Protein-Packed Peanut Butter Snack Bars

These SIMPLE Peanut Butter Protein Bars are nutritious, tasty, and can be whipped up with just a handful of ingredients—no baking necessary! They’re ready in less than 10 minutes!

There’s nothing more delightful than the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, and these peanut butter protein bars serve as a fantastic healthy snack that’s prepared in under 10 minutes! I enjoy keeping these bars in the fridge (or freezer) to grab when I’m hungry or need a treat after a workout. They are so much tastier than commercial bars, which often have that unpleasant chalky texture and flavor. These are packed with flavor and are far healthier!

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Loaded with 9 grams of protein per bar, making them the ideal healthy snack for your weekly meal prep!
• Quickly prepared in just 10 minutes without the need for baking.
• Minimal ingredients yield delicious protein bars that taste far superior (and are healthier) than their store-bought counterparts.
• This recipe can also be utilized to create peanut butter protein balls or protein cookie dough!

Essential Ingredients

• almond flour – a nutrient-rich flour full of protein that helps these bars maintain their shape. Oat flour can be used as a substitute if you’re allergic to nuts.
• peanut butter – I opted for natural creamy peanut butter with no added sugars, but any nut butter works well, or even sunflower butter for nut allergy concerns.
• protein powder – feel free to use your preferred plant-based or whey protein powder. Flavors like vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, or cinnamon can also be included.
• honey – naturally sweetens these bars without refined sugars and helps bind the ingredients together, though maple syrup or other natural sweeteners can be used as alternatives.
• milk – I used unsweetened almond milk, but any type of milk can be used in this recipe.
• vanilla extract – adds a delightful flavor enhancement!
• chocolate chips – I used Lily’s chocolate chips, which are gluten-free and sweetened with stevia for low sugar content. Lily’s dark chocolate chips or your favorite chips can also be utilized.

Steps to Create Peanut Butter Protein Bars

1. Combine ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, protein powder, peanut butter, honey, milk, and vanilla with a spatula until fully combined. Gently incorporate the chocolate chips.
2. Pour into pan. Transfer the mixture into an 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper, pressing down firmly with a spatula. Add extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
3. Refrigerate. Place the dish in the refrigerator and let the bars chill for 30 minutes to an hour before slicing. Alternatively, you can place the pan in the freezer for about 25 minutes until firm.
4. Slice into bars. Cut into 16 squares (or larger bars, if preferred) and store in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy. These bars can last up to 2 weeks.

Recipe Adaptations

• Transform into balls – easily convert these homemade protein bars into delightful peanut butter protein balls! Follow the recipe as directed and roll the peanut butter mix into 2-inch balls. Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge to maintain their shape.
• Enjoy as cookie dough – this peanut butter protein blend closely resembles cookie dough, so why not enjoy it that way?? Simply mix all ingredients together and keep in the fridge, enjoying a scoop whenever you want a sweet treat.
• Nuts-free – swap the almond flour for oat flour and replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to create nut-free bars!
• Vegan – make these bars vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup and opting for dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Mix-ins – consider adding extras like chopped nuts, chia seeds, or flaxseed meal for added fiber, or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decadent touch!

Storage and Preparation Tips

To Store: These bars need refrigeration to maintain their structure. Keep them in a sealed, airtight container for up to 2 weeks or grab them from the freezer and savor once thawed for a few moments.

To Freeze: These peanut butter protein bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just allow them to thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before consumption.

More Bars You Might Enjoy

Enjoy these Peanut Butter Protein Bars, and if you love them as much as we do, please leave ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below and make sure to tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! I love seeing your tasty recreations!