HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BARS

These Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars are fudgy, soft, no-bake bars topped with dark chocolate. They are healthy, vegan, gluten-free, quick, and easy to make. Naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup. Each bar has 13 grams of protein and makes a perfect snack.

THESE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BARS ARE

• vegan
• dairy-free
• gluten-free
• grain-free
• healthy
• fudgy
• soft
• no-bake
• packed with protein
• naturally sweetened
• quick and easy to make
• drizzled with chocolate
• perfect as a snack

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BARS

You need the following ingredients to make these Protein Bars (the exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Dates – Use soft pitted dates. If you don’t have soft dates, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes and then drain them before blending.
• Maple syrup – adds more sweetness. You can also use agave syrup instead.
• Sea salt – balances the sweetness.
• Peanut butter – Helps to bind the bars together. Use high-quality natural smooth peanut butter. If you want some crunch, use crunchy peanut butter.
• Vegan protein powder – Use any vegan protein, but make sure it’s unsweetened (and unflavored). I like to use pea protein because it’s more neutral in flavor.
• Chocolate – to drizzle the bars. Use a high-quality chocolate bar.

Equipment you need:

• Food processor (or high-speed blender) – I recommend using a food processor for this recipe, but a good quality high-speed blender works as well. If you use a blender, use a blender tamper to help the mixture to blend easier.
• Mixing bowl
• Loaf pan – 9- or 10-inches x 5 inches (25cm long)
• Parchment paper

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE VEGAN PROTEIN BARS

You will find the instructions and ingredients list in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Making these protein bars is super easy and comes with only 6 simple steps:

1. Step: Blend the dates, maple syrup, sea salt, and peanut butter

To the food processor add dates*,  maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt and blend until well combined, then add peanut butter and blend again into a sticky mixture.

*If you don’t have soft dates, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes, then drain them.

2. Step: Combine the mixture with protein powder

Transfer the mixture to the mixing bowl, add vegan protein powder, and knead into a firm dough-like mixture. If it’s sticky, add more protein powder.

3. Step: Transfer to a loaf pan

Line loaf pan (9- or 10-inches x 5 inches) with a strip of parchment paper and secure it with binder paper clips.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press to the sides to make it even. Use the bottom of the measuring cup or glass to flatten it and smooth the top. Make sure it’s tightly packed.

4. Step: Let it chill and melt the chocolate

Place it in the fridge and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let it firm up.

Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in a double boiler over medium heat or in the microwave for a few seconds.

5. Step: Cut into bars and drizzle with chocolate

Remove the pan from the fridge and cut the dough-mixture into 8 even bars.

Drizzle each bar with melted chocolate on top.

6. Step: Let the chocolate set in the fridge

Transfer the bars to the fridge, and refrigerate until the chocolate has set (about 15 minutes).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE PROTEIN BARS?

To maintain the texture, store the protein bars in an airtight container in the fridge.

HOW LONG DO PROTEIN BARS LAST?

These protein bars will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks (if they last that long).

CAN YOU FREEZE HOMEMADE PROTEIN BARS?

Yes, you can freeze these protein bars for up to 3 months. Put them in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag and place them into the freezer. Then just let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

IF YOU LIKE THIS RECIPE, MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING:

• Coffee Bliss Balls
• Creamy Chocolate Protein Smoothie Bowl
• Homemade Nutella
• Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
• Maple Pecan Granola
• Biscoff Chocolate Truffles
• Pecan Pie Bars

 

If you try this recipe, please let me know by leaving a comment below. Or share your photo on Instagram and tag @plantifulbakery. 

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 protein bar / Calories: 254kcal / Total Fat: 9,9g / Saturated Fat: 2,2g / Cholesterol: 0mg / Total Carbohydrate: 32,1g / Fiber: 3,9g / Sugar: 23,7g / Protein: 13,4g / Sodium: 132mg / Iron: 0,7mg / Potassium: 217mg