Quick, no-bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars are made with rolled oats, peanut butter, and some protein powder for a filling snack with 10 grams of protein in each bar. Vegan friendly and gluten-free.
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Get ready for the easiest, quickest, and best peanut butter protein bars around!
Making your own snacks that are packed with protein couldn’t be easier with this recipe!
Peanut butter and oats are making up the base of these no bake protein bars today, which means these are definitely going to be a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Highlights
- Quick and easy. Made in just one bowl without any fancy equipment.
- Just 7 ingredients, most you probably already have in your pantry!
- Vegan friendly when using maple syrup and plant based protein powder.
- Gluten free using certified gluten free rolled oats.
- Tastes like healthy dessert! The combination of peanut butter and chocolate will have you thinking these healthy oatmeal bars are dessert.
Ingredients
- peanut butter – I used a 100% pure peanut butter, nothing added – these tend to be on the drippy side be sure to give the jar a good stir.
- honey or maple syrup – feel free to use maple syrup to keep this recipe vegan friendly.
- coconut oil – just a little bit helps set the bars
- rolled oats – be sure to use rolled oats here, not quick oats, to get the right texture.
- hemp hearts – these are optional but you could also use flaxseed meal instead.
- chia seeds – I like adding chia seeds as well for additional fiber and heart healthy fats.
- protein powder – you can use whey protein, beef isolate protein powder or plant based. If using plant based, you will likely need to add a couple splashes of water and some more coconut oil.
Find the full detailed instructions with measurements in the recipe card below, at the end of this post.
Ready in 30 Minutes
These oat peanut butter protein bars are SO EASY and take about 5 minutes to throw together. You just need some mixing bowls and a parchment lined square baking pan.
1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl add together the oats, chia seeds, hemp hearts and protein powder.
2. Mix wet ingredients separately: In a medium microwave safe bowl, melt together the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup and coconut oil. Or use a saucepan over low heat.
3. Combine: Add the peanut butter mixture to the oat mixture until combined, using your hands at the end as necessary to make sure it is evenly mixed.
4. Press into pan and Chill: Then press the mixture into your lined baking pan and chill in the fridge for about 45 minutes.
5. Add Chocolate Topping: In a microwave safe bowl melt chocolate chips on half power with coconut oil and peanut butter. Stir to combine and then drizzle on.
Protein Powder Options
Whey protein powder or beef isolate protein powder can be used, or collagen peptides with no substitutions necessary.
If using plant based protein powder, add a few splashes of water and a little extra coconut oil to help the mixture come together. Plant based protein will absorb liquid more than other kinds.
How to Store & Reheat
Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to two weeks.
Freezing: Label with date to be used within 3 months, and freeze in an airtight container.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use quick oats in this recipe?
Stick to rolled oats for this recipe, as quick oats will absorb too much of the wet ingredients.
What kind of protein powder can I use?
Whey, collagen or beef isolate protein powder all work well without any modifications to the recipe. If using plant based protein, you may need a splash of water or a little extra water to get the mixture to come together.
Do I have to warm up the peanut butter mixture?
If your peanut butter is really drippy, you may find you can skip the melting directions. But if it’s super thick, it does help the peanut butter, honey and coconut oil come together easier.
Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Ingredients
for the bars:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3 tablespoons hemp hearts or flaxseed meal
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ½ cup protein powder*
- ¾ cup all -natural peanut butter
- 1 ½ tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon raw honey, use brown rice syrup or maple syrup for vegan
chocolate topping
- 3 tablespoons mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ tablespoon all-natural peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Line 8×8 pan with parchment paper, set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together oats, protein powder, hemp hearts and chia seeds; set aside.
- In a medium microwave safe bowl, add peanut butter, coconut oil, and honey. Microwave for 10-15 seconds, and stir until evenly combined. Add to dry ingredients, mixing with hands at the end as needed. Mixture will be thick.
- Press oat mixture into prepared pan, using hands to press evenly into all corners. Place pan in refrigerator for about 45 minutes to set (or 20 minutes in freezer).
- Once bars have set, melt chocolate: melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in microwave on half power in 15-20 second intervals. Once completely melted stir in peanut butter until no lumps are present. Drizzle peanut butter chocolate on bars and allow to set, about 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Cut: Lift parchment paper from pan and place on cutting board. Using a large sharp knife, cut bars into 12 servings.
- Store Peanut Butter Protein Bars in airtight container in fridge up to 2 weeks, or in store in freezer for up to 3 months. Enjoy!
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