I know what it’s like to be constantly on the go, juggling everything from school pick-ups to work calls, and still trying to keep healthy snacks on hand. These homemade protein bars are a lifesaver in our household. They’re totally simple to whip up in just five minutes, and my kids love them as much as I do. I’ve embedded our easy and tasty crescent roll breakfast recipes if you’re planning to fill your pantry with more quick bites!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Making your own protein bars at home means you get to control the ingredients and skip all the unpronounceable additives found in store-bought versions. Plus, you can’t beat the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a snack that’s both delicious and good for you.
These bars are not only rich in protein but also offer a delightful mix of flavors. Whether you prefer them with or without the optional chocolate coating, they quickly become a family favorite. And with the flexibility to use any nut butter or an allergy-friendly substitute, they cater to a wide range of dietary needs.
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
- 4 oz melted chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-step instructions
Mix your dough: Combine all the ingredients except the optional chocolate chips. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to form a dough.
Shape the bars: You have two options here. Either use your hands to shape the dough into bars or press it into a lined 8×8 inch pan for easy cutting.
Chill and cut: Place your pan or bars in the refrigerator to chill. After they’ve set, cut into bars if you used the pan.
Add chocolate (optional): If you’re feeling a little indulgent, coat your bars with melted chocolate. You can either spread it over the pan before chilling or dip the individual bars into the melted chocolate.
Recipe tips & variations
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients. Swap the peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter if there are allergies. The same goes for the sweetener; agave can be a great alternative to honey or maple syrup. For a bit of crunch, try adding chopped nuts or seeds to the mix.
If you’re a chocolate lover like me, don’t hesitate to sprinkle some cocoa nibs into the dough for extra deliciousness. And for a school-safe version, opt for sunflower seed butter and omit any nut toppings.
Storage & reheating
Keep your protein bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you plan to batch-make them, they also freeze beautifully. Just separate layers with parchment paper and pop them in a sealed container or zip-lock bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely. Just make sure you use a plant-based protein powder and sweetener like maple syrup. Also, opt for dairy-free chocolate if you’re including the coating.
What’s the best way to store them?
I recommend keeping these bars in the fridge. They stay firm and fresh for about two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well too.
Can I switch out the protein powder for something else?
Yes, you can try using powdered peanut butter or even oat flour. Just note this might affect the total protein content slightly.
Recipes you may like
- Breakfast potatoes recipe easy crispy
- Crescent roll breakfast recipes
- Breakfast pizza recipe easy cheesy
These bars have become a go-to snack in our family, and I hope they’ll find a place in your kitchen too. Enjoy every bite knowing they’re mom-approved and absolutely delightful!
Print
How to Make Easy Protein Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make your own protein bars at home, controlling ingredients and flavors for a quick and healthy snack.
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
- 4 oz melted chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients except the optional chocolate chips. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to form a dough.
- Either use your hands to shape the dough into bars or press it into a lined 8×8 inch pan for easy cutting.
- Place your pan or bars in the refrigerator to chill. After they’ve set, cut into bars if you used the pan.
- If you’re feeling a little indulgent, coat your bars with melted chocolate.
Notes
- Experiment with swapping the peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter.
- Agave can be a great alternative to honey or maple syrup.
- Try adding chopped nuts or seeds for a bit of crunch.
- Opt for sunflower seed butter and omit any nut toppings for a school-safe version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg