Description
These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars are a delicious, low-carb snack that tastes just like a peanut butter cup. Made with natural peanut butter, protein powder, and dark chocolate, they’re perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy treat that you can keep in your fridge all week long.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- ¾ cup (192g) natural creamy peanut butter (just peanuts + salt)
- ¼ cup (84g) honey (or coconut palm syrup, if vegan)
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (40g) ground flaxseed meal
- ½ cup (40g) vanilla or plain protein powder*
Chocolate Layer
- 2.5 ounces 85% dark chocolate bar
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the natural peanut butter, honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the ground flaxseed meal and your choice of vanilla or plain protein powder into the peanut butter mixture. Stir with a spoon until it becomes difficult to mix, then use clean hands to knead it together. The texture should resemble a soft cookie dough.
- Press Into Pan: Line an 8×4 inch pan with parchment paper. Evenly press the peanut butter mixture firmly into the pan to create a compact base layer.
- Melt Chocolate: In a small saucepan, gently melt the 2.5 ounces of 85% dark chocolate over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth and fully melted without burning.
- Top Bars with Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base in the pan. Tilt the pan gently to ensure the chocolate layer evenly covers the entire surface of the peanut butter layer. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour until the chocolate is set and firm.
- Slice and Store: Remove from the fridge and slice into 10 bars or squares. Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, enjoying them as a nutritious snack anytime.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with coconut palm syrup or maple syrup.
- Use your favorite vanilla or plain protein powder to customize flavor and nutrition.
- Ensure chocolate is melted gently over low heat to prevent burning.
- Bars keep well refrigerated up to two weeks, or can be frozen for longer storage.
- You can adjust sweetness by adding a bit more honey or syrup if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
