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Home » Course » Appetizers/Snacks » Easy Peanut Butter Protein Bars

March 19, 2023

Easy Peanut Butter Protein Bars

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These easy peanut butter protein bars are no-bake and contain only four simple ingredients. A great workout snack to boost your energy!

Years ago, my sister-in-law introduced me to these peanut butter protein bars. I was immediately intrigued when she said they're fast and easy. A healthy snack option to keep you filled and energized in between meals. They actually taste good and are not chalky!

stack of peanut butter protein barsHomemade Protein Bars

Whenever I try store-bought protein bars, I think they taste way too chalky and lack flavor. That's one of the main reasons I love this homemade version. It's NOT chalky at all!

Use only 4 ingredients from the pantry: peanut butter, oatmeal, whey protein and honey. Although there is a 1 hour chilling time to firm the bars before you can actually eat these, the mixture whips together within 5 minutes.

stack of homemade protein bars with peanut butter and honeyRecipe Variations

Try mixing in your favorite chocolate chips, nuts, or flax or chia seeds.

You can use maple syrup or agave instead of honey!

Some have tried this with almond butter or another nut butter. I haven't tested these, but give it a whirl!

Sprinkle each bar with a tiny speck of sea salt if you wish!

Storage

The chilling time in the refrigerator is only to firm up the bars quickly. Otherwise, these protein bars store on the counter in an airtight container at room temperature. I actually just keep them in the pan and cut a slice when the craving strikes. I have never tried storing these in the freezer.

slices of peanut butter protein barsPeanut Butter Protein Balls

Many of you told me you made these into cookie dough protein balls. This is a great idea! Take the mixture, and roll into 2-inch balls. Store them in the fridge so they keep their shape. Try mixing mini chocolate chips or your favorite nuts into the batter before you roll them.

I hope you love these as much as we do!

Helpful Equipment

Pyrex Baking Pan (I use the smaller 7x11 of this set, which comes with a very hand 9x13 that I use all the time for other recipes)
Parchment Paper (you can also find this at any grocery store, or use wax paper)
Microwave Safe Bowl (8 cup size or 2 quart)

homemade peanut butter protein bars cut into squaresMade This Recipe?

Made it and liked it? Leave a star rating, take a photo and tag me on social media @seededtable so I can share it!

This recipe was originally published March 2016.

Recipe Card

peanut butter protein bars cut into squares
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4.59 from 79 votes

Easy Peanut Butter Protein Bars

These easy peanut butter protein bars are no-bake and contain only four simple ingredients. A great workout snack to boost your energy!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy Peanut Butter Protein Bars, Easy Protein Bars, Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 263kcal
Author: Nikki Gladd

Ingredients

  • 1 cup natural peanut butter
  • ¾ cup honey
  • 1 ½ cups quick oats (not instant)
  • 1 cup vanilla protein powder

Instructions

  • Line a 9x9-inch or 7x11-in pan with parchment paper.
  • In an 8-cup microwave-safe bowl, heat the peanut butter and honey on high for 30 seconds; stir. Place bowl back in the microwave and heat for another 30 seconds. Stir again. Mix in the oats and protein powder until combined. Immediately spread evenly into the prepared pan.
  • Refrigerate, uncovered, for 1 hour. Remove from the fridge and cut into 12 bars. Cover and store on the counter at room temperature for up to 1 week. (I just store mine in the same pan with a lid.)

Video

Notes

  • Nutrition information is an estimate only.
  • You can store these in an airtight container in the fridge, but room temperature is fine.
  • Try rolling mixture into dough balls for a different variation.
  • Mix in your favorite mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 123mg | Potassium: 223mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg
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About Seeded At The Table

Thanks for visiting! We’re the Gladd family! We love donuts, Disney, LEGO and Jesus. Not in that order, of course. 🙂 Ben shares DIY wood-working projects and Nikki shares delicious recipes. You’ll also find a sprinkling of travel adventures and other family fun ideas!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linear Bar says

    December 19, 2024 at 9:25 am

    These peanut butter protein bars look like the perfect easy snack! As someone in the protein bar business, I know how important it is to keep recipes simple while still packing in great flavor. Do you think adding a sprinkle of sea salt or some dark chocolate chips would take these to the next level? Inspired to try something similar.

