Prep: 10 This is my go-to Homemade Protein Bars recipe! Made with a 4-ingredient protein bar base and a melted chocolate topping, these peanut butter protein bars are SO good. I love that they have 15 grams of protein and are the best healthy snack for busy days! If you’re looking to save money by meal prepping and making your own protein bars at home, you’ll love how this recipe tastes like a peanut butter chocolate treat.
DIY Protein Bars
If you’re a protein bar fanatic like I am, then you may relate to my obsession with these Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars. I have been on the ultimate search for the perfect protein bar, and while I’ve found a few wonderful store-bought options, I LOVE this homemade version!
These Homemade Protein Bars are my go-to for a healthy, higher protein snack. They’re easy to make, easy to store, can help save money, and are great for staying full longer! They also taste like a delicious, indulgent treat. Make these peanut butter bars in 10 minutes or less, freeze to set, and enjoy for weeks to come! Here’s why you’ll love them:
- 15 Grams Protein – Use your favorite protein powder!
- 10 Minutes – That’s it! These only take 10 minutes to prep.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Make a big batch of these protein bars and store them in the fridge healthy snacks whenever you need one.
- Saves Money – Protein bars can be so expensive at the store. This homemade version can help save money!
- Better Than Store-Bought! Truly. The chocolatey peanut butter flavor of these homemade protein bars is SO good and tastes like dessert.
RELATED: The 6 BEST Protein Bars for Women
Peanut Butter Protein Bar Ingredients
You’ll only need 4 ingredients for the base and 2 ingredients for the chocolate topping. That’s it! Here’s what you’ll need to make the best protein bars:
- Peanut Butter – Classic creamy peanut butter is the best option for these protein bars. However, almond butter or any type of mixed nut butter works great!
- Vanilla Protein – Plant-based vanilla protein powder (opens in a new tab) or whey vanilla protein powder both work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Almond Flour – Ground almonds, or almond flour, (opens in a new tab) add nutrition and texture to these bars. Other great options include PB2 (opens in a new tab) or more protein powder!
- Maple Syrup – Maple syrup adds the right amount of sweetness to this recipe. Honey or agave syrup also work great!
- Chocolate Chips – Vegan chocolate chips (opens in a new tab) or dark chocolate chips take these peanut butter protein bars to another level.
- Coconut Oil – A touch of coconut oil mixed with the melted chocolate chips create a delicious chocolate glaze topping!
TIP: Add a little bit of flaky sea salt or chopped pistachios on top for an extra crunch!
How to Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars
I love how easy these Homemade Protein Bars are to make! I’ve been making them for YEARS, and they’re still my go-to for higher protein snacks throughout the week. All you’ll need is a large mixing bowl, an 8×8″ baking pan, (opens in a new tab) and 10 minutes to get started!
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”9413to7R” upload-date=”2018-10-17T18:47:30.000Z” name=”Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars” description=”These easy Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars are healthy, vegan, gluten-free, and DELICIOUS! Perfect for back-to-school and an easy work snack!”]
Note: This recipe has been updated since the creation of this video! While I loved it before, I think the bars have a much better structure to them now. The concept in the video is still the same, but I know that you will enjoy the new and improved taste of these Homemade Protein Bars as much as I do!
Here’s how to make Homemade Protein Bars (peanut butter or any type of nut butter):
- Combine peanut butter, protein powder, almond flour, and maple syrup.
- Pour into a square baking pan.
- Mix melted chocolate chips with coconut oil.
- Drizzle or pour over the peanut butter mixture.
- Freeze and cut into bars!
You’ll Also Love: Iced High Protein Coffee
Protein Bar Recipe Variations
How to Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars without Peanut Butter?
You can make peanut butter protein bars with any type of nut butter. Almond butter, cashew butter, or a mixed nut butter (opens in a new tab) are all great options!
The Best Types of Protein Powder to Use
My personal favorite plant-based protein powders to use in homemade protein bars are Truvani (opens in a new tab) (so many great flavors and minimal ingredients) and Orgain Vanilla. (opens in a new tab) However, there are so many amazing options out there!
CHECK THIS OUT: The 5 Best Vegan Protein Powders (Honest Review)
How to Make Homemade Protein Bars without Protein Powder?
While these protein bars are definitely best made with protein powder, there are still ways around this. Another option would be to use PB2 powder (opens in a new tab) instead of protein powder!
Chocolate Chips vs. Chocolate Glaze
This recipe calls for a chocolate glaze made from chocolate chips and a little bit of coconut oil. However, another option would be to simply omit the coconut oil and mix the chocolate chips into the peanut butter protein bar “batter”, then freeze. This can help save on calories as well as save time!
Topping Ideas for Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Want to take these protein bars up a notch? Sprinkle or drizzle a fun topping on them! Here are some ideas:
- Flaky Salt
- Chopped Pistachios
- Chopped Walnuts
- Sliced Almonds
- Hemp Seeds (opens in a new tab)
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Date Caramel
Storing Homemade Protein Bars
It’s best to store Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy! Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Homemade Protein Bar Recipes
Healthy Protein Snacks
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- Vanilla Cream Protein Overnight Oats
- Blueberry Banana Protein Muffins
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Cookies
- Blueberry Vanilla Protein Shake Recipe
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
Homemade Protein Bars
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter (opens in a new tab)
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based vanilla protein powder (opens in a new tab)
- 3/4 cup almond flour (opens in a new tab)
- 2/3 cup maple syrup (or agave syrup)
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil (opens in a new tab)
Topping Ideas (optional)
- flaky sea salt (opens in a new tab)
- chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Mix the peanut butter, protein powder, almond flour, and syrup together in a mixing bowl.
- Pour the mixture into an 8×8" baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together for about 30-45 seconds, stirring often, until smooth.
- Spread the chocolate mixture over the bars and add any toppings.
- Freeze for about 15-20 minutes to set.
- Slice into 16 bars and enjoy!
Watch Me Make This
Notes
- It’s best to store Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy! Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Did you make this? I’d love to see!
Tag me on socials at @JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab) or #JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab)
Can I use stevia granules instead of maple syrup?
Hey Jeanne, I haven’t tested that to be able to tell you what liquid you would need to add. The maple syrup is both a sweetener and a liquid in this recipe.
I made these last night and they’re pretty good except I feel like the protein powder measurement is off? I added extra peanut butter and these were still a little dry. Is it supposed to be a scoop and a half of protein powder maybe?
Hey Jen, because protein powder scoops can vary I use measuring cups for the measurements. I also use a Natural peanut butter which can be a little more oily and helps with the moisture. Hope this helps! Glad you enjoyed them!
Can you use coconut flour instead of almond flour?
Coconut flour tends to be a bit dry, I would maybe go with oat flour instead or add more liquid if you do use coconut flour!
I’ve been looking for a good protein bar to make at home and this one turned out amazing!
This peanut butter protein bar is so yummy. I like the extra protein addition.