Description
These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars are a delicious and protein-packed snack perfect for a quick energy boost. Combining creamy peanut butter, oats, and two types of chocolate chips, these bars require no baking and come together in just over an hour with chilling time. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are ideal for on-the-go snacking or post-workout refueling.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1¼ cups creamy no-stir peanut butter
- â…“ cup honey
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
Chocolate Layers
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping
- Flaked sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the base mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy no-stir peanut butter and honey until smooth and creamy. Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats and vanilla protein powder until everything is well incorporated, forming a thick dough-like mixture.
- Melt the dark chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, gently melt the dark chocolate chips until smooth. Be careful to stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Combine base and dark chocolate: Pour the melted dark chocolate into the peanut butter mixture and fold together until evenly combined.
- Press the base mixture into pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Transfer the peanut butter and chocolate mixture into the pan, pressing it down firmly and evenly into a flat layer.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Stir well to ensure even melting.
- Add the chocolate topping: Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate over the base layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Optional topping: Sprinkle flaked sea salt over the top for a touch of contrast and flavor enhancement.
- Chill the bars: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate topping is set and the bars are firm.
- Slice and serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 16 equal squares. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use creamy no-stir peanut butter for best consistency and easier mixing.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey to your preference.
- These bars keep well refrigerated for up to one week or can be frozen for longer storage.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use vegan protein powder.
