These Easy Peanut Butter Protein Bars are no-bake and contain only four simple ingredients. A great snack to boost your energy and serve a source of protein!
Almost exactly one year ago, my sister-in-law introduced me to these peanut butter protein bars. I was immediately intrigued when she told me how fast they were to make and that they were a healthy snack option to keep you filled and energized in between meals. They actually taste good and are not chalky!
You use only 4 ingredients and they come together within 5 minutes, although there is a 1 hour chilling time before you can actually eat them. The chilling time is only to firm up the bars quickly. Otherwise, they store on the counter at room temperature. I just keep them in the pan, cut into bars, ready to uncover and grab a quick snack when the craving strikes.
The original recipe instructs to use a 9×9-inch square pan, however, I typically use my 7×11-inch as I do not own a 9×9-inch. (I know, how do I not have one?!) I’ve included both dimensions in my version below. Either way, you cut into 12 bars for 12 servings.
I hope you love these as much as we do!
A few items that might help you with this recipe:
Pyrex Baking Pan (I use the smaller 7×11 of this set, which comes with a very hand 9×13 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 (I love love love my Pampered Chef batter bowls)
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1 1/2 cups quick oats (not instant)
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder
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Line a 9x9-inch or 7x11-in pan with parchment or wax paper.
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In a medium 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.
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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.)
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Other Recipes You Might Enjoy:
Four years ago: Chocolate Chip Bumpy Cakes
Five years ago: Dijon Ham & Asparagus Rolls
Six years ago: Coffee Ice Cream
Seven years ago: Key Lime Coconut Cake
How many grams of protein are there in one of these? Thanks!
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.
How much protein per bar?
How many carbs per bar?
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.
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?
Possibly, I just added some water and it held together. Tasted really nice too. Thank you.
Can you make it without the honey? Or is that crucial to binding it all? Thanks!
I think it’s pretty crucial to binding it, but maybe you can use a substitution instead of leaving out altogether.
I have made them but I did half the honey and half coconut oil to make ot less sweet !!! And it was good also
Can you make these with pb2
Powder peanut butter?
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.
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. 🙂
Can these be made with other nut/seed butters? Such as SunButter? Has anyone tried this? Thanks.
Yes I have and its good
What could I substitute for the protein powder? I’m not a huge fan of protein powders . These look deicious!
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!
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
Thanks, Karen! I would love to try your version!
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.
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??
Cocoa powder! I make bite size treats similar to these that use peanut butter, honey, cocoa powder, wheat germ, flax meal, chia seeds, etc.
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!
Love!!! My husband has Celiac, and this is a great snack for him and our boys. Thumbs up from all of us!
I’m so glad! Thanks for letting us know, Melissa!
Excellent recipe! I used cookies and cream protein powder and topped with mini chocolate chips. Kid favorite, mine too!
Yum! That sounds like a GREAT variation! Thanks for sharing the idea!
I’m allergic to oats. Is there an alternative grain that you think might work as well?
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.
Just made these, they taste great! 🙂 Thanks!
Can you freeze the bars?
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 🙂
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!
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
Hi Hannah. 1 measuring cup. Thanks!
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.