    Reply
  2. Anni says

    June 24, 2024 at 1:54 pm

    5 stars
    This was soo good!! I love the texture!! It does remind me of fudge, it has a nice soft chewy consistency. I didn’t put that much honey, because the protein powder I use was pretty sweet but other than that, it was great. I’m going to make it again using different protein powders and maybe adding different things to it!

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    March 02, 2024 at 6:58 pm

    1 star
    Greasy gooey disappointing mess. A waist of $12 of ingredients. I would give it -5 stars if I could. DO NOT suggest I try something else. YES I followed the instructions as written. Not that difficult. So gross I may just toss the batch in the trash.

    Reply
  4. Nilbia Guzman says

    January 15, 2023 at 6:08 am

    I made these and turned out perfect using your instructions. The only thing is they were too sweet for me due to my health. Is their something else I can use instead of honey? Thank you

    Reply
    • Nikki Gladd says

      January 17, 2023 at 12:49 pm

      Hi Nilbia,
      I'm not trained in health and nutrition, so I cannot give you an exact answer. But if I were to try to make it a little more unsweet I would probably use almond butter instead of peanut butter, and maybe agave nectar in place of the honey. I haven't tested this though so cannot guarantee the results. Hope this helps!

      Reply
      • Rick De Jong says

        August 03, 2024 at 11:10 am

        What about molasses instead of honey?

        Reply
        • Nikki Gladd says

          August 07, 2024 at 7:35 am

          You can try, although it will take on a different taste. The molasses may also make it a little more sticky. Let us know if you tried!

          Reply
  5. Ri says

    August 25, 2022 at 9:33 am

    4 stars
    Flavor is fine, but I found the texture a little off putting. My boyfriend said they remind him of fudge, and my sister had a less favorable review that it reminded her of putty. I think if you prefer a grainer, less moist granola bar this may not be the recipe for you. Rating 4 stars because they are edible, they just don't match with the preferences in our household.

    Reply
    • David says

      March 06, 2024 at 5:35 pm

      Mine where like that as well. Maybe try a bit more oats and or less peanut butter/honey.

      Reply
  6. S says

    August 22, 2021 at 12:28 am

    4 stars
    They're good, but the oats are still just raw oats, and they kind of get stuck to your teeth. I wonder if it would be better if we put the mixture back in the microwave to kind of cook the oats a little, making them softer and blend better?

    Reply
    • Nikki Gladd says

      August 22, 2021 at 6:49 pm

      Thanks for the feedback. I've never had the problem of noticing the raw oats. Are you using quick oats and not regular rolled oats? (Not instant, either)

      Reply
  7. Susan says

    July 26, 2020 at 9:33 pm

    These are amazing ! I have used chocolate protein powder as well as vanilla. Both are great but I prefer the chocolate powder. Also, I add Maldom Sea Salt flakes to the top and press the flakes in. I always look forward to my workday snack when I have these made. My husband gets excited for them too! Thank you for this wonderful and simple recipe!

    Reply
    • Nikki Gladd says

      July 27, 2020 at 2:14 pm

      Thank you, Susan! I love that you make it with the chocolate powder 🙂

      Reply
  8. Maria Bakkers says

    May 11, 2020 at 9:03 am

    This looks delicious! I’ll be adding it to my Eid menu, for sure! And I think it’s a sign that I have all of the ingredients in my kitchen right now. My husband and I might get an appetizer before dinner tonight!

    Reply
  9. Maria says

    May 10, 2020 at 2:08 am

    5 stars
    These look great, I don’t like protein powders, any suggestions? thinking if I could simply use flour or grind up some oats finely instead.

    Reply
  10. Mary says

    January 12, 2020 at 6:41 pm

    5 stars
    I just made these with the following amounts: 1 c peanut butter, 1/2 cup honey, 1 cup vanilla protein powder, and 1/2 cup old fashioned oats. I cut them into 16 squares. They came out perfectly- thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply
  11. rosie vianco says

    December 29, 2019 at 8:32 pm

    It would be helpful if you listed the macronutrient breakdown of protein, fat and carb grams as well as just the calorie count

    Reply
    • Nikki Gladd says

      December 30, 2019 at 4:06 pm

      Hi Rosie,
      I've been slowly updating my posts to include more nutritional information and just updated this one upon your request. Thanks!

      Reply
    • S says

      August 22, 2021 at 12:30 am

      The nutrients are going to vary based on what brands you use. I used cronometer to enter a new recipe, with the brands i used and it does the rest.

