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
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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!