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- 1 cup rolled oats - 1 cup natural peanut butter - ½ cup honey or maple syrup - ½ cup chocolate protein powder - ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - ½ cup dark chocolate chips - ¼ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Dairy-free chocolate chips for vegan option - Additional toppings (e.g., shredded coconut, chopped nuts) To make these bars, you need simple ingredients that pack a punch. The rolled oats give them a hearty base. Natural peanut butter adds creaminess and flavor. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the mix, while chocolate protein powder boosts nutrition. Unsweetened cocoa powder gives a rich, chocolatey taste without extra sugar. Dark chocolate chips add bursts of chocolate goodness. Just a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, and vanilla extract adds a warm note. If you want a vegan twist, swap honey for maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips. You can also add fun toppings like shredded coconut or chopped nuts for texture. These ingredients make the bars both tasty and healthy! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by grabbing a large bowl. Add 1 cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of chocolate protein powder, ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk or a spoon to mix all the dry ingredients well. Make sure there are no clumps. This step is key to a smooth texture. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of natural peanut butter, ½ cup of honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth. You want it to blend well. This mix adds great flavor and binds the bars. Pour the peanut butter mix into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together. Keep stirring until it forms a sticky dough. It should be thick and uniform, which means all ingredients are well blended. Next, gently fold in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips. Make sure they spread evenly throughout the mixture. This adds a sweet and rich flavor to each bite, making your bars even more delicious. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal later. Transfer the mixture into the lined dish. Use your spatula to press it down evenly and pack it firmly. This helps the bars hold together. Put the baking dish in the refrigerator. Chill for 1-2 hours. This step sets the bars and helps the flavors blend. The longer they chill, the better they taste. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Cut them into bars or squares based on your preference. Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to one week. Mixing is key for good bars. Start with dry ingredients: oats, protein powder, cocoa, and salt. Use a whisk to blend them well. Make sure no clumps are left. This step helps your bars have a smooth texture. It also ensures even distribution of flavors. A clump-free mix makes for better bars. Consistency matters in your bars. If they are too dry, add a bit more peanut butter. If they feel too sticky, try less syrup. You want a dough that holds together but isn’t hard to mix. It should be thick and easy to press into the dish. Adjusting these ingredients helps you get it just right. Want to boost the flavor? Add a pinch of cinnamon to the mix. It gives a warm and cozy taste. You can also swap in your favorite nut butter. Almond butter or cashew butter works well too. These small changes can make your bars unique and fun. Pro Tips Storage Tip: For maximum freshness, store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps maintain their texture and flavor for up to a week. Ingredient Swap: Feel free to customize the protein powder or nut butter according to your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Sunflower seed butter is a great alternative for those with nut allergies. Chilling Time: Allow the bars to chill for longer than 2 hours if possible; this helps them firm up more and makes them easier to cut into neat squares. Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a scoop of your favorite superfood powder for an extra nutritional punch and enhanced flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegan version of these bars. Just swap honey for maple syrup. Also, use dairy-free chocolate chips instead of regular ones. This way, everyone can enjoy them! Want to mix things up? Try using almond butter or sunbutter instead of peanut butter. Each nut butter gives a unique taste. You might find a new favorite flavor! Add-ins can boost the texture and flavor of your bars. Consider mixing in chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. They add crunch and extra nutrients. Just be sure to keep the mix balanced so the bars stay firm. Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps them stay fresh. I always recommend using a glass or plastic container with a tight seal. These bars are best consumed within one week for optimal freshness. After that, they may dry out or lose flavor. You can freeze the bars for later. To do this, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to eat one, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Enjoy your tasty treat any time! Yes, you can substitute peanut butter. If you or someone has a nut allergy, use sunflower seed butter. This works well and adds a nice flavor. You can also try soy nut butter or tahini. Both alternatives give a similar texture and taste. Just make sure the substitute is smooth, so it blends well. If you want sweeter bars, add a bit more honey or maple syrup. You can also use mashed bananas or applesauce for natural sweetness. Another option is to mix in a bit of stevia or monk fruit sweetener. These options add sweetness without extra sugar. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. Yes, you can use regular protein powder. Just note that flavors may change. If you use a flavored powder, it can alter the taste of the bars. You may need to adjust the amount of cocoa powder or sweetener to balance the flavors. Stick to the same amount to keep the texture right. These no-bake bars are simple and tasty. We combined oats, nut butter, and protein powder for nutrition. You can adjust sugar and flavors to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy them as snacks or a post-workout treat, these bars are versatile. Store them in the fridge for freshness, or freeze them for later. Experiment with different nut butters or toppings for fun twists. Enjoy creating your perfect little snack, and share your favorite variations!

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Delicious and nutritious protein bars made with chocolate and peanut butter, perfect for a quick snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup natural peanut butter
  • 0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.5 cup chocolate protein powder
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Use a whisk or spoon to mix them together until completely combined and there are no clumps.
  • In another bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended.
  • Pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix thoroughly, making sure all ingredients are incorporated into a sticky dough.
  • Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the lined dish, using your spatula to press it down evenly.
  • Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 1-2 hours.
  • After the bars have set, remove the baking dish from the fridge. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out. Cut them into bars or squares, depending on your preference. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

For an eye-catching display, stack the bars neatly on a rustic wooden platter. Drizzle some melted dark chocolate artfully over the top for an elegant touch, and finish with a light sprinkle of extra cocoa powder for added visual appeal!
Keyword chocolate, healthy snack, no-bake, peanut butter, protein bars