If you’re tired of baking, then this is the recipe for you! These no bake Raw Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars come together quickly to provide a satisfying, satiating snack of the go.
How do you make a raw chocolate peanut butter protein bar?
Raw means no bake here.
Read: this recipe requires no baking.
If you have a stove (or heating element to melt a few ingredients together) then you can certainly make these Raw Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars!
To begin, you’ll create a date paste just like we did in those Gluten Free Brownies! This is super simple and takes less than 5 minutes.
Heat dates with water. Blend to yield date paste.
Then, you’ll melt the healthy fats together with that sweetener source (aka the date paste) and/or maple syrup.
Heat peanut butter and sweetener with salt.
Lastly, you’re going to combine all ingredients together and place in a baking dish to harden in the freezer.
Yes, no baking required remember!
Can these protein bars be made vegan?
Yes, they can.
Depending on the type of protein powder you use of course. Unlike other protein bar recipes, I used dates and maple syrup to sweeten them.
Most traditionally use honey which negates the vegan aspect.
To make these vegan, I suggest checking out these sorts of protein powders:
Hemp Protein
Pea Protein
Soy Protein
What if I don’t like protein powder? What can I use?
You can omit the powder completely and add 1/2 to 3/4 cup more oats.
This will lower the total protein content, but will still provide a satiating protein bar.
You can also add hemp seeds which naturally pack over 11 grams of protein per 2 tablespoon serving.
Are these Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars healthy?
As a dietitian, you have my seal of approval that these are healthy! They’re also gluten free too if you use a gluten free oat and protein powder.
These are filled with heart healthy fats from peanuts.
Studies have shown that the nutrients found in peanuts not only are a great source of antioxidants, but also flavonoids.
Flavonoids are very helpful in reducing inflammation, something I am definitely in favor of getting into Mr. CEO’s diet when he returns from his 4 hour training runs.
If you’re looking to fuel up with a homemade, healthy bar, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars are for you!
Without further adieu, here are they are!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dates about 10 dates
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup natural peanut butter melted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/3 cup roasted, salted peanuts roughly chopped
Instructions
- Place dates in a microwave safe dish and cover with water. Heat 60 seconds. Remove and pour dates and liquid into a food processor or high powered blender. Pulse until jelly like consistency is achieved.
- In a large bowl, combine oats and protein powder. Set aside.
- Add peanut butter to a medium pan on the stovetop. Heat over low heat until peanut butter begins to melt. Stir in date paste, maple syrup and salt. Once combined, turn off heat.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the oats and protein powder. Mix together until uniformly combined.
- Pour mixture in an 8×8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Press the remaining 1/3 cup of crushed peanuts into the top of the bars.
- Put in the freezer for up to 30 minutes to harden.
- Remove and slice into 12 bars.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 10 days, or freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month. Defrost for 20 minutes on the counter before eating.
Tina White says
My daughter has a peanut allergy- do think this recipe would work substituting almond butter?
Thanks!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Hello! I haven’t tried it, but I don’t see why not! I also have this Almond Protein Bar recipe that’s a huge hit with almond butter! https://shawsimpleswaps.com/almond-butter-protein-bar/
Lorie says
Oh honey, these are my one true love. Can’t think of a better snack!
Elizabeth Shaw says
YAY! So glad you like them too!
Lindsey says
Yum! Love the simple ingredients. My husband looovvveees chocolate + pb and I think I’ll need to make these for work snacks for him!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Woohoo!
Meme says
You can’t go wrong with the chocolate and PB combo!!!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Can I get an AMEN!
Alisa Fleming says
I LOVE bars like this, but have never thought to use a high-fiber cereal – that’s brilliant!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks Alisa!
Katie says
What type of high fiber cereals do you use? oats tend to give me GI issues. I’m concerned that if I make these bars high fiber I will be in the bathroom w GI distress on race or training days.
Elizabeth Shaw says
You could also try a less fiber filled grain if GI issues are of concern, even a rice based cereal should work!
Lauren Harris-Pincus says
YUM! I have to try your way. I’m playing around with pureed prunes and definitely using the powdered peanut butter. It’s tricky to get just the right consistency. I’ll keep you posted. Do you prefer whey or other protein powder?
Elizabeth Shaw says
I’ve been using Bob’s Red Mill’s new Chia Chocolate Protein Powder, it’s made with pea protein which I usually don’t care for but in this blend it was fantastic! http://www.bobsredmill.com/shop/nutritional-boosters/chocolate-protein-powder-nutritional-booster.html
Dietitian Jess says
I’ve never thought of adding cereal to bars like that- great idea especially since I loooove cereal! Pinning 🙂
Elizabeth Shaw says
Cereal is my simple swap move half the time because I always have it! Enjoy!
Alexandra Caspero says
These look awesome Liz, I love your formula for creating healthy protein bars. 4 hour runs!? Gosh, I can barely muster enough energy to go for a 45 minute run 😉
Elizabeth Shaw says
You and me both! That’s why I am a walkie talkie kinda lady 🙂
Jenn @ Run with Sole says
Oh my, these look amazing! I’m definitely trying these!!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Oh yay! I hope you enjoy Jenn!
Kyra says
Oh wow, those bars look so delicious! I love your formula for making bars too 😀 I love to make protein bars similar to these but with dates instead of applesauce. I’m going to try with applesauce next time, your bars just look so moist and yummy <3
GiGi Eats says
I have a feeling some people who eat these may have to go to rehab after because they’ll get ADDICTED!
Elizabeth Shaw says
🙂 Addicted with moderation, right 🙂
Anita says
They r good, but was thinking need a little more flavor. I followed rhe recipe, would like it to b a little more chocolate. I’ll make them again though