Homemade Protein Bars Recipe

Introduction

Homemade protein bars are a simple and delicious way to fuel your day with wholesome ingredients. This easy recipe combines peanut butter, protein powder, and natural sweeteners to create a nutritious snack that you can customize to your taste. Whether you enjoy them plain or dipped in chocolate, these bars are perfect for on-the-go energy.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup peanut butter or allergy-friendly substitute
• 3/4 cup protein powder (90g)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 oz melted chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup or honey, and salt until a thick dough forms.
2. Step 2: Shape the dough into bars by hand or press it evenly into a lined 8×8 inch pan.
3. Step 3: For an optional chocolate coating, stir 2 teaspoons of oil into the melted chocolate chips for a smoother texture, then spread the chocolate over the bars in the pan or dip individual bars into the chocolate.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate the bars until fully chilled and set, about 1 hour, then cut into individual servings if using the pan method.

Tips & Variations

• Choose a protein powder flavor you enjoy, as it significantly affects the taste of the bars.
• Try swapping peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter for different flavors or allergy needs.
• If you prefer lower sugar, use unsweetened protein powder and adjust sweetener to taste.
• Experiment with mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or seeds for added texture.

Storage

Store protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before eating. Reheat is not usually necessary since they are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter in this recipe?

Yes, almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter can be used as allergy-friendly alternatives to peanut butter and will still work well in the recipe.

Do I have to add chocolate to the bars?

No, the chocolate coating is optional. The bars are delicious on their own and adding chocolate is just for extra flavor and texture if you prefer.

Homemade Protein Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 90 reviews

Homemade protein bars that are easy to prepare, customizable with your favorite protein powder and sweeteners, and optionally coated with rich melted chocolate. Perfect as a nutritious snack or post-workout boost.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter or allergy-friendly substitute
• 3/4 cup protein powder (approximately 90g), unsweetened recommended
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional

• 4 oz (about 113g) melted chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons oil (optional, to mix into melted chocolate for smoother coating)

Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, protein powder, pure maple syrup (or honey), and salt until a uniform dough forms. Make sure to use your preferred protein powder, ideally unsweetened, to suit your taste.
2. Shape or Pan the Bars: Using your hands, shape the dough into bars or spread it evenly into a lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even thickness.
3. Optional Chocolate Coating: If using, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. For a smoother finish, stir in 2 teaspoons of oil. Pour or spread the melted chocolate over the shaped dough in the pan or dip each bar individually into the chocolate.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the bars or pan until completely chilled and set, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
5. Cut and Serve: If you used a pan, cut into bars of desired size before serving. Store the bars refrigerated to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

• Choose a protein powder flavor that you enjoy as it significantly impacts the taste of the bars.
• For allergy-friendly versions, substitute peanut butter with other nut or seed butters like almond or sunflower seed butter.
• The sweetener can be adjusted to taste or dietary needs; maple syrup or honey is preferred for a natural option.
• Adding oil to melted chocolate creates a smoother coating but is not mandatory.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: protein bars, homemade snack, healthy protein bars, no-bake protein bars, peanut butter bars, post-workout snack