Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

How To Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars

For the full ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

First, add protein powder, peanut butter, maple syrup, almond flour, vanilla extract, and salt to a bowl. Mix together until dough forms.

Second, line a square baking dish with parchment paper. This is an important step! It will prevent the dough from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Third, add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between, until the chocolate is completely melted. Pour the melted chocolate over the dough. Spread in an even layer across the dish.

Finally, chill the bars in the freezer for 5 minutes or until the chocolate sets. Gently slice 8-12 bars, depending on your preferred size. Enjoy!

Hum Nutritions Core Strength Vanilla Protein Powder

Like I mentioned before, the key to the best taste and texture of these bars is using HUM Nutritions Core Strength vanilla protein powder. Ive been obsessed with this protein powder ever since it launched. And that says a lot since Im so picky when it comes to protein powders. This one checks all the boxes for taste, texture and ingredients. I cant recommend it enough.

I love that Core Strength promotes lean muscle mass and complements a well-rounded diet. Its easy to add to smoothies, oatmeal, or recipes like these peanut butter protein bars. Lets take a closer look at what makes it so great

PLant-BAsed Protein BlenD

Digestion Support

In addition to the easily-digestible blend of plant-based protein, Core Strength goes to further support digestion with the addition of flax seed, digestive enzymes and probiotics. Flax seed provides both soluble + insoluble fiber. Digestive enzymes, improve digestion + nutrient absorption. L. acidophilus is the most researched probiotic strain for gut health.

Quality You Can Trust

As with all of HUMs supplements, Core Strength is formulated with clinically proven ingredients that are clean + natural, gluten-free, non-GMO and free of artificial colors, flavors + preservatives, triple-tested for purity + verified by independent labs for potency.

How To Make These Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Making these bars is truly easier than going to the grocery store to buy some, and I don’t say that lightly. There are 3 basic steps:

Pulse togetherthe ingredients in a food processor. Start with the dry ingredients to ensure they’re mixed well. Next, add the liquid ingredients and pulse in just until everything comes together.

Press mixture into a square baking pan. Let this chill in the refrigerator for about an hour to help the bars take shape.

Top with melted chocolate & coconut oil. Chill until set, and then slice into individual bars.

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Are These Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars Healthy

As a dietitian, you have my seal of approval that these are healthy! Theyre also gluten free too if you use a gluten free oat and protein powder.

These are filled with heart healthy fats from peanuts.

Studies have shown that the nutrients found in peanuts not only are a great source of antioxidants, but also flavonoids.

Flavonoids are very helpful in reducing inflammation, something I am definitely in favor of getting into Mr. CEOs diet when he returns from his 4 hour training runs.

If youre looking to fuel up with a homemade, healthy bar, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars are for you!

Without further adieu, here are they are!

What Makes A Good Protein Powder

Protein powder is a fantastic addition to many recipes, but you want to make sure its not causing more harm than good.

A good quality protein powder

• Contains simple, clean, minimal ingredients.
• Doesnt have added refined sugar. Clean sweeteners include monk fruit extract and stevia leaf extract.
• Is BPA-free and processed by a trustworthy facility.

It should also be worth the trouble of eating! Protein powders that include all nine essential amino acids are whey and egg protein powder. Im also a big fan of pea protein powder, which you can read more about here.

Recommended Reading: Sources Of Protein For Vegetarians Chart

Ingredients In Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars

• medjool dates you can buy medjool dates that are already pitted or pit them yourself . Two brands that I like are Natural Delights and Joolies. You can find Natural Delights in the produce section of most grocery stores and Joolies are offered on and Thrive Market.
• peanuts helps to pack a solid protein punch in these bars.
• egg white protein powder collagen and vegan protein powders work too. My favorite vegan brand is Nuzest which is plant-based and has a minimal, clean ingredient list. You can use my code eatingbirdfood for 15% off your order.
• cocoa powder or cacao powder either option will work.
• sea salt if peanuts are salted, leave this out.
• dark chocolate chunks or chips I like to use Lilys dark chocolate chips to keep this recipe low in sugar and dairy-free.

What Makes These Bars Nutritious

These chocolate peanut butter protein bars are made with simple ingredients that taste delicious! The oats will add healthy carbohydrates and fiber to the bar. Peanut butter will add healthy fats and protein, and one serving of protein powder can add extra protein. Combining these ingredients with honey and toppings will create a bar that is packed with a balance of nutrients, potassium and calcium. Plus, each bar is only 99 calories! This bar is a great pre-run, post-workout, afternoon, or late-night treat.

