Finally a protein bar my husband enjoys! Most of my other protein balls & bites use either almond butter, sun butter, or cashew butter. Personally I haven’t made one I don’t like but my husband on the other hand prefers his peanut butter and an apple as a snack.
There is definitley nothing wrong with this snack, but most often he uses far more peanut butter than he probably should. He isn’t that great at reading labels and serving sizes ?.
So I thought I would surprise him one day in his lunch box with a new protein snack bar. After all, what’s a girl to do when your trying to please your husband with a homemade healthy treat?
Well it’s simple: Make these homemade no bake peanut butter protein bars packed with real, wholesome ingredients and an excellent ratio of fats, fiber and carbs. These are not only perfect for a quick on the go snack for my husband (or me?) but also perfect for post workout snack since each bar contains nearly 10g of protein. They’re also perfect for my annual Shaklee Open House! YEAH!
OK..now that I have your attention, do you want to hear why my husband says these “bad boys” are so yummy and addicting.
- Peanut butter: The main ingredient in this recipe is peanut butter, my husband’s fave, but go ahead and use your favorite nut butter! The important thing to remember is to use a drippy nut butter — one made with just nuts (or seeds) and salt. NO SUGAR.
- Coconut oil: This helps the bars stay moist and chewy with the addition of peanut butter. Also it helps the bars set up nice and offers the addition of healthy fats and coconut flavor (my husband never noticed!).
- Chocolate protein powder: I love both vanilla and chocolate protein powder in this recipe so go ahead and use your favorite flavor. My favorite protein brand is Shaklee’s Energzing Life Shake.
- Oats: For a nice chewy texture! Don’t forget them. Also, be sure to use gluten free certified oats if you’re GF.
- Dried fruit: I used dried cherries in this recipe but I think you could go with whatever is your favorite — raisins, dates, dried blueberries (MY FAV). Go crazy. Try some chopped figs!
- Chia seeds: This adds a boost of fiber, protein, omega 3 and crunch.
- Coconut: This is the funny part. My husband claims he does not like coconut…Turns out he loves these bars! All the other good stuff masked the flavor!
- Chocolate: Do it up with that drizzle and a sprinkling of sea salt.
These bars are AMAZING and made with simple, healthy ingredients like oats, peanut butter, chia seed, coconut and protein powder. Do drizzle with chocolate and sprinkle with a little sea salt. OMG….lets get busy!
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BARS WITH COCONUT
INGREDIENTS:(I doubled this recipe since I served them at my annual open house)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/3 cup honey (use coconut palm syrup if vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips + 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Optional: 1/3 cup dried tart cherries (or dried fruit of choice)
- Optional: 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- Pink Himalayan sea salt, for sprinkling
DIRECTIONS:
- Heat peanut butter, coconut oil, honey and vanilla in a saucepan over low heat. Mix together until well combined and smooth, then remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in protein powder until smooth, then fold in oats, dried cherries, chia seeds, and coconut flakes. Place in a 8×4 inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper. (or 9 x 13 if doubled!)
- Add chocolate chips and coconut in a small saucepan and place over low heat until melted. Drizzle over the tops of the bars. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Place in fridge for 1 hour before removing from pan and cutting into 10 bars or squares. Store bars in fridge tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
I love making homemade snacks! How about you? What’s your favorite snack?
What’s your favorite nut butter?
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