These homemade peanut butter protein bars are cheaper than storebought and take minutes to whip up! Made with just 4 Ingredients (YES!), these no-bake bars are keto, sugar-free, vegan and a paleo option. Gluten Free, Dairy Free.
When your homemade peanut butter protein bars taste like Reese’s peanut butter cup, you know you’ve hit the jackpot.
We are living in a day and age where you no longer need to go to a health food store or online supplement shop to get your protein bar fix. Every day mainstream grocery stores, supermarkets, and all gas stations will have a range of protein bars.
This is great…until you check out the price tag.
With packaged protein bars ranging between $3-$6, they certainly aren’t cheap. Convenient? Sure. Cost-effective? Not really.
Not to mention their ingredient list which is often similar to an actual candy bar.
Not mine though.
Homemade peanut butter protein bars literally taste like a peanut butter cup, minus all the unhealthy and processed ingredients. Unlike many storebought protein bars, these don’t taste artificial.
A fudgy protein-rich peanut butter center covered in a healthy chocolate coating- It’s like eating dessert, minus the guilt!
These homemade peanut butter protein bars literally take 10 minutes to whip up and need just four ingredients- Peanut butter (or almond butter), coconut flour, protein powder and a sticky sweetener.
The chocolate coating is optional, but we want to make it taste like a peanut butter cup, so not really optional.
To keep these protein bars 100% sugar-free and keto friendly, I opted to use these stevia sweetened chocolate chips (keto approved and sugar-free) and this sticky sweetener (monk fruit sweetened).
If you can tolerate refined sugar, these dairy-free chocolate chips are my favorite (and also paleo and vegan-friendly!). My favorite refined sugar-free sweeteners are pure maple syrup, agave or brown rice syrup (not paleo).
You can definitely leave out the protein powder, but obviously, the protein content won’t be as high.
ARE PROTEIN BARS REALLY HEALTHY?
They can be!
I shared over 20 of my homemade protein bar recipes which are all full of healthy, whole food ingredients.
With that said, many protein bars can be full of added sugars or even have a very minimal amount of protein. Be wary if you do opt to buy a packaged one that it is high in protein, fiber, and has no added sugars.
ARE PROTEIN BARS GOOD FOR YOU TO LOSE OR MAINTAIN WEIGHT?
I don’t share protein bar recipes with this in mind (although commercial ones do tend to lean towards this). I believe protein bars can be a good snack between meals, or even a quick small breakfast.
Personally, I eat these after a workout, as I’m not a huge fan of protein shakes and my protein intake can be a little low during the day.
IS IT BAD TO EAT TOO MANY PROTEIN BARS?
Eating too many of any foods is bad for you. As mentioned above, these bars are perfect as part of an everyday balanced diet- A wholesome snack which tastes like dessert and keeps your energy levels up!
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these homemade peanut butter protein bars. Cheaper than store bought, quick, easy and satisfying and actually taste delicious!
Just see how easy it is to make homemade protein bars- Watch the step-by-step recipe video below!
No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars (Keto, Sugar-Free, Vegan) adapted from my 4 Ingredient No Bake Protein Bars.
No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars (Keto, Vegan, Paleo)
These homemade peanut butter protein bars are cheaper than storebought and take minutes to whip up! Made with just 4 Ingredients (YES!), these no-bake bars are keto, sugar-free, vegan and a paleo option. Gluten Free, Dairy Free.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 2 scoops protein powder of choice * See notes
- 2 cups peanut butter Can sub for any nut or seed butter
- 1/2 cup sticky sweetener of choice ** 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 peanut butter protein bar batter into the lined baking dish and press firmly in place. Refrigerate or freeze until firm. Once firm, cut into squares or bars and cover in optional chocolate and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
* I prefer using casein, brown rice, or paleo protein powder. I never recommend whey as the texture is incredibly sticky and doesn't form well.
** To keep it keto and sugar-free, use a monk fruit maple syrup. For all other options, maple syrup, agave nectar, brown rice syrup or honey work well.
Please note- If the batter is too thick/crumbly, add water/milk until a firm batter remains.
4-Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars should be kept refrigerated and are freezer friendly. If coated in chocolate, they are stable at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars (Keto, Vegan, Paleo)
Amount Per Serving (1 Bar)
Calories 139Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g15%
Total Carbohydrates 6g2%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Protein 8g16%
Vitamin C3%
Iron5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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