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Peanut Butter No Bake Protein Bars are a feel-good, fill-you-up snack. Gluten free, dairy free, and only 5 ingredients, both kids and adults will love this chocolate-studded snack.
One of my mid-afternoon vices for giving me a extra jolt of energy and curbing my stubborn sweet tooth is a protein bar or bite.
Lately, my go-to has been these Cookie Dough Protein Balls, however these bars are giving them some serious competition.
While convenient, many packaged protein bars are filled with not-so-appetizing ingredients. However, making your own protein bars and bites couldn’t be simpler. In fact, these no bake protein bars only require 1 bowl and 1 spoon.
Both kids and adults will love the fact that they taste like a peanut butter cookie. And, just like these no bake Energy Bites, the ingredients are simple and nourishing, and the cost-per-bar is a fraction of the ones at the store.
You also can’t beat their soft, chewy texture, and rich peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Break out a bowl, spoon, and loaf pan and you’re set! No food processor or oven needed for these no-bake bars.
I love topping them with a layer of melted chocolate, however this is totally optional. The chocolate chip filling makes them plenty decadent tasting.
The Ingredients
- Peanut Butter: Look for a creamy, natural peanut butter with only two ingredients: peanut butter and salt. The peanut butter should be drippy, which makes for easy mixing.
- Coconut Flour: Coconut flour soaks up a LOT of moisture, so a little goes a long way. Look for it in the baking aisle near the other alternative flours.
- Sweetener: I prefer using honey in these bars, however maple syrup also works!
- Collagen: The bulk of the protein in these balls come from unflavored collagen peptides. I suggest using a grass-fed collagen, such as Garden of Life brand, which is my personal go-to. If making these bites vegan, you can use a unflavored or vanilla vegan protein powder.
- Vanilla: For the real peanut butter cookie experience, add a dash of vanilla extract.
- Chocolate Chips: For dairy free, use Enjoy Life brand chocolate chips. For lower-sugar, use Lily’s brand chocolate chips.
The Directions
Step 1: Combine all Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, coconut flour, collagen, honey, vanilla, and sea salt; mix well to combine. Fold in chocolate chips.
Step 2: Chill Mixture
Press dough into a parchment-lined 9×5-inch loaf pan and press down firmly. If desired, melt additional chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth, and spread overtop.
Freeze for 30 to 45 minutes, or until set. Slice into 12 bars and keep chilled.
How to Store No Bake Protein Bars:
- To Store. Refrigerate bars for up to 2 weeks in a storage container. Enjoy chilled right out of the refrigerator.
- To Freeze. Place bars in an airtight storage container or ziptop bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator.
More Healthy Homemade Protein Snack Recipes:
Raspberry White Chocolate Energy Balls
Strawberries and Cream Energy Balls
Birthday Cake Protein Balls
No-Bake Peanut Butter Magic Bars
If you give these peanut butter protein bars a try, snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations. Also, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Bars
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- 9x5-inch loaf pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter (the only ingredients should be peanuts and salt)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unflavored collagen powder
- 3 Tbsp. coconut flour
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips (I use mini)
- Pinch of sea salt
Chocolate Coating (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tsp. coconut oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, collagen, coconut flour, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt; mix well to combine. Fold in chocolate chips.Transfer mixture to a parchment-lined 9x5-inch loaf pan and press down firmly to create an even layer.If making chocolate coating, melt additional chocolate chips with coconut oil either in the microwave or double broiler until smooth, and spread overtop. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Freeze for 30 to 45 minutes, or until set. Slice into 12 bars and keep refrigerated.
Notes
- To Store. Refrigerate bars for up to 2 weeks in a storage container. Enjoy chilled right out of the refrigerator.
- To Freeze. Place bars in an airtight storage container or ziptop bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
I calculate these values by hand to ensure accuracy, however expect up to a 10% variable depending on food brands.
Oh, wow, wow, wow! These are incredible!! I would make these even if I wasn’t working out (for the extra protein). Perfect texture, perfect sweetness and I love the nutrition profile. Once hubby gets to try these, I’m sure this will be a requested staple for the future!!
Hey Jamie. These look so delicious I can’t wait to make them. Could I swap collagen for something else?
It’s not a product I purchase.
Thanks!
Lyndsey
Hi Lyndsey – I’d say any kind of unflavored or vanilla protein powder would work in its place. Enjoy!
I’ve made these twice now and can’t get enough! They really do taste like a Reese’s., and help combat my daily sugar craving.
I’m so glad the recipe is a hit! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
These bars have become weekly staples! My husband now requests them instead of the protein bars he was buying, which were expensive and definitely not as tasty!
Hi Kailee – I’m so glad you enjoyed these! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a review!
These are simple and quick to make. And they are sooo good. A great protein boost/snack for my athletic and active family.
Hi Anitra – I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a review!
These are delicious and so easy to make! I love your baked goods recipes so much! I will make these all the time now. 🙂
Love, love, love!!! These protein bars make a delicious snack or dessert. And so easy to make. Have already shared with 3 friends. Thank you!
Just made these easy and yummy protein bars. They taste like Reese’s pb cups and will be on repeat in my kitchen! Hubby loved them! Thanks for another great recipe Jamie!
Yay! So glad they were a hit, Beth! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
I will definitely be trying these! I love Luna bars, but they are expensive! These seem like a great alternative !
Yes, totally! I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Kelly!