      Reply
  12. Kris says

    February 01, 2019 at 11:16 am

    5 stars
    These were so easy, and tasty. I have a hard time eating breakfast but these are small and great with a cup of coffee. For those saying it was crumbly....microwave your honey and peanut butter until runny....everything combines better and makes a nice dough you can pat into your dish.

    Reply
  13. Hannah Hoon says

    January 22, 2019 at 7:11 am

    Hi when you say 1 cup of protein powder do mean 1 cup measuring cup or the the scoop that comes with the protein powder thanks

    Reply
    • Nikki Gladd says

      January 22, 2019 at 9:26 am

      Hi Hannah. 1 measuring cup. Thanks!

      Reply
  14. Brittany says

    December 04, 2018 at 10:52 pm

    5 stars
    When you mentioned that these protein bars were not chalky, I was all in. Protein bars do sometimes have that chalky taste and these absolutely do not. This is such a great recipe and it is very simple to make!

    Reply
  15. Alex says

    November 04, 2018 at 8:29 am

    5 stars
    Definitely use a protein powder whose taste you like, because the protein powder flavor comes through. That said, I used a plain/unflavored/unsweetened pea protein and still quite enjoyed these! Very simple to make. Mine were a little crumbly before going in the pan but pressing firmly they came together 🙂

    Reply
  16. Josee says

    September 16, 2018 at 10:28 am

    Can you freeze the bars?

    Reply
  17. Yami says

    September 08, 2018 at 8:02 am

    5 stars
    Just made these, they taste great! 🙂 Thanks!

    Reply
  18. Edwina says

    August 30, 2018 at 7:34 am

    5 stars
    I made these and they were delicious. I love a quick and simple recipe. And it's good to know exactly what's in your protein bars by making them at home. My kids loved them too. I'll be making these again.

    Reply
  19. Amy says

    August 25, 2018 at 10:42 am

    I'm allergic to oats. Is there an alternative grain that you think might work as well?

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      May 05, 2024 at 12:57 pm

      Maybe try some cassava flower.

      Reply
  20. Anonymous says

    August 18, 2018 at 7:28 am

    5 stars
    Excellent recipe! I used cookies and cream protein powder and topped with mini chocolate chips. Kid favorite, mine too!

    Reply
    • Nikki Gladd says

      August 19, 2018 at 3:12 pm

      Yum! That sounds like a GREAT variation! Thanks for sharing the idea!

      Reply
  21. Melissa says

    August 04, 2018 at 6:33 am

    Love!!! My husband has Celiac, and this is a great snack for him and our boys. Thumbs up from all of us!

    Reply
    • Nikki Gladd says

      August 06, 2018 at 10:41 am

      I'm so glad! Thanks for letting us know, Melissa!

      Reply
  22. Meg says

    April 06, 2018 at 7:26 am

    5 stars
    Great recipe! After finding out I"m allergic to soy, which seems to be in every processed food :(, I figured I should try making my own protein bars. Next time I might try using a different flavored protein powder, as my vanilla powder tastes super artificial. I also used regular JIF creamy peanut butter and didn't have any issues with ingredient proportions!

    Reply
  23. Monica says

    March 09, 2018 at 8:53 pm

    I'm also wondering what could be used instead of protein powder. These look great, but I really don't like protein powders, any suggestions? I know it would have less protein, and that's fine, wondering if I could just use flour or grind up some oats finely instead.

    Reply
    • Anna R. says

      March 14, 2018 at 7:38 pm

      I used to eat bars similar to this that used nonfat dried milk rather than protein powder. I haven’t tried that substitution with this recipe yet, but it may be worth giving it a shot??

      Reply
    • J says

      May 16, 2018 at 1:13 am

      Cocoa powder! I make bite size treats similar to these that use peanut butter, honey, cocoa powder, wheat germ, flax meal, chia seeds, etc.

      Reply
    • Jo Mixson says

      February 09, 2020 at 11:00 pm

      4 stars
      Have not tried yet, but research shows almond flour as a good substitute.

      Reply
  24. Karen says

    March 04, 2018 at 7:29 pm

    5 stars
    I love this recipe. I used almond butter and a chocolate meal substitute powder and it was delicious. I did have to mess around with the amount of Honey a little bit so that the bars weren't so dry. I will make this again

    Reply
    • Nikki Gladd says

      March 05, 2018 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks, Karen! I would love to try your version!

