Description
Simple, no-bake protein bars made with just four pantry staples and an optional chocolate finish. Easy to tweak for different tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups (approx. 380 g) peanut butter (or use a seed butter / allergy-friendly alternative)
- ¾ cup (about 90 g) protein powder (unsweetened or your favorite flavor)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup or honey (substitute a sugar-free syrup for a lower-carb version)
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 4 oz (115 g) chocolate chips, melted — optional topping
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap, leaving an overhang to lift the set bars out easily.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the nut/seed butter, protein powder, maple syrup (or honey), and salt. Stir vigorously until everything holds together in a stiff, slightly sticky mass. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water or a splash more maple syrup; if too wet, add a teaspoon of protein powder or a tablespoon of oats.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a spatula or a piece of parchment to compact the surface so the bars hold together well.
- For a chocolate layer: pour the melted chocolate over the top and spread into an even coating. (Tip: whisk 1–2 teaspoons of neutral oil into the chocolate for a glossier, smoother finish.)
- Chill the pan in the refrigerator until the bars are fully firm, about 30–60 minutes.
- Lift the slab from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 8–12 bars with a sharp knife. Store in the fridge.
Notes
- Flavor check: sample a small bit of your protein powder before mixing — flavored powders can change the final taste.
- Customize: stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of sea salt before pressing into the pan.
- Chocolate finish options: dip individual bars into melted chocolate or spread it over the whole pan before chilling.
- Storage: keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or freeze individually wrapped bars for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2.9g
- Sodium: 78mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 5.8mg
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg