Peanut Butter Protein Bars – A homemade version of the Peanut Butter Perfect Bars that are soft, loaded with protein and taste like cookie dough! No baking required, super easy and ready in no time.
I don’t know about you, but breakfast is not my favorite meal of the day. I hate taking the time to actually make something. But I want something that is full of protein, filling, and easy. And let’s face it, Chocolate Chip Muffins are not the best choice for a healthy breakfast.
So, I have tried pretty much every protein bar that is on the market, trying to find one that I like. Perfect Bars seem to be the one that I like the best, but they are just so expensive. So I decided to try my own!
What You’ll Need
- Peanut Butter – you want to use a peanut butter with the only ingredients on the jar as peanuts. You don’t want to have any added sugar or oil to them. The recipe will definitely work if you use Skippy peanut butter, but the nutrition aspect changes a lot when you do.
- Protein Powder – I like to use vanilla here, but if you want to make them more chocolate-y or a different flavor, any variety will work. Just use a powder you like. There are a million different ones on the market, using different protein sources. Just pick one you like and you know works well with your stomach.
- Agave – I like agave in this recipe because it sweetens, but doesn’t flavor the bars. Honey or maple syrup work great as well. I use about 1/4 cup, sometimes a little less. If I am putting the chocolate on top, I use closer to 2 Tablespoons. It is kind of to taste. So mix up the dough, taste it before pressing it into the pan to determine if you want a little more.
- Chocolate – the chocolate on top is completely optional. The Perfect bars are not coated in chocolate, so this makes them different. It is just a super
Perfect Bars
I have to say, these are probably my all-time favorite bar. They are just sweet enough, without tasting like dessert (at least to me, you can reduce the agave if you want it even less sweet). I think these are smoother and creamier than the Perfect bars. Sometimes I think those can be a little dense and chalky, so I will be making my own from now on!
I added the chocolate layer on top to make it just a little more fun, but it is completely optional! The nutritional information in the recipe card does include the chocolate topping, so if those numbers are important to you, be sure to calculate it without, if that is how you choose to make them.
How To Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card to get the measurements and full instructions!
- In a bowl mix together the peanut butter, protein powder, agave, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips.
- Press into a lined 8 inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl melt together the chocolate and avocado oil until smooth. Pour over bars, and spread into an even layer. This is completely optional – skip this step if you don’t want chocolate on the top.
- Place in the fridge for 2-3 hours for them to completely set up.
- Slice into 10 bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Recipe Tips
- I like to use agave in this recipe, as I think it doesn’t affect the flavor as much as maple syrup or honey. But you really can use any liquid sweetener you like.
- If you have a peanut allergy, or just want to change the flavor use any nut butter that you like! You can even use sunbutter or wow butter as allergy friendly alternatives.
- Once the bars are set, you can remove them from the pan to slice. If you are using the chocolate on top, you might want to let them warm up just slightly before slicing. This will help to make sure the chocolate doesn’t break and seperate from the bars.
Storage
These will last for about a week in the fridge. I layer them with parchment paper or wax paper in an airtight container so they don’t stick to each other. Then you can just grab one in the morning, after your workout or just because you are hungry and enjoy!
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes
- Chocolate Oatmeal
- Apple Smoothie
- Baked Oatmeal Cups
- Chocolate Oatmeal Blender Muffins
- Breakfast Bowls
- Protein Pancakes
- Kiwi Spinach Smoothie
Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Peanut Butter Protein Bars - A homemade version of the Peanut Butter Perfect Bars that are soft, loaded with protein and taste like cookie dough! No baking required, super easy and ready in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (peanuts as the only ingredient)
- 3/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup agave (or honey)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 3 oz semi-sweet chocolate (optional)
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl mix together the peanut butter, protein powder, agave, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips.
- Press into a lined 8 inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl melt together the chocolate and avocado oil until smooth. Pour over bars, and spread into an even layer. This is completely optional – skip this step if you don’t want chocolate on the top.
- Place in the fridge for 2-3 hours for them to completely set up.
- Slice into 10 bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 237Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 1mgSodium 209mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 3gSugar 12gProtein 12g
Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.
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Beth says
These look so good! I think they’d be perfect for me when I’m rushed in the morning. Yum!
Krystle says
I thought I hated protein powder but I LOVED these. Tastes like candy!
Mommo8 says
Good food
Catalina says
Oh my goodness! These protein bars are a must make! Peanut butter is my favorite flavor!
Sandra says
This quickly became a favorite at my house! I will definitely make it again!