      Reply
  25. ilana says

    December 29, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    5 stars
    DELICIOUS! I used PEScience Select Protein Peanut Butter Cookie powder, which is my favorite anyway. It added an extra oomph of PB, and let's face it, who complains about something tasting TOO peanut buttery. Easy to make....did it while standing not even 9 feet behind my husband and he didn't even know I made them. Definitely a do-again.
    Thank you for posting the recipe!

    Reply
  26. Emily says

    September 12, 2017 at 8:46 am

    What could I substitute for the protein powder? I'm not a huge fan of protein powders . These look deicious!

    Reply
  27. Cindy says

    May 04, 2017 at 7:45 pm

    Can these be made with other nut/seed butters? Such as SunButter? Has anyone tried this? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Kelley Ryan says

      October 10, 2017 at 12:10 am

      5 stars
      Yes I have and its good

      Reply
  28. Juan says

    April 03, 2017 at 2:27 pm

    I followed the recipe and used syrup (similar to Walden Farms) instead of honey. The taste is awesome! I used to buy Daryl's Bars and this recipe is similar...but better.

    My only issue is that the texture is all gooey. They're really not bars and I have to eat them with a spoon. Would you have any tips on this? I used syrup (similar to Walden Farms) instead of honey. I don't know if this is a factor.

    Reply
    • Nikki Gladd says

      April 05, 2017 at 3:21 pm

      Hi Juan,
      I'm guessing the bars are gooey because you used syrup instead of honey, as you suggested. Maybe try adding a little more of the oats to firm them up a bit next time -- if you continue to use the syrup. 🙂

      Reply
  29. Ericka says

    January 17, 2017 at 6:16 pm

    Can you make these with pb2
    Powder peanut butter?

    Reply
  30. Julia says

    September 13, 2016 at 2:55 pm

    Can you make it without the honey? Or is that crucial to binding it all? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Nikki Gladd says

      September 16, 2016 at 12:33 pm

      I think it's pretty crucial to binding it, but maybe you can use a substitution instead of leaving out altogether.

      Reply
      • Kelley Ryan says

        October 10, 2017 at 12:09 am

        I have made them but I did half the honey and half coconut oil to make ot less sweet !!! And it was good also

        Reply
  31. Anne says

    September 08, 2016 at 4:40 am

    Is that ingredient list missing water or something because there is not nearly enough liquid to combine the ingredients. I used the amount stated and its just a clumpy powdery mess.

    Reply
    • Nikki Gladd says

      September 12, 2016 at 4:16 pm

      Hi Anne,

      I'm sorry you had issues with this. No, there are no missing ingredients from the list. This is exactly how I make them every time. Maybe it is the type of peanut butter you are using?

      Reply
      • Anne says

        September 20, 2016 at 12:27 am

        Possibly, I just added some water and it held together. Tasted really nice too. Thank you.

        Reply
  32. Anonymous says

    August 27, 2016 at 10:56 pm

    How many carbs per bar?

    Reply
  33. Molly says

    August 05, 2016 at 12:58 am

    How many grams of protein are there in one of these? Thanks!

    Reply
    • why n. name says

      August 27, 2016 at 12:09 pm

      Nutrition Facts
      12 Servings
      Amount Per Serving
      Calories 294.7
      Total Fat 11.4 g
      Saturated Fat 2.5 g
      Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3 g
      Monounsaturated Fat 0.3 g
      Cholesterol 10.0 mg
      Sodium 200.8 mg
      Potassium 64.3 mg
      Total Carbohydrate 30.1 g
      Dietary Fiber 3.0 g
      Sugars 20.2 g
      Protein 20.6 g
      Vitamin A 0.0 %
      Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
      Vitamin B-6 0.3 %
      Vitamin C 0.2 %
      Vitamin D 0.0 %
      Vitamin E 6.7 %
      Calcium 0.1 %
      Copper 0.4 %
      Folate 0.1 %
      Iron 5.7 %
      Magnesium 0.1 %
      Manganese 0.8 %
      Niacin 13.5 %
      Pantothenic Acid 0.1 %
      Phosphorus 0.1 %
      Riboflavin 0.5 %
      Selenium 0.2 %
      Thiamin 0.0 %
      Zinc 0.3 %
      *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

      Reply
      • Christine Tebbano says

        February 17, 2019 at 8:57 am

        How much protein per bar?

        Reply
4.59 from 79 votes (62 ratings without comment)

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