Introduction

These homemade protein bars are a simple and delicious way to fuel your day. Made with just a few wholesome ingredients, they’re perfect for a healthy snack or post-workout bite. Customize them with your favorite protein powder and optional chocolate coating for a tasty treat.

The image shows stacked protein bars with two clear layers: a thick, light brown bottom layer with a crumbly texture, and a smooth, dark chocolate top layer that has a shiny finish with gentle waves. The bars are cut into rectangular shapes and displayed resting on a white marbled surface. Another view shows multiple bars arranged in a white plate, highlighting their uniform rectangular shape and the rich contrast between the light brown base and dark chocolate top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups peanut butter or allergy-friendly alternative
3/4 cup protein powder (about 90g), unsweetened preferred
1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 oz melted chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup (or honey), and salt. Stir well until the mixture forms a thick dough.
Step 2: Shape the dough into bars by hand or press it evenly into a lined 8×8-inch pan.
Step 3: (Optional) Spread the melted chocolate chips over the top. For a smoother chocolate coating, stir in 2 teaspoons of oil before spreading.
Step 4: Refrigerate the bars until firm and chilled, about 1-2 hours. If using a pan, cut into bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

Make sure you enjoy the flavor of the protein powder you use, as it greatly affects the taste. Unsweetened is recommended, but feel free to experiment with different flavors.
For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another allergy-friendly alternative.
Add-ins like chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit can be mixed into the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Dip bars individually in melted chocolate and chill to set if you prefer a fully coated treat.

Storage

Store protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped individually for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before eating. If coated with chocolate, keep refrigerated to prevent melting and maintain firmness.

How to Serve

The image shows several rectangular protein bars stacked on a smooth white marble surface. Each bar has two clear layers: a thick, light brown, slightly crumbly bottom layer that looks like peanut butter or oats, topped with a thin, smooth, dark brown chocolate layer with gentle swirls. The bars are neatly cut with clean edges, and the top chocolate layer reflects light, giving a glossy look. In the second part of the image, many bars are spread on a white plate, showing the same two layers clearly. The white marbled background and plate highlight the rich colors and textures of the bars. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any type of protein powder?

Yes, you can use any protein powder you like, but the flavor and sweetness level can affect the final taste. Unsweetened protein powder is recommended for best control over flavor.

How do I make the bars without peanut butter?

You can substitute peanut butter with other nut or seed butters, such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter, to suit allergies or preferences.

Chocolate-Coated Homemade Protein Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 62 reviews

These homemade protein bars are a simple and nutritious snack made with peanut butter, protein powder, and natural sweeteners. They can be easily customized with your favorite flavors and optionally coated in melted chocolate for an indulgent touch. Perfect for on-the-go energy boosts or post-workout fuel.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 8 bars 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 1/2 cup peanut butter or allergy-friendly substitute
3/4 cup protein powder (90g)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
1/2 tsp salt

Optional

4 oz melted chocolate chips
2 tsp oil (to mix with chocolate for smoother coating)

Instructions

Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup or honey, and salt. Stir thoroughly until a thick, dough-like mixture forms.
Shape the bars: Either shape the mixture into bars by hand or press it evenly into a lined 8×8 inch pan for a uniform slab to be cut later.
Add chocolate coating (optional): If using, melt the chocolate chips and optionally stir in 2 teaspoons of oil to create a smoother chocolate sauce. Spread this melted chocolate evenly over the formed bars in the pan or dip each shaped bar individually into the chocolate.
Chill: Refrigerate the bars, or the pan if using mold style, until chilled and firm, usually around an hour or more.
Serve: If made in a pan, cut into bars once set. Enjoy your protein bars as a healthy snack.

Notes

Ensure you like the flavor of your protein powder, as it impacts the taste significantly.
If you want a smoother chocolate coating, mix oil into the melted chocolate.
These bars can be customized with different protein powder flavors and sweeteners.
Keep refrigerated for best texture and freshness.
This recipe pairs well with other high-protein snacks like Protein Banana Bread and Chickpea Cookie Dough Dip.

Keywords: protein bars, healthy snack, peanut butter bars, no-bake protein bars, homemade protein bars, vegan protein bars, quick protein snack