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Ingredients Youll Need To Make Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars

These chocolate peanut butter bars require just 7 ingredients. Following the recipe exactly will give you the best results but Ive included a few substitutions. Heres what youll need to make these protein bars.

Peanut butter: these arent peanut butter protein bars without peanut butter. I recommend a natural peanut butter made from just peanuts and salt. I prefer Santa Cruz Dark Roasted and Trader Joes, Whole Foods or Smuckers natural creamy peanut butter. Almond butter, sunflower butter, cashew butter or another nut or seed butter will work here.

Protein powder: I recommend HUM Nutritions Core Strength vanilla plant-based protein powder for the best results. It has a lightly sweet vanilla flavor and incredibly smooth texture. Its made from a combination of pumpkin, hemp, and pea protein that packs in 20 grams of protein per serving.

Coconut flour: this is KEY for structure! This low-carb flour absorbs moisture, firming up the bars without tasting flour-y. If you do not have coconut flour, Ive tested this recipe with oat flour. However, youll need closer to 1 cup of oat flour to get the same texture.

Honey: this unrefined sweetener adds a touch of sweetness and helps hold the bars together. You only need two tablespoons in the entire recipe. Maple syrup will work here too.

Vanilla extract: a little extra boost of flavor. I like adding a touch more vanilla even when using vanilla protein powder.

Tips For Making These Protein Bars

• Use natural creamy peanut butter. Peanut butter is the main flavor of these homemade protein bars. Make sure to choose a high quality peanut butter with peanuts and salt as the only ingredients. Make sure your peanut butter is stirred well. You want it smooth and pourable, not dry and crumbly from the bottom of the jar.
• Adjust the sweetness. Using HUM Nutritions Core Strength protein powder gives these bars the perfect amount of sweetness. If using another protein powder, keep in mind the amount they are sweetened can vary greatly, so you may want more or less honey in these bars. I recommend tasting as you go. You can always add more honey but cant take it away.
• Add coconut flour slowly. Coconut flour is extremely absorbent. Adding a little at a time will help ensure you dont add to much, leaving you with a crumbly mess that wont hold together. If this happens, you can troubleshoot my adding in protein peanut butter and a touch of honey until the mixture sticks together.
• Store in the fridge or freezer. These bars firm up in the fridge or freezer and soften slightly at room temperature. I recommend storing in the fridge or freezer until youre ready to enjoy. If you need to take them on the go, I recommend storing them in a sturdy container so they dont get smashed.

Recommended Reading: Protein Powder That Doesn’t Make You Bloat

Can These Protein Bars Be Made Vegan

Yes, they can.

Depending on the type of protein powder you use of course. Unlike other protein bar recipes, I used dates and maple syrup to sweeten them.

Most traditionally use honey which negates the vegan aspect.

To make these vegan, I suggest checking out these sorts of protein powders:

Hemp Protein

Should You Eat Quest Bars During Keto

Let’s face it, they are a treat, and should not be included as main part of your regular keto diet. They are perfect if you truly are on the run, traveling or almost falling off the keto wagon and considering cheat days.

If you don’t eat too much of them , you will not be kicked out of ketosis.

So technically they are keto friendly.

If you are just starting out then keep your net carb intake below 20 grams per day, if you are keto-adapted then below 50 grams per day.

Quest bars are favorite among bodybuilders, Pilates instructors and fitness gurus. If you are on a keto diet and your macros can fit them, then you can enjoy them too.

Hey, we understand that all of us may need snacks during some time of the diet.

But don’t start your day with 2 Quest Bars in the morning and 2 in the evening. I suggest using eating them when you are on the run, travelling, cannot eat properly or are fighting with cravings.

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What Are Quest Protein Bars Made Of

Quest Protein Bars are one of the most popular fast energy snacks out there. Their main goal is to be fast protein source when you are on the run. These bars are low in carbs and fats.

They taste so sweet due to the sweeteners added in them. So, this is a two-edged sword.

• On the one hand it is a low-carb snack that can help you out when you are in time trouble or fighting with cravings.
• At the other end, they contain sugars and sweeteners which may not support your health goals. The main question is if you agree to eat sweeteners or not.

You can read more about keto-friendly sweeteners form our ultimate sweetener guide here.

Quest Protein Bar ingredients:

It’s ingredients are in general pretty okay. It contains quality Whey protein, healthy almonds and natural sweeteners like Stevia and Erythritol. The only negative side is the added sucralose, but fortunately the amount is insignificant.

Oh, and the biggest perk that this protein bar brings is not the protein nor the taste. What I’m talking about? I’m talking about fiber.

