Peanut Butter Energy Bars Rich in Protein

These SIMPLE Peanut Butter Protein Bars are nutritious, tasty, and crafted using just a handful of straightforward ingredients without any baking! They can be assembled in less than 10 minutes!

There’s nothing that compares to the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, and these peanut butter protein bars are the ultimate healthy snack that can be prepared in under 10 minutes! I enjoy storing these bars in the refrigerator (or freezer) and simply taking one when I crave a snack or need a post-exercise boost. They are far superior to store-bought varieties that often have an unpleasant chalky consistency and flavor. These are scrumptious and significantly healthier for you!

Reasons to Adore this Recipe

• Contains 9 grams of protein per bar for a perfect nutritious snack that you can prepare ahead of time each week!
• Quickly prepared in just 10 minutes with no baking required.
• Made with minimal ingredients for tasty protein bars that surpass the flavor (and health benefits) of store-bought options.
• This recipe is versatile—you can also create peanut butter protein balls or protein cookie dough!

Ingredients Required

• almond flour – a nutrient-rich flour loaded with protein that helps the bars maintain their form. Oat flour can be substituted if nut allergies are a concern.
• peanut butter – I used creamy natural peanut butter with no added sugars, but any nut butter or sunflower seed butter (for nut allergies) would work.
• protein powder – utilize your preferred plant-based or whey protein powder. Vanilla or flavors like chocolate, peanut butter, or cinnamon can also be used.
• honey – naturally sweetens the bars without refined sugar and contributes to their cohesiveness; maple syrup or another natural sweetener can also substitute.
• milk – unsweetened almond milk was used, but any type of milk can work in this recipe.
• vanilla extract – adds a delightful flavor boost!
• chocolate chips – I opted for Lily’s chocolate chips, which are gluten-free and sweetened with stevia for lower sugar content. You can choose Lily’s dark chocolate chips or any chips you prefer.

Steps to Create Peanut Butter Protein Bars

1. Combine ingredients. In a large bowl, blend the almond flour, protein powder, peanut butter, honey, milk, and vanilla using a spatula until well mixed. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
2. Pour into pan. Transfer the mixture into an 8×8 baking dish lined with parchment paper and press it down firmly with a spatula. Optionally, add extra chocolate chips on top.
3. Refrigerate. Place the dish in the fridge and allow the bars to chill for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting. Alternatively, you can freeze the pan for around 25 minutes until set.
4. Slice into bars. Cut into 16 squares (or bigger bars, if preferred) and store them in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator until needed. These bars can last for up to 2 weeks.

Variations for the Recipe

• Form into balls – these protein bars can easily be turned into delectable peanut butter protein balls! Follow the recipe and roll the mixture into 2-inch balls. Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge to maintain their shape.
• Have as cookie dough – this peanut butter protein mixture is reminiscent of cookie dough, so why not enjoy it that way too? Just mix all ingredients and refrigerate to enjoy a scoop or two as a sweet indulgence.
• Nut-free option – replace almond flour with oat flour and peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version!
• Vegan alternative – to make these bars vegan, simply substitute honey with maple syrup and choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Additional mix-ins – incorporate extras like chopped nuts, chia seeds, flaxseed meal for added fiber, or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a rich dessert!

Storage and Preparation Tips

For Storage: These bars must be stored in the refrigerator to help maintain their firmness. Keep them in a sealed, airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or take them directly from the freezer and enjoy after thawing for a few minutes.

For Freezing: These peanut butter protein bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before consuming.

More Bars You Will Adore

Enjoy these Peanut Butter Protein Bars, and if you find them as delightful as we do, please leave ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ feedback below! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! I love seeing all your wonderful recreations!