Description

These Peanut Butter Protein Bars are a delicious and nutritious homemade snack perfect for a quick energy boost. Combining creamy peanut butter, wholesome oats, and protein powder, they offer a balanced mix of protein and healthy fats. With optional additions like dark chocolate chips and nuts, these bars are easy to customize and ideal for on-the-go fueling or post-workout recovery.

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)
¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave extra paper on the sides to easily lift the bars out once set.
Melt Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and coconut oil. Stir consistently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat once well blended.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats and protein powder to the melted peanut butter mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated. If using, fold in the dark chocolate chips and/or chopped nuts or seeds at this stage.
Press & Chill: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly with a spatula or your hands to compact the mixture. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the bars to firm up completely.
Slice & Store: Once set, use the parchment paper edges to lift the block out of the pan. Cut into 10 to 12 bars of your preferred size. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.

Notes

You can substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for different flavors.
For a sweeter bar, increase the maple syrup or honey slightly, but keep in mind this will affect the texture.
Protein powder flavors work best as vanilla or unflavored to complement the peanut butter taste.
Chilling time is crucial for the bars to set correctly; do not skip refrigeration.
These bars can be wrapped individually for convenient grab-and-go snacks.