These homemade protein bars are made with peanut butter and naturally sweetened- they need just 4 ingredients! Packed with over 21 grams of protein and no baking required.
Need snack time inspiration? Here’s a protein packed snack that is always a massive hit in our house: peanut butter protein bars!
This protein bar recipe combines two of our other high protein snacks: protein balls and peanut butter protein balls. Sick and tired of forking out tons of money for store-bought ones, we opted to make our own and feel SO much better about it.
Made with just 4 ingredients, they take minutes to prepare. We try to make a batch at least once a week, so we always have some on hand. However, they taste so good, they rarely last that long.
Thick, chewy, and full of peanut butter flavor, each bar packs in over 21 grams of protein. They are great to enjoy between meals as they always keep hunger at bay!
Ingredients needed
Homemade protein bars are simple creatures: they use pantry staple ingredients with the addition of protein powder. To add extra flavor, use a vanilla or peanut butter flavored protein powder. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Protein Powder. Any protein powder works, including whey protein, casein protein, and brown rice protein. For a more intense peanut butter flavor, use peanut butter protein.
- Coconut Flour. This helps hold the protein bars together while ensuring they have a soft and doughy texture.
- Peanut Butter. Smooth and drippy peanut butter, with no added sugar.
- Maple Syrup. Either traditional maple syrup or sugar free maple syrup, to lower the carbs and calories. You can also use agave nectar or honey.
- Chocolate Chips. To cover the protein bars with! To keep these as plain peanut butter protein bars, you can omit the chocolate. Use either sugar free chocolate chips or dairy free chocolate chips.
How to make homemade protein bars
Peanut butter protein bars are easy to make: just remember to mix everything thoroughly before transferring it into the pan to set. Here’s the basic idea of making homemade protein bars (or see the recipe below for specifics):
- Mix: Add all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until combined. Fold through the chocolate chips.
- Set: Transfer the mix into a lined pan and press down until smooth on top. Refrigerate for an hour.
- Slice: Using a slightly wet knife, slice into protein bars, then serve.
Can I replace the coconut flour?
If you don’t follow a grain free or keto diet, you can use another flour instead of coconut flour. Here is what can be substituted instead:
- Almond flour: You can use almond flour or almond meal as another low carb and grain free flour. However, you will need to double the amount of coconut flour required.
- Oat flour: Oat flour can also be used instead of coconut flour, and you will need to double the amount.
Storage info
Wondering what’s the best way to store homemade protein bars? Here are best practices for protein bar storage:
- Up to 1 week: Store at room temperature in an airtight container.
- 1 week or more: Protein bars store well in the refrigerator, too! Let them sit at room temperature for several minutes before enjoying.
- 6 months: Freeze in a sealable container for up to 6 months.
More protein bar recipes to try
- Snickers protein bars
- Coconut protein bars
- Keto protein bars
- Protein granola bars
- Cookie dough protein bars
Frequently Asked Questions
Homemade protein bars are great for a weight management or weight loss diet as they use wholesome and healthy ingredients and have around 150 calories.
Solely eating multiple protein bars can have negative side effects, especially if you have an intolerance to protein powder ingredients.
However, enjoying 1-2 protein bars per day as a snack can keep you satisfied and fuller for longer.
Most protein shake recipes have few carbs or fat in it, which won’t keep you as satisfied as a protein bar. Shakes are great after a workout, especially if you intend to eat a solid meal soon after.
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Homemade Protein Bars (4 Ingredients!)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 3/4 cup protein powder * See notes
- 2 cups peanut butter Can sub for any nut or seed butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup ** See notes
- 2 cups chocolate chips of choice Optional
Instructions
- Line a deep pan with parchment paper and set aside. For thicker bars, use an 8 x 8-inch pan. For thinner bars, use any size bigger.
- In a large mixing bowl, add your dry ingredients and mix well.
- In a small mixing bowl, melt your peanut butter with sticky sweetener until combined. Add to dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
- Transfer protein bar batter into the lined baking dish and press firmly in place. Refrigerate or freeze until firm. Once firm, cut into bars and cover in optional chocolate and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.
I made these to feed a keep a group of teenage girls powered through a volleyball tournament. The bars were a hit and the moms all took the recipe home. Thank you!
Ahhh cheers for that! 😀
I see the nutritional facts at the end of the recipe, but it doesn’t say how many this is of total recipe and if this included the chocolate chips.
It does include chocolate chips and it is listed in the recipe card 🙂
I just made these as of 30 minutes ago. I used maple syrup as the sweetener. These taste exactly like dense Reese’s peanut butter cups. 5 stars.
😀 LOVE IT!
A query – how do you melt the peanut butter with the sticky sweetener in your bowl? Can’t wait to try this!
Hi! Either microwave or stovetop.
how many servings does this make?
Hi! 12-16 🙂
Do you think it would work to use PBFit or PB2 instead of regular peanut butter.
I haven’t tried, but feel free to experiment and see!
Is there any tricks to getting the entire bar coated in chocolate like the pictures? In the video, just the tops are coated.
Hi! Sure, dip each bar in it individually!
Are the carbs listed Net Carbs? cause if not it would be -4net carbs lol which would be awesome but is that a thing….?
Hi there, no net carbs will need to be calculated by subtracting the fiber from the carbs.
Hi! How long will they hold when they aren’t stored in the fridge, but in a dark, cooler pantry? Can they wrappedindividually and sealed in some ways? I want to try and make these, but I’m looking for a recioe that will allow me to have these as a “grab&go”-type of bar.. Like if I can have them in my bag for 4-6hours?
Sure can!
Can I use honey instead of Maple?
Sure can!
Hi how Long are these bars good for?
Hi there! At least 2 weeks!