Save
These homemade protein bars come together in five minutes with just four simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Customizing is easy so you can choose your favorite flavors or add-ins to make a snack totally your own. I started making these on busy weeks when I needed an on-the-go breakfast that would actually keep me full
Ingredients
- Peanut butter or a seed butter alternative: brings richness and smooth texture choose a creamy style without extra oil on top and the best flavor is from freshly opened jars
- Protein powder: provides the muscle building boost pick a powder that actually tastes good to you since the flavor will come through unsweetened types work especially well
- Pure maple syrup or honey: binds everything and adds natural sweetness if you want lower sugar you can decrease this amount just slightly
- Salt: lifts the flavors and balances the sweetness use a fine sea salt for even distribution
- Melted chocolate chips (optional): but turns the bars into a treat choose a good quality chocolate so it melts smoothly and tastes great
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Dough:
- Combine peanut butter protein powder maple syrup and salt together in a large bowl Stir with a sturdy spoon until the mixture forms a thick even dough and you see no more streaks of powder
- Shape the Bars:
- Either press dough firmly into a parchment lined eight inch square pan to create one even layer or take pieces and shape into bars using your hands Press tightly so the bars stay together and become dense
- Coat with Chocolate:
- If using chocolate melt it gently until smooth Spread it over the top of the dough in the pan or dip each hand formed bar into the chocolate Let the excess chocolate drip off
- Chill to Set:
- Place pan or bars in the refrigerator for about thirty minutes or until everything firms up completely This makes them easy to cut and helps everything hold together
- Cut and Enjoy:
- Remove from the pan Using a sharp knife cut into ten to sixteen bars depending on your size preference Store in an airtight container
Save
How to Store Protein Bars
Keep your bars in an airtight container in the fridge for the best texture They stay soft and chewy for up to a week You can also freeze the bars separating layers with parchment If you want to take them to go wrap bars individually in foil or parchment
Save
Ingredient Swaps and Mix Ins
Swap the peanut butter for almond butter sunflower seed butter or tahini as needed Add chopped dried fruit coconut flakes or a few tablespoons of mini chocolate chips right into the dough to change up flavor or make them more filling
Serving Suggestions
I love these with a hot cup of tea or coffee for breakfast They are perfect in lunchboxes or after workouts For an extra special treat stack two bars with a thick layer of yogurt between for a protein packed snack sandwich
Known Roots of Protein Bars
Protein bars have their roots in sports nutrition but home cooks have transformed them into an everyday snack Making them yourself lets you avoid the weird additives and control what goes inside My recipe is inspired by the food I needed back in my marathon training days but can be enjoyed by anyone
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of protein powder works best?
Unsweetened protein powder is ideal, but you can choose your favorite flavor to suit your taste buds.
- → Can I substitute peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or other alternatives can be used for allergy-friendly options.
- → How can I add different flavors?
Incorporate mix-ins like dried fruit, seeds, spices, or cocoa powder to change up the flavor profile.
- → Should the bars be kept in the fridge?
It’s best to store these bars chilled to help them maintain their shape and freshness.
- → Can I add a chocolate coating?
Yes, drizzle or dip in melted chocolate for a richer taste, adding a little oil for smoother texture if desired.
- → How many bars does this make?
Depending on how you cut them, the batch yields 10 to 16 bars—perfect for snacks or sharing.