No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

No-bake chocolate peanut butter protein bars are one of the best high protein snacks! They are vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and can easily be made keto or paleo. These homemade protein bars are made with healthy ingredients like peanut butter, almond flour, and real maple syrup. Enjoy them as a midday snack or post workout dessert. They’re easy to make and ready in just 10 minutes!

With so many brands of protein bars on the market, it may seem daunting to create your own at home. I mean, how could the homemade kind possibly compare to all the rest? Well, let me tell you… dreams really do come true! These no-bake chocolate peanut butter protein bars are even better than the ones you’ll find at a grocery store.

What’s so great about homemade protein bars? Well, unlike the store bought kind, they are made with no refined sugar, no preservatives, and no additives. Yet, they are loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals, and a delicious taste. Essentially, you’re getting all the good stuff and none of the junk. Oh, and you’re saving money in the process. Win-win!

These protein bars are reminiscent of peanut butter cups in both taste and texture. So if you’ve been looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth in a nutritious way, this is the snack for you. At last, you can enjoy the unbeatable duo of rich chocolate + creamy peanut butter while actually sticking to a healthy diet. (Yay!)

These chocolate peanut butter protein bars are:

• Vegan, grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free
• Soft, chewy, sweet, and salty
• Refined sugar-free & naturally sweetened with maple syrup
• A high protein, 10 minute snack
• Made with 8 ingredients using pantry staples
• Easily customizable for keto and paleo diets
• A healthy way to curb chocolate cravings

What are no-bake peanut butter protein bars made of?

• Protein powder: Use your favorite peanut butter protein powder or vanilla protein powder. Any kind can be used, like brown rice, pea, soy, hemp, and more. If you do not follow a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can use whey protein.
• Peanut butter: The key ingredient for a rich, creamy, peanut buttery flavor. If you are a peanut-free household, use sunflower seed butter instead.
• Maple syrup: These protein bars are sweetened with real maple syrup. You may be able to use another liquid sweetener (like coconut nectar or agave nectar) and achieve similar results.
• Almond flour: Almond flour is made from ground almonds. It helps bind the ingredients together into a moldable dough.
• Chocolate chips: Use your favorite chocolate chips to top the peanut butter layer.
• Coconut oil: This helps thin the melted chocolate, which allows it to spread easily across the bars. It also softens the chocolate topping, reducing the chance of it breaking apart when you slice them. Coconut oil is optional, but I recommend including it for these reasons.
• Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla is needed for the sweet peanut butter layer.
• Salt: Add a pinch of salt for a salty-sweet taste.

How to make peanut butter protein bars

For the full ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

First, add protein powder, peanut butter, maple syrup, almond flour, vanilla extract, and salt to a bowl. Mix together until dough forms.

Second, line a square baking dish with parchment paper. This is an important step! It will prevent the dough from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Third, add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between, until the chocolate is completely melted. Pour the melted chocolate over the dough. Spread in an even layer across the dish.

Finally, chill the bars in the freezer for 5 minutes or until the chocolate sets. Gently slice 8-12 bars, depending on your preferred size. Enjoy!

Recipe variations

These homemade chocolate peanut butter protein bars are easily customizable. You can make various adjustments within the recipe to meet your own dietary needs.

• Peanut-free: replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter
• Keto: use keto-friendly ingredient swaps, like stevia-sweetened maple syrup
• Sugar-free: choose sugar-free brands for the maple syrup and chocolate chips
• Paleo: be sure to use almond butter instead of peanut butter
• Nut-free: use sweetened tahini or sunflower seed butter

Tips for making homemade protein bars

Here are all my tips to make the best protein bars at home. Perfect this recipe, and you’ll never want to buy the store bought bars again!

Use peanut butter protein powder. For a rich peanut buttery flavor, I recommend using a high-quality peanut butter protein powder. If you don’t have (or cannot find) this flavor, vanilla protein powder will work too.

Do not pack the protein powder. Instead, gently spoon the protein powder into a measuring cup. If you pack the protein powder into the measuring cup, you will use too much and the protein bars will be very dry.

Salt the bars. I love adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. It not only adds a delicious salty-sweet flavor, but it also decorates the protein bars!

How to make clean slices: Have you ever cut into a homemade dessert and caused it to crumble all over the place? This tip will change your life. Follow the simple steps below.

1. Place a large knife under hot running water for 15 seconds.
2. Wipe the knife dry with a paper towel.
3. Immediately slice the bars, wiping the knife clean between each cut.

How to store them

Place the vegan protein bars in a sealed container. Keep stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longterm storage, keep them inside the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend placing a square of parchment paper between each bar to prevent them from sticking together in the freezer.

More vegan protein bar recipes

• Peanut Butter Protein Balls
• No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
• Brownie Protein Bars
• Protein Truffles
• Cookie Dough Protein Bars
• Birthday Cake Protein Bars

If you try these No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

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