During keto you will be lacking it anyway, especially if you are newbie and just starting out. This is the most delicious way to ramp up your fiber intake.

Why should you care about fiber? Because lack of it causes constipation.

If you want to read more about this, then check out this article on fiber intake during keto.

What Is The Process To Make This Recipe

• Gather all ingredients.
• Place the oats into a blender or food processor and process until finely ground.
• Put the peanut butter and honey in a large bowl and melt in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir together.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl.
• Mix very well until everything is combined.
• Place a piece of parchment paper onto a baking sheet.
• Firmly press the batter onto the baking sheet and spread so that it is all one layer and covers the baking sheet.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least one hour.
• Cut into bars and enjoy!

Recommended Reading: First Step Of Protein Synthesis

How To Make Protein Bars

How To Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

These chocolate peanut butter protein bars couldnt be easier to make. Theres no baking or stove-top required. All you need is a bowl, a 9×5 loaf pan and a little bit of patience while the bars firm up in the freezer or fridge. Heres how to make these homemade protein bars.

Measure and mix. Mix together the peanut butter, protein powder, chia seeds, honey, and vanilla extract. Add 4 tablespoons of coconut flour. Mix and check the consistency. It should be thick and pliable like play-dough. The thicker the dough, the more firm they will be at room temperature. If its still sticky, add more coconut flour 1 teaspoon at a time to reach desired consistency.

Press and chill. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Place the dough into the lined pan and flatten to ½ inch thickness. Flatten the top by placing a second loaf pan on top and pressing down or using the bottom of a measuring cup. Place in the fridge or freezer for 5-10 minutes.

Drizzle with chocolate. While the bars chill, melt the chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave. Drizzle the bars with chocolate then place back in the fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

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Notes About The Ingredients

• Use a good quality vegan protein powder without added sugar. I use Iswari Super Vegan Protein powder in banana vanilla flavor. You can also use natural or plain vanilla flavored protein.
• You can go for crunchy or creamy peanut butter, depending on whether you want chunks of peanuts in the nougat and caramel. Some peanut butter has added oils and sugars, so avoid these if you don’t want the recipe to be as sweet.
• Grung flaxseeds act as a binding agent as they soak in moisture and hold the vegan protein bars together once set. Flaxseeds also add omega-3 fatty acids to the bars .
• For the non-dairy milk, you can go for your favorite. I use soy milk as it also has a high protein content, but you can use almond milk, oat milk, or even vanilla flavored plant based milks if your prefer.
• You can use dark chocolate or vegan milk chocolate depending on your taste. The recipe can be adapted as refined sugar-free with naturally sweetened chocolate.

What Qualifies As A Protein Bar

In a line, protein bars are simple energy snacks that contain high amounts of protein relative to other macros.

When looking for a high-quality option, choose a protein bar that

• Has at least 10 grams of protein per bar.
• Is around 140 to 200 calories if youre having it as a snack
• Has more than 6 grams of fiber
• Contains less than 25 grams of carbohydrates
• Doesnt have more than 6-9 grams of sugar
• Does NOT contain non-saturated fats or soy protein isolate

Read Also: Best Protein Bars For Weight Gain

Tips For Making Homemade Protein Bars

Here are all my tips to make the best protein bars at home. Perfect this recipe, and youll never want to buy the store bought bars again!

Use peanut butter protein powder. For a rich peanut buttery flavor, I recommend using a high-quality peanut butter protein powder. If you dont have this flavor, vanilla protein powder will work too.

Do not pack the protein powder. Instead, gently spoon the protein powder into a measuring cup. If you pack the protein powder into the measuring cup, you will use too much and the protein bars will be very dry.

Salt the bars. I love adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. It not only adds a delicious salty-sweet flavor, but it also decorates the protein bars!

How to make clean slices: Have you ever cut into a homemade dessert and caused it to crumble all over the place? This tip will change your life. Follow the simple steps below.

What You Need For Homemade Protein Bars

To make this peanut butter protein bar recipe, youll need the following ingredients:

• Medjool dates always make sure your dates are soft. If they are hard or stale, you can soak them in warm water for a few minutes to soften.
• all-natural peanut butter use a drippy, all-natural peanut butter such as Smuckers or Trader Joes brand.
• honey honey is important because it not only adds sweetness but helps with stickiness. Unfortunately, we dont recommend swapping for maple syrup or agave because honey is so sticky.
• vanilla protein powder we used whey protein, but you can use any kind. Protein powder obviously adds protein, but also sweetness.
• ground oat flour ground oat flour is a whole grain and can easily be made by pulverizing oats in a food processor until flour-like.
• vanilla extract adds great flavor!

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