Protein Bars Recipe
These homemade protein bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that combines creamy peanut butter, protein powder, and natural sweeteners. They are easy to prepare, customizable with various flavors, and can be optionally coated with rich melted chocolate for an indulgent finish. Perfect for a quick energy boost post-workout or a healthy on-the-go treat.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake, mixing, chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup peanut butter (or allergy-friendly substitute)
- 3/4 cup protein powder (about 90g, unsweetened preferred)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional Coating
- 4 oz melted chocolate chips
- 2 tsp oil (optional, to smooth the melted chocolate)
- Prepare the mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup, and salt. Stir thoroughly until a dough-like consistency forms. Make sure to mix well so all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the bars: You can either use your hands to shape the mixture into individual bars or press the mixture evenly into a lined 8×8-inch pan to create a slab. If using the pan, smoothing the top will make for even-cut bars later.
- Apply the chocolate coating (optional): If you choose to add chocolate, melt the chocolate chips gently. For a smoother sauce, stir in 2 teaspoons of oil into the melted chocolate, although this is optional. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the bar mixture in the pan.
- Chill the bars: Place the shaped bars or the pan in the refrigerator and chill until firm, about 1 to 2 hours. This allows the bars to set properly for easier handling or cutting.
- Cut and store: Once chilled, if using the pan method, cut the slab into bars of your desired size. If not coated in chocolate, you can also dip individual bars into the melted chocolate and then chill again until the coating sets.
Notes
- Use unsweetened protein powder for the best flavor balance, but feel free to experiment with different protein powder flavors.
- If allergic to peanuts, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another allergy-friendly nut or seed butter.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or a keto-friendly sweetener depending on dietary needs.
- Adding oil to the melted chocolate helps create a smooth and shiny finish but is optional.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (about 45g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: protein bars, homemade protein bars, no-bake protein bars, healthy snack, peanut butter protein bars, workout snack