Description
Creamy peanut butter, protein powder, oats, and a chocolate finish — these quick bars come together without an oven and make a perfect grab-and-go snack or post-workout bite.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups creamy, stir-free peanut butter
- ¾ cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate work best)
- ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup (use maple for vegan)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (for the top)
- Optional: flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
Make the base
Combine the peanut butter, protein powder, sweetener, and oats in a roomy bowl. Mix until the ingredients stick together into a thick, slightly tacky dough. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or a splash of milk; if it’s too wet, fold in a tablespoon more oats.
Form the bars
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment. Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the pan and compact it tightly with the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup so the layer is even and firm. Pro tip: pressing hard helps the bars hold their shape when you cut them.
Top with chocolate
Melt the chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between each 20–30 second cycle until glossy and smooth. Spread the melted chocolate over the pressed peanut butter layer. Scatter a pinch of sea salt on top if you like the sweet-and-salty contrast.
Chill and slice
Refrigerate the pan for at least one hour (longer is fine) so the chocolate sets and the base firms. Lift the slab out on the parchment, slice into 12–16 bars, and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- Storage
- Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days, or freeze individually wrapped pieces for up to 3 months. Thaw in your lunchbox or at room temp for a few minutes before eating.
- Quick swaps & add-ins
- Want vegan bars? Use maple syrup, dairy-free chocolate, and a plant-based protein powder.
- Add crunch: fold in ½ cup chopped nuts or ½ cup puffed rice.
- Make them brownie-style: stir 1–2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder into the mix.
- Fruit twist: mix in 2–3 tablespoons mini dried fruit or finely chopped dried banana.
- Final notes
- These bars are forgiving — tweak sweetness, protein type, or texture until they match your taste. Bold tip: press firmly and chill well for tidy slices. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 215
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g