No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars
These no bake peanut butter protein bars are easy, delicious, and so healthy! Protein powder, peanut butter, honey, oats, and peanuts come together to create a nutritious, on-the-go meal or between meal snack that’s as delicious as it is good for you. The best part is it’s so easy to make!
I know it’s hard to believe after all the delicious Christmas sweets I shared this year, but I actually do like to eat a relatively healthy diet. Sure, I’ll indulge, but I try to make recipes that are both delicious yet, healthy for my family and myself. Unfortunately, a lot of those recipes aren’t exactly transportable, and being as on-the-go as I am, it can be difficult to eat something that’s good for me while getting all the things on my to-do list checked off in a day. That’s why I love these peanut butter protein bars. They’re delicious and healthy, and they make it easy for me to enjoy a snack or meal while I’m out and about rushing to get everything done.
No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars
These delicious no bake protein bars start with peanut butter, rolled oats, and protein powder for a healthy blend of healthy fats, complex carbs, and protein – and let’s not forget delicious flavor. I add peanuts for more crunch and fiber along with honey for sweetness. Then, I combine it all and chill until firm. That’s it! This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s ridiculously easy, as well!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It only uses a handful of simple ingredients.
- It’s a super healthy recipe.
- It tastes like total junk food!
- It makes a great on-the-go meal or snack or an excellent pre-workout snack.
Ingredients
This recipe only uses five ingredients, and you probably have all of them in your kitchen right now. It seems like everyone has protein powder in their kitchen these days, but if you don’t, you can find it at your local grocery store, big box store, and of course, online.
- 2 1/4 cups quick cooking oats, you can use old fashioned oats for more of a textured, chewier bar
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder, about a scant 1/2 cup, I use this protein powder for all my baking recipes too. PEScience vanilla whey and casein blend
- 3/4 to 1 cup smooth peanut butter, start with 3/4, I used natural Skippy
- 1/2 cup honey, or for vegan, you can use, coconut nectar, agave nectar, (found in most grocery stores, Target, and Walmart) brown rice syrup, maple syrup (maple syrup is thinner, so, you may need to adjust the amount)or no calorie syrup such as allulose
- 1/8 teaspoon fine salt, I used fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, this is optional
- 1/2 cup peanuts, unsalted or salted
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Making this recipe couldn’t be easier. The entire process is simply a matter of mixing, chilling, and cutting. That’s really all there is to it.
- Line an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 in square pan with parchment paper. Or, lay a piece of parchment paper down the middle with leaving an overlay on two of the sides. This will help you lift the bars when finished.
- In a large microwave safe bowl, add the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. Heat for about 45 seconds. Take out and you should see the peanut butter soften up just a bit and the honey get a little more drippy with the coconut oil, just about melted. If not, put back in for another 15 to 20 seconds tops. Take out and with a wooden spoon or heavy rubber spatula, mix to combine.
- Add in the quick oats, salt, and protein powder. Stir to get everything combined. The mixture may be a bit dry, if so, add a little more peanut butter, honey, or even a little cold water. 1 tablespoon at a time. It’s not going to be a very sticky batter. If for some reason you need a bit more oats, add just a tablespoon at a time.
- Press the mixture into the pan in an even layer. You can use the rubber spatula or clean damp hands.
- Sprinkle the peanuts evenly over the top and press them gently into the mixture.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours or until firm.
- When chilled, lift the parchment paper onto a cutting board and cut into 8 bars. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
- Use your favorite protein powder for this recipe.
- For a change, change around the nut butter, almond butter works nicely in this recipe too. For a nut free bar, try using a seed butter.
- Use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth for even more texture.
- Try sprinkling chocolate chips over the top of the mixture before chilling.
- For a chocolate peanut butter variation, use chocolate protein powder.
- For a chewier texture, use rolled oats. For a smoother texture, use quick oats.
Equipment
- 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 square pan
- Measuring cups
- Knife
Storage
Refrigerator: Store for up to a week in an air-tight container.
Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store for up to 2 months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
What to Serve with No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars
These delicious bars are primarily for a quick on-the-go meal or snack, but you can make them a quick and easy morning breakfast by simply pairing them with some fresh fruit and a glass of milk or coffee!
Tips
- If you find it difficult to mix the bar batter, use clean damp hands and mix by hand.
- It’s better to use smooth peanut butter rather than chunky so the ingredients fully mix.
- Be sure you press the mixture firmly into the pan in an even layer so the bars are nice and dense.
- Be gentle when pressing the peanuts into the top of the bar batter. You want them to press in just a little.
More Peanut Butter Recipes
If you’re a fan of peanut butter, then I have some recipes I think you’re going to love.
- Chocolate Drizzled Peanut Butter Bars
- 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cup Fudge
- Low Carb Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
FAQ
Are these no bake peanut butter protein bars healthy?
They absolutely are! The peanut butter and peanuts are full of fiber and healthy fat, the protein powder adds protein to the bars, the rolled oats are a source of complex carbs, and even the honey is a natural sweetener that’s good for you.
Should peanut butter protein bars be refrigerated?
Yes, these bars should be refrigerated. It keeps them fresher longer and ensures they retain their shape.
Can I use any kind of protein for these bars?
Absolutely. I prefer a whey and casein blend for a slower digesting protein, but you can use any kind you like.
How do I defrost these bars after storing them in the freezer?
Simply leave them in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours.
Print and copy recipe below..
No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars
This simple recipe turns out the most tasty and healthy no bake peanut butter protein bars. Only a few ingredients to healthy deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups quick cooking oats, you can use old fashioned oats for more of a textured, chewier bar
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder, about a scant 1/2 cup, I use this protein powder for all my baking recipes too. PEScience vanilla whey and casein blend
- 3/4 - 1 cup smooth peanut butter, start with 3/4, I used natural Skippy
- 1/2 cup honey, or for vegan, you can use, coconut nectar, agave nectar, (found in most grocery stores, Target, and Walmart) brown rice syrup, maple syrup (maple syrup is thinner, so, you may need to adjust the amount)or no calorie syrup such as allulose
- 1/8 teaspoon fine salt, I used fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, this is optional
- 1/2 cup peanuts, salted or unsalted
Instructions
-
1. Line an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 in square pan with parchment paper. Or, lay a piece of parchment paper down the middle with leaving an overlay on two of the sides. This will help you lift the bars when finished.
2. In a large microwave safe bowl, add the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. Heat for about 45 seconds. Take out and you should see the peanut butter soften up just a bit and the honey get a little more drippy with the coconut oil, just about melted. If not, put back in for another 15 to 20 seconds tops.
3. Take out and with a wooden spoon or heavy rubber spatula, mix to combine. Add in the quick oats, salt, and protein powder. Stir to get everything combined. The mixture may be a bit dry, if so, add a little more peanut butter, honey, or even a little cold water. 1 tablespoon at a time. It’s not going to be a very sticky batter. If for some reason you need a bit more oats, add just a tablespoon at a time.
4. Press the mixture into the pan in an even layer. You can use the rubber spatula or clean damp hands. Sprinkle the peanuts evenly over the top and press them gently into the mixture. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or until firm. When chilled, lift the parchment paper onto a cutting board and cut into 8 bars. Enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy these totally delicious no bake peanut butter protein bars. They are so good!
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