Homemade Protein Bars
These homemade protein bars are a family and fan favorite! They’re full of big peanut butter and chocolate flavor, using your favorite protein powder and a few extra ingredients. It’s a plant-based treat you can feel good about!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 large or 16 small 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Snack
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (see Notes)
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, plus 1/2 teaspoon (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup plain protein powder (or vanilla; see Notes)
- 1/3 cup (2 ounces) dark chocolate chips (or double; see Notes)
- Sea salt, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, almond flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and protein powder in a bowl. It should come together into a playdough-like texture.
- Line a 9″ x 5″ pan (see Notes) with parchment paper. Place in the filling ingredients and press into an even layer (you can roll a small glass over the top if desired).
- Place the chocolate in a liquid measuring cup with the 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil and heat in 10 second bursts in the microwave until melted. Pour over the peanut butter layer and spread until fully covered (it helps to drizzle all over first and spread, vs pour into the middle). If desired, sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes until the chocolate is set. After 30 minutes, immediately into 8 squares or 16 smaller rectangles (avoid storing uncut or the bars become difficult to cut). Bars store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Most recipe testers preferred a plain protein powder in this recipe, but vanilla also works.
We like maple syrup labeled “Grade A: Dark Color and Robust Taste” — we find it has the best flavor.
The recipe as written uses a thin layer of chocolate for a healthy snack. For a chocolate PB dessert variation, use 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips. When you use more chocolate, you can also make it in an 8 x 8 pan for a more even chocolate to peanut butter ratio.
We have not tested this recipe with other nut butters, but it should work with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower butter.
Find it online: https://www.acouplecooks.com/homemade-protein-bars/
