Healthy Homemade Protein Bars with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Introduction
These homemade protein bars are a simple, delicious way to fuel your day with wholesome ingredients. They combine creamy peanut butter and protein powder into a chewy treat that’s easy to customize and perfect for on-the-go snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup peanut butter (or allergy-friendly substitute)
- 3/4 cup protein powder (about 90g, unsweetened recommended)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey, or try a keto-friendly syrup)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 oz melted chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup, and salt. Stir well until a thick dough forms.
- Step 2: Shape the dough into bars using your hands or press it evenly into a lined 8×8-inch pan.
- Step 3: If using chocolate, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the bars in the pan before chilling, or dip each bar individually into the melted chocolate.
- Step 4: Refrigerate the bars until firm and chilled, about 1–2 hours, then cut into individual bars if shaped in a pan.
Tips & Variations
- Use a protein powder flavor you enjoy, and experiment with vanilla, chocolate, or unflavored varieties for different tastes.
- For smoother chocolate coating, stir 2 teaspoons of oil into the melted chocolate before spreading or dipping.
- Try swapping peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for allergy-friendly options.
- Mix in nuts, seeds, or dried fruit before shaping for added texture and flavor.
Storage
Store the protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage—thaw in the fridge before eating. To enjoy them soft, let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use flavored protein powder in this recipe?
Yes, you can use flavored protein powders like vanilla or chocolate, but be sure they complement the peanut butter and maple syrup for the best taste.
Is it necessary to add chocolate?
No, the chocolate coating is entirely optional and can be omitted if you prefer a simpler bar or want to reduce sugar.
Print
Healthy Homemade Protein Bars with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
These homemade protein bars are a simple, no-bake snack packed with peanut butter and protein powder for a satisfying boost. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and optionally coated with rich melted chocolate, they are perfect for on-the-go energy or post-workout recovery. Adaptable with various protein powder flavors and allergy-friendly substitutions, these bars offer a wholesome, customizable treat that’s quick to prepare and refrigerate.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter (or allergy-friendly substitute)
- 3/4 cup protein powder (about 90g, unsweetened preferred)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey; for a keto version, see recipe suggestions)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional
- 4 oz melted chocolate chips (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons oil (to mix into melted chocolate for smoother texture, optional)
Instructions
- Choose Your Protein Powder: Select an unsweetened protein powder you enjoy, as it significantly influences the taste. You can experiment with different flavors for variety.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup, and salt until a thick dough forms. Ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Shape the Bars: You have two options: either shape the dough into bars by hand or press it evenly into a lined 8×8 inch pan to create a slab that can be cut later.
- Add Chocolate Coating (Optional): If desired, melt the chocolate chips and optionally stir in 2 teaspoons of oil for a smoother coating. Spread this melted chocolate evenly over the bars in the pan or dip each bar individually into the chocolate for a full coating.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars or chocolate-coated bars until firm and chilled, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Serve and Store: If pressed in the pan, cut into individual bars once firm. Store in the refrigerator for freshness and enjoy as a nutritious snack anytime.
Notes
- Use a protein powder flavor that complements peanut butter for the best taste.
- For allergy-friendly versions, substitute peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or other nut-free alternatives.
- The chocolate coating is optional but adds a delicious finishing touch.
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount or type of syrup used.
- These bars keep well refrigerated for up to 1 week or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Bars
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: protein bars, no-bake protein bars, healthy snacks, peanut butter bars, homemade protein snack
