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Peanut Butter Swirl Protein Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 112 reviews
  • Author: Andria
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Peanut Butter Swirl Protein Bars are chewy, soft baked bars made from rolled oats and vanilla whey protein powder, naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and topped with a visually appealing melted peanut butter swirl. These bars make a perfect high-protein snack or meal prep option, offering balanced nutrition with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Suitable for vegetarian diets and adaptable for vegan diets by substituting ingredients, they are an easy, wholesome treat to fuel your day or workout.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup vanilla whey protein powder
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup creamy natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Swirl Topping

  • 1/4 cup peanut butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving edges overhanging to easily lift the bars out later.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, vanilla whey protein powder, almond flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly until fully blended and no clumps remain.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together creamy natural peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, unsweetened almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  4. Form Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir with a sturdy spatula until a thick, cohesive dough forms and all dry patches are eliminated.
  5. Shape and Swirl: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan. Press evenly and firmly into all corners using a spatula. Drizzle the melted peanut butter on top, then swirl it into the dough with a knife or toothpick to create a marbled effect.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but slightly soft to the touch.
  7. Cool and Portion: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Lift the slab out using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 even bars with a sharp knife. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Press the dough firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold together well.
  • Melt the peanut butter topping thoroughly for a smooth swirl effect.
  • Cool bars completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and achieve a bakery-quality finish.
  • Use certified gluten free oats to ensure the bars are gluten free.
  • Substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter for a nut-free or peanut-free variation.
  • Use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup to make the recipe vegan.
  • Bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerated for 1 week.
  • Freeze leftovers between parchment sheets for convenient make-ahead snacks; thaw at room temperature before eating.
  • Add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut work well to customize texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Baking & Sweet Treats
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: protein bars, peanut butter swirl, healthy snack, high-protein, baked bars, vegetarian, workout snack, meal prep

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Find it online: https://cookwithandria.com/peanut-butter-swirl-protein-bars-recipe/