tbsp coconut oil

Dry Ingredients

1 ½ cups rolled oats
½ cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)

Optional Add-ins

¼ cup dark chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some extra paper on the sides to help lift the bars out easily once set.
Melt Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and coconut oil. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Remove from heat promptly to avoid burning.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats and protein powder to the warm wet mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. If using, fold in the dark chocolate chips and/or chopped nuts or seeds at this stage for extra flavor and crunch.
Press & Chill: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture down firmly and evenly to create a compact layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 1-2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.
Slice & Store: Once the mixture has hardened, lift the set slab out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 10-12 bars of your preferred size. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage, up to 3 months.

Notes

You can substitute peanut butter with any other nut or seed butter if desired.
Maple syrup and honey are interchangeable based on dietary preferences.
Use protein powder that suits your dietary needs (whey, plant-based, etc.).
Adding chocolate chips or nuts is optional but adds texture and flavor.
If bars are too crumbly, try adding a tablespoon of water or extra coconut oil to help bind.
Keep bars refrigerated to maintain firmness.