Protein Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Yields: 12 bars
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
No bake | Gluten-free option | No refined sugar
Ingredients
Wet Base
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1 cup (256 g) natural peanut butter (drippy, no added sugar)
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⅓ cup (80 ml) honey or maple syrup
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¼ cup (56 g) coconut oil, melted (or unsalted butter)
Dry Ingredients
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1½ cups (150 g) rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
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½ cup (60 g) vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder (or plant-based protein powder)
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¼ cup (30 g) peanut flour or powdered peanut butter (optional, for extra peanut flavor)
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¼ tsp salt (skip if peanut butter is salted)
Mix-ins
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⅓ cup (60 g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
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2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (optional, for pressing into top)
Optional Add-ins
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2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseed meal (for fiber + omega-3s)
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¼ cup crushed peanuts (for crunch)
Instructions
1. Line Pan
Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. Melt Wet Ingredients
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine:
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Peanut butter
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Honey/maple syrup
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Coconut oil
Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and pourable. (Or melt on stovetop over low heat.)
3. Combine Dry
In a large bowl, whisk together:
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Rolled oats
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Protein powder
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Peanut flour (if using)
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Salt
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Chia seeds (if using)
4. Mix Together
Pour melted wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir until fully combined — mixture will be thick and sticky.
5. Add Chocolate Chips
Let mixture cool slightly (so chocolate doesn’t melt completely), then fold in ⅓ cup chocolate chips.
6. Press into Pan
Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly using a spatula or your hands (lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking).
Sprinkle 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips on top and press lightly.
7. Chill
Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes, then cover and chill at least 1 hour until firm.
8. Cut & Store
Lift bars out using parchment overhang. Slice into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
📊 Nutrition (per bar, approximate)
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Calories: ~260
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Protein: 12–15g
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Carbs: 22g
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Fat: 15g
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Fiber: 3g
