Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Have you ever had the munchies, opened your pantry to peruse the options, then realized every item on the shelves is either in a shiny wrapper or cardboard box? That’s been me for the last two months. No more! I’m taking back my breakfasts and snacks with these Peanut Butter Protein Bars.

Made with oatmeal, protein powder, honey, and some chocolate for happy measure, these healthy oatmeal protein bars are no bake, and the only equipment you’ll need is a bowl and a spoon.

With the all-out crazy of the last few months (hi, holidays, travel, and general cookbook mania), I’ve been relying on more store-bought snacks than usual. While they certainly have their place, I’ve missed my homemade healthy snacks.

One of the shiny wrapper foods I’ve been relying on the most these past few months is protein bars.

Yes, a store-bought bar will do in a pinch, and I appreciate the larger selection of healthy, high-protein options that are on the market now, but nothing feels or tastes as wonderful as making your own wholesome snacks from scratch.

I love knowing exactly what is in these homemade chocolate peanut butter protein bars.

Plus, just like these no bake Protein Balls, the ingredients are simple and nourishing, and the cost-per-bar is a fraction of the ones at the store.

Also, SO YUMMY. The texture of these bars is soft and chewy, and they taste like a thick, bakery-style peanut butter cookie.

As an even-better bonus, these no bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars can be stored at room temperature, something you usually only see in a baked protein bar recipe.

That means they are travel friendly and easy to keep at your desk, and you can tuck them in your gym bag for a post-workout refuel.

How to Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars

The ingredient list is short, simple, and a slam dunk.

• Peanut Butter. Healthy fats, protein, and the all-out delicious factor. You can use any kind you like, be it shelf stable or drippy peanut butter.

The consistency of your batter can vary based on the type of peanut butter you use. If your batter is looser than you would like, simply add an extra tablespoon or two of oats until it holds together.

• Oatmeal. Rolled oats are hearty, rich in fiber, and give the Peanut Butter Protein Bars their structure.
• Honey. For its natural sweetness and “glue” factor.
• Protein Powder. Pump ’em up! To make these protein bars with protein powder, stir in 1/2 cup (about 2 generous scoops) of your favorite brand of protein powder. You can use whey- or plant-based protein. I recommend vanilla, though I suspect chocolate would be tasty too.
• Flaxseed Meal. Omega-3s please.
• Coconut Oil. To help the bars bind and solidify.
• Cinnamon and Chocolate Chips. No ho-hum bars here. These Peanut Butter Protein Bars are loaded with the good stuff.

Once you have the ingredients, it’s as simple as stirring. These healthy oatmeal protein bars are made in one bowl.

Press your bar “batter” into the pan, pop them into the fridge, and they’ll set within an hour.

How to Store and Freeze These Protein Bars

• To Store. Store the bars at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also store them in the fridge, though I find they taste best at room temperature.
• To Freeze. Place bars in an airtight freezer-safe storage container and freeze for up to 3 months. I like to wrap mine individually, then remove them from the freezer as needed.

Ready for a pantry upgrade? Give these Peanut Butter Protein Bars a try! You’ll smile every time you open the door and find them waiting for you.

More Healthy Homemade Protein Snack Recipes

• Vegan Protein Bars
• Peanut Butter Protein Cookies (with protein powder)
• Protein Cookies (without protein powder)
• Protein Oatmeal (overnight oatmeal recipe)
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls

I am sharing this post in partnership with Bob’s Red Mill. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands and companies that make it possible for me to continue to create quality content for you!