If you’re a protein bar fanatic like I am, then you may relate to my obsession with these Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars. I have been on the ultimate search for the perfect protein bar, and while I’ve found a few wonderful store-bought options, I LOVE this homemade version!
These Homemade Protein Bars are my go-to for a healthy, higher protein snack. They’re easy to make, easy to store, can help save money, and are great for staying full longer! They also taste like a delicious, indulgent treat. Make these peanut butter bars in 10 minutes or less, freeze, and enjoy for weeks to come!
RELATED: The 6 BEST Protein Bars for Women
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best protein bars!
Peanut Butter – Classic creamy peanut butter is the best option for these protein bars. However, any type of nut butter works great!
Vanilla Protein – Plant-based vanilla protein powder or whey vanilla protein powder both work wonderfully in this recipe.
Almond Flour – Ground almonds, or almond flour, add nutrition and texture to these bars. Other great options include PB2 or more protein powder!
Agave – Agave syrup adds the right amount of sweetness to this recipe. Honey also works great!
Chocolate Chips – Vegan chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips take these peanut butter protein bars to another level.
Coconut Oil – A touch of coconut oil mixed with the melted chocolate chips create a delicious chocolate glaze topping!
How to Make Homemade Protein Bars (VIDEO)
Note: This recipe has been updated since the creation of this video! While I loved it before, I think the bars have a much better structure to them now. The concept in the video is still the same, but I know that you will enjoy the new and improved taste of these Homemade Protein Bars as much as I do!
Here’s how to make Homemade Protein Bars (peanut butter or any type of nut butter):
- Combine peanut butter, protein powder, almond flour, and agave syrup.
- Pour into a square baking pan.
- Mix melted chocolate chips with coconut oil.
- Drizzle or pour over the peanut butter mixture.
- Freeze and cut into bars!
RELATED: 20+ BEST Vegan Protein Bars
Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars (Substitutions & Variations)
How to Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars without Peanut Butter?
You can make peanut butter protein bars with any type of nut butter. Almond butter, cashew butter, or a mixed nut butter are all great options!
The Best Types of Protein Powder to Use
My personal favorite plant-based protein powders are the Arbonne Vanilla Protein Powder and/or the Tone-It-Up Vanilla Protein. However, there are so many amazing options out there!
CHECK THIS OUT: The 5 Best Vegan Protein Powders (Honest Review)
How to Make Homemade Protein Bars without Protein Powder?
While these protein bars are definitely best made with protein powder, there are still ways around this. Another option would be to use PB2 powder instead of protein powder!
Chocolate Chips vs. Chocolate Glaze
This recipe calls for a chocolate glaze made from chocolate chips and a little bit of coconut oil. However, another option would be to simply omit the coconut oil and mix the chocolate chips into the peanut butter protein bar “batter”, then freeze. This can help save on calories as well as save time!
Topping Ideas
Want to take these protein bars up a notch? Sprinkle or drizzle a fun topping on them! Here are some ideas:
- Chopped Pistachios
- Chopped Walnuts
- Sliced Almonds
- Hemp Seeds
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Sea Salt
- Caramel
Storing Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars
It’s best to store Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy! Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or frozen for up to 3 months.
More Healthy Protein Snack Recipes
- No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- Vanilla Cream Protein Overnight Oats
- Blueberry Banana Protein Muffins
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Cookies
- Blueberry Vanilla Protein Shake Recipe
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to give it a rating below and tag your photos @jar.of.lemons!
Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup agave syrup
- 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/2 Tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Mix the peanut butter, protein powder, almond flour, and syrup together in a mixing bowl.
- Pour the mixture into an 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate chips for about 30-45 seconds in the microwave and mix in the coconut oil.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the bars and freeze for about 1 hour.
- Slice into 16 bars and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- It’s best to store Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy! Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or frozen for up to 3 months.
Laura says:
Yes, a thousand times YES! I love everything about these! Your photos are beautiful and I could {I mean I do} eat chocolate and peanut butter all day every day! I have some of my favorite protein powder on hand just ready to be used for this recipe!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Laura! Haha girl, me too. So good!
Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says:
Holy YUM! These beat any store-bought protein bar out there! LOVE peanut butter and chocolate together!
Christine McMichael replied:
Haha! They’re pretty delicious. Thanks so much, Bethany! 🙂
Simon says:
These looks ridiculously delicious; I can smell them through the screen. I’m looking forward to making these myself. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Simon! Haha so perfect, that’s always my goal! Enjoy, and yes please let me know how it goes!
Janine Good says:
These look delicious. The fact that they are high in protein makes them a little less sinful to eat 😉 Thanks for sharing this! I have saved this to try!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Janine! Yes, definitely!! 🙂
Clarissa says:
I had to pin these right away! I love that they’re not loaded with sugar!
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks for the pin, Clarissa! 🙂 Yes, me too!
Amy Scott says:
It’s not often treats this healthy look this good! Love the garnish too.
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Amy!
Jolina - The Unlikely Baker says:
Love lazy and easy recipes! This looks so delicious. I’d probably eat this as a dessert (seeing that I hardly work out haha – must change that). And it just so happens we have all the ingredients – even the tahini! Might just make this very soon 🙂
Christine McMichael replied:
Jolina, so glad we can agree on this! haha. That’s awesome…hey, I think they are definitely dessert-tasting, too! Perfect! 🙂
Lisa Sell says:
These look delicious. Definitely trying this recipe out!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Lisa! Let me know how they turn out!
Catrina says:
Oh yum! Can’t wait to try making these. They look so tasty!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Catrina! Enjoy!
Katrin CA says:
I love this. I’m always looking for protein stacked desserts. Really nice pictures as well. Makes my mouth watery.
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Katrin! 🙂
steven says:
Yummmmm!! Is there video instruction? Let me try this weekend. Thanks for your guide.
Christine McMichael replied:
Hi, Steven! Not yet, but I’m hoping to get one on here ASAP. Thank you! Enjoy!
Maggie Unzueta says:
I have all these ingredients in my kitchen right now. Must give this a try.
Christine McMichael replied:
Perfect, Maggie! Enjoy!
Danielle says:
5 ingredients on a dessert that literally made me gasp when I saw the picture is insane. I need you to either start selling these in stores near me or invite me over please. Either one. Seriously :p
Danielle | http://www.FollowMyGut.com <3
Christine McMichael replied:
So awesome, Danielle! Haha, enjoy the recipe!!! 🙂
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says:
Yum, must try these. I will have to sub cashew butter since my son is allergic to peanut butter but I’ll bet they are still delicious!
Christine McMichael replied:
I bet they would taste amazing with cashew butter! It’s so good!
[email protected] A Dash of Cinnamon says:
These sound amazing! Love the secret tahini in there 😉
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you! YES! It’s so good 🙂