Homemade Protein Bars with Chocolate Coating Recipe
Introduction
Homemade protein bars are a delicious and convenient snack perfect for fueling your day. This simple recipe combines peanut butter, protein powder, and maple syrup to create bars that are both nutritious and satisfying. Customize them with chocolate or your favorite flavors for a perfect on-the-go treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup peanut butter (or allergy-friendly substitute)
- 3/4 cup protein powder (approximately 90g)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey; see Keto Protein Bars variation)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 oz melted chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup, and salt. Stir until a smooth dough forms.
- Step 2: Decide your desired shape. Form the dough into bars using your hands or press it evenly into a lined 8×8-inch pan.
- Step 3: If using chocolate, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the bars in the pan or dip individual bars into the chocolate.
- Step 4: Refrigerate the bars until firm and chilled, usually about 1–2 hours. Once set, cut into bars if made in a pan and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Be sure to use a protein powder you enjoy, as it greatly affects the flavor of your bars.
- For a smoother chocolate coating, stir 2 teaspoons of oil into the melted chocolate before spreading or dipping.
- Try swapping maple syrup for honey or experimenting with different nut butters or protein powder flavors.
Storage
Store protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature or enjoy chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work well as allergy-friendly alternatives and add their own unique flavors.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars?
Refrigeration helps the bars firm up and maintain their shape, especially if you include a chocolate coating. You can keep them at room temperature for a few hours, but refrigeration is recommended for best texture and freshness.
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Homemade Protein Bars with Chocolate Coating Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These homemade protein bars are a simple, nutritious snack perfect for on-the-go energy. Made with peanut butter, protein powder, and pure maple syrup, they can be tailored to your taste with optional melted chocolate coating. Easy to prepare with no baking required, these bars offer a delicious way to boost your protein intake.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup peanut butter (or allergy-friendly substitute)
- 3/4 cup protein powder (90g), unsweetened recommended
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey; for Keto protein bars, substitute as needed)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional Ingredients
- 4 oz melted chocolate chips
- 2 tsp oil (for smoother melted chocolate sauce, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, pure maple syrup, and salt. Stir well until a thick dough forms. Make sure the protein powder flavor suits your taste as it significantly affects the final flavor.
- Shape or press the bars: Shape the dough into bars using your hands or press it evenly into a lined 8×8 inch pan for easy cutting later.
- Add chocolate coating (optional): If using, melt the chocolate chips; stir in 2 teaspoons of oil if desired to create a smoother chocolate sauce. Spread this melted chocolate evenly over the bars in the pan or dip individual bars into the chocolate.
- Chill to set: Place the shaped or pan-pressed bars into the refrigerator until fully chilled and firm, usually at least 1 hour.
- Serve and store: Cut into bars if using a pan, then serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use unsweetened protein powder or adjust sweetener amounts to your taste preference.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or other allergy-friendly nut butters.
- For a Keto-friendly version, use a low-carb sweetener instead of maple syrup.
- If melting chocolate, adding a small amount of oil helps achieve a smoother coating.
- Bars can be stored refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Bars
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: protein bars, no bake, peanut butter protein bars, healthy snack, homemade protein bars, easy protein bars
