Go Back
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, no sugar added) - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 cup rolled oats - 1 cup protein powder (choose either chocolate or vanilla) - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (use dairy-free if preferred) - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for topping) The heart of these Copycat Reese's Protein Peanut Butter Bars lies in its simple yet rich ingredients. First, creamy peanut butter gives the bars their nutty flavor. I always choose natural peanut butter with no sugar added. It keeps the bars healthy and tasty. Next, I add honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Both work well, but I prefer honey for its rich flavor. Rolled oats provide a chewy texture and help bind everything together. They also add some fiber, making these bars more filling. Protein powder is a key player. You can choose chocolate or vanilla based on your taste. I like using chocolate for an extra boost of flavor. The unsweetened cocoa powder adds a deep chocolate taste, balancing the sweetness of the honey. Dark chocolate chips enhance the bars further. They melt slightly and create little pockets of joy in every bite. A pinch of salt balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness. Finally, I sprinkle crushed peanuts on top. They add a nice crunch and more peanut flavor. With these ingredients, you get a delicious treat that packs a protein punch! {{ingredient_image_2}} - In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup. - Heat on low for about 2-3 minutes. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth. - In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of protein powder, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. - Mix these dry ingredients well until they are evenly combined. - Pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. - Stir with a spatula until the mixture is uniform. Then, gently fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. - Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. - Pour the mixture into the dish and press down firmly. Make sure it forms an even layer. - Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the bars set properly. - Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or bars with a sharp knife. To get the best bars, use high-quality ingredients. Natural peanut butter works best without sugar. Fresh oats also help create a chewy texture. When mixing, press the mixture firmly into the dish. This helps the bars hold together well after chilling. You can add extra flavor to your bars. Try adding a scoop of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon. Drizzling melted chocolate on top makes them even better. This extra touch adds a nice finish and makes them look pretty. Serve these protein bars on a nice plate. You can stack them high for a fun display. To keep them fresh, store your bars in an airtight container. This keeps them tasting great for up to a week. Pro Tips Use Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for natural peanut butter with no added sugars or oils for a healthier and more authentic flavor. Experiment with Sweeteners: Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan alternative; just keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly. Chill for Best Results: Allow the bars to chill longer than the recommended hour if you prefer a firmer texture; overnight chilling works wonders! Customize Your Add-ins: Add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for an extra nutritional boost and flavor variety. {{image_4}} To make these bars vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup adds sweetness without any animal products. Next, choose a vegan protein powder. Many brands offer great flavors like chocolate or vanilla. This keeps your bars plant-based and still tasty! Make sure all your ingredients are gluten-free. Check your oats, as some may contain gluten. You can use certified gluten-free oats for peace of mind. This way, you can enjoy these bars without any worries. Want to mix things up? Add spices like cinnamon for a warm touch. A sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavor. You can also switch the chocolate type. Use white or milk chocolate chips if you prefer. This gives you a chance to create a new favorite! To keep your Copycat Reese's Protein Peanut Butter Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will lock in their flavor and texture. Use a container that fits the bars snugly to prevent movement. You can also wrap each bar in plastic wrap for extra protection. This helps avoid any drying out. If you want to save some bars for later, freezing is the way to go. Start by cutting the bars into squares. Then, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label it with the date. This keeps track of freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy a bar, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. You can also leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This way, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to eat! Each bar has about 180 calories. The total calories come from the ingredients used. Here’s a quick breakdown: - Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): 1,500 calories - Honey or maple syrup (1/2 cup): 300 calories - Rolled oats (1 cup): 300 calories - Protein powder (1 cup): 200 calories - Cocoa powder (1/4 cup): 50 calories - Dark chocolate chips (1/2 cup): 400 calories - Crushed peanuts (1/4 cup): 200 calories Total calories: 2,900. Dividing by 12 bars gives you about 242 calories per bar. Adjust these numbers based on your chosen ingredients. Yes, you can swap some ingredients easily. Here are common substitutes: - Peanut butter: Use almond or cashew butter for a different flavor. - Honey: Maple syrup works well for a vegan option. - Protein powder: Choose a flavor you like, such as vanilla or chocolate. - Dark chocolate chips: Use milk chocolate or leave them out for less sweetness. - Oats: Rolled oats can be replaced with quick oats or gluten-free oats. Substitutes may change the texture and taste, but they can still be tasty. These bars stay fresh in the fridge for about one week. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. To keep them from sticking together, you can place parchment paper between layers. For longer storage, you can freeze them. They last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before eating. This blog post covered how to make delicious peanut butter protein bars. We explored the key ingredients, like creamy peanut butter and rolled oats, and went through each step, from heating the mixture to chilling the bars. You learned tips for achieving the best texture and how to customize flavors. With options for vegan and gluten-free versions, there's a recipe for everyone. Store your bars properly for best results. Now you have a tasty snack that fuels your day! Enjoy making and sharing these healthy treats.

Copycat Reese's Protein Peanut Butter Bars

Delicious and nutritious protein bars made with peanut butter, oats, and chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, no sugar added)
  • 1 2 honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup protein powder (chocolate or vanilla)
  • 1 4 unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 2 dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if preferred)
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 4 cup crushed peanuts (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the creamy peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  • Once smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes.
  • While it cools, in a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined.
  • Pour the warm peanut butter and honey mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or large spoon until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated, resulting in a uniform mixture.
  • Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for maximum flavor in every bite.
  • Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Pour the combined mixture into the dish and use your hands or a spatula to press it down firmly, creating an even layer throughout the dish.
  • Evenly sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the top of the mixture, gently pressing them into the surface to ensure they stick.
  • Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and set.
  • After the mixture has set, carefully lift it out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars using a sharp knife for clean edges.

Notes

Stack the protein bars on a serving plate and optionally drizzle with melted dark chocolate or honey. Garnish with additional crushed peanuts on top for an appealing presentation and delightful crunch.
Keyword healthy snacks, peanut butter, protein bars