No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

These no bake chocolate peanut butter protein bars are a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and hearty oats. Easy to prepare, they’re perfect for a quick snack, post-workout treat, or a healthy dessert option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Baking Required: Quick and easy to prepare without needing an oven.
• Protein-Packed: Each bar delivers a satisfying dose of protein.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
• Sweet and Salty: A perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate with a hint of sea salt.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead for a week of snacks or freeze for long-term storage.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1¼ cups creamy no-stir peanut butter
• ⅓ cup honey
• ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup vanilla protein powder
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Flaked sea salt (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Stir until smooth and well combined.
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
   Add the rolled oats and vanilla protein powder to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until fully incorporated. The batter should be thick but manageable.
3. Prepare the Dish:
   Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the dish, pressing it evenly into all corners to create a flat layer.
4. Melt Chocolate:
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
5. Top with Chocolate:
   Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
6. Optional Topping:
   Sprinkle flaked sea salt over the top for an added burst of flavor.
7. Refrigerate:
   Place the dish in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours, or until the chocolate has fully set.
8. Cut into Bars:
   Once the mixture is set, lift the parchment paper to remove the block from the dish. Cut into 16 bars.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars
• Calories: 260 kcal per bar

Variations

• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter instead of peanut butter.
• Different Flavors: Swap vanilla protein powder for chocolate or any other flavor you enjoy.
• Additional Mix-ins: Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut for texture and variety.
• Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use all dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: No reheating needed; enjoy straight from the fridge or allow to thaw briefly if frozen.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but make sure it’s well-mixed to prevent the bars from becoming too oily.

2. What type of protein powder works best?

Vanilla or chocolate whey, casein, or plant-based protein powders work well.

3. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used for a softer texture.

4. How do I prevent the chocolate layer from cracking when cutting?

Let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting, and use a sharp knife.

5. Can I substitute honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener.

6. How can I make this vegan?

Use a plant-based protein powder, dairy-free chocolate chips, and maple syrup instead of honey.

7. Can I skip the oats?

Yes, replace the oats with additional protein powder or finely ground nuts.

8. What’s the best way to press the mixture into the pan?

Use the back of a spatula or your hands (lightly greased or with parchment paper) to press the mixture evenly.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger dish, like a 9×13-inch pan, and double the ingredients.

10. How do I adjust the consistency if the batter is too dry or too wet?

If it’s too dry, add a bit more honey or peanut butter. If too wet, stir in more oats or protein powder.

Conclusion

These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars are a perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a healthy dessert, or a post-workout energy boost, these bars deliver on all fronts. Whip up a batch in just minutes and enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade, protein-packed treat!

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

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These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars are a delicious and protein-packed snack. Combining creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and hearty oats, they’re perfect for a quick treat, post-workout energy boost, or a healthy dessert.

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars

Ingredients

• 1¼ cups creamy no-stir peanut butter
• ⅓ cup honey
• ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup vanilla protein powder
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Flaked sea salt (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter and honey until smooth.
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
   Add the rolled oats and vanilla protein powder. Stir until fully combined into a thick batter.
3. Prepare the Dish:
   Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture evenly into the pan, smoothing the top.
4. Melt Chocolate:
   In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
5. Top with Chocolate:
   Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Optional Topping:
   Sprinkle with flaked sea salt for extra flavor.
7. Refrigerate:
   Chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours, or until the chocolate is fully set.
8. Cut into Bars:
   Remove from the dish using the parchment paper and cut into 16 bars.

Notes

• For a vegan version, use plant-based protein powder, dairy-free chocolate chips, and maple syrup.
• To prevent chocolate from cracking when cutting, let the bars warm slightly at room temperature before slicing.

• Author: Sophia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snack, Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free