Peanut butter protein bar recipe

Sharing a super delicious and super easy homemade peanut butter protein bar recipe. Itโ€™s gluten-free and dairy-free, too!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope that youโ€™re having a wonderful week. Leading up to our trip, I was doing a ton of meal prepping. With P home and doing the homeschool thing, sheโ€™s helped me a lot, and itโ€™s so amazing for the kids to be stocked with staples and healthy snacks, too.

Even when I donโ€™t meal prep a lot, thereโ€™s something that I emphasize: protein. I think protein is the hardest macro to hit if itโ€™s not prepped and ready to go. When I open the fridge and see a pack of raw chicken or anything else, Iโ€™ll choose anything else lol. If the chicken is cooked, Iโ€™ll eat it!

Getting enough protein is essential for overall health, muscle recovery, and staying full and satisfied throughout the day. Whether you’re trying to build muscle, maintain a healthy weight, or to ensure you’re meeting your daily nutritional needs, protein plays a significant role.

How much protein do you actually need each day?

While the recommended daily intake varies depending on factors like age, activity level, and fitness goals, a general guideline is around 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for the average person. Athletes or those with active lifestyles may require even more. I found that thereโ€™s a sweet spot for protein, and for myself, I try to hit at least 100g per day.

One of the easiest ways to increase your protein intake is by incorporating protein-rich snacks into your day. Somethine we LOVE: these homemade protein butter bars. They’re packed with wholesome ingredients, easy to make, and absolutely delicious – I think youโ€™ll love them as much as we do!

Peanut Butter Protein Bar Recipe

These peanut butter protein bars are the perfect balance of chewy, nutty, and naturally sweetened goodness. Theyโ€™re packed with protein, thanks to vanilla protein powder, and theyโ€™re a convenient snack on the go. Unlike many store-bought protein bars, this recipe is made with clean, simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, theyโ€™re gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and can easily be made dairy-free by choosing the right chocolate.

Each serving contains approximately 10-12 grams of protein, making it an excellent way to fuel your body and keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.

Does Peanut Butter Have Protein?

Peanut butter has a small amount of protein, along with healthy fats that help keep you full and satisfied. On average, one tablespoon of peanut butter contains about 4 grams of protein. While itโ€™s not as protein-dense as foods like chicken or fish, peanut butter can be paired with other protein-rich ingredients like vanilla protein powder or greek yogurt. Even though it has a little protein, I consider it to be more of a fat in my daily nutrient balance.

How To Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Ingredients:

1 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter/cashew butter for variation)

1/3 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup vanilla protein powder

1/2 cup almond flour or oat flour

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate (melted for topping)

1 tablespoon coconut oil

Parchment paper for lining the baking pan

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the vanilla protein powder, almond flour, and sea salt. Mix until a thick dough forms.

Step 4: Press Into Pan

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly using a spatula or your hands.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate Topping

In a small bowl, melt the dairy-free chocolate with coconut oil until smooth. Pour over the protein bars and spread evenly.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy!

Once set, remove from the pan, slice into bars, and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

These homemade protein bars are perfect as a post-workout snack, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a grab-and-go breakfast option.

Making your own peanut butter protein bars at home is an easy way to ensure youโ€™re getting high-quality ingredients without any unnecessary additives or preservatives. Plus, you can customize them to your liking – swap out peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter, or add in extras like chia seeds or shredded coconut. Give this recipe a try, and please let me know what you think!

If you’re looking for more, check out this homemade protein ice cream and protein pancakes recipe.

xoxo

Gina

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