Guilt-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Power Bars
These Guilt-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Power Bars are your perfect companion for a nutritious and satisfying snack. Skip the store-bought versions, which often contain sugar alcohols and additives. These homemade bars are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, natural peanut butter, and protein powder, providing you with a healthy dose of energy and nutrients. Ideal for a post-workout snack or a midday energy boost, these bars are easy to make and deliciously satisfying.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chocolate protein powder (whey)
1 1/2 cups
whole oats
1 cup (chopped)
honey
4 tablespoons
natural-style peanut butter
1/4 cup
ground flax seeds
1/4 cup ((optional))
skim milk
1 cup
sugar substitute
2 teaspoons
olive oil
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a food processor or blender, pulse the whole oats until they are finely chopped but not completely powdered.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate protein powder, chopped oats, honey, natural-style peanut butter, ground flax seeds (if using), skim milk, and sugar substitute. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, forming a thick batter.
4
Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with olive oil, ensuring the corners are well-coated to prevent sticking. Line the bottom with foil for easy removal.
5
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the pan.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
7
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the dish. Once cooled, lift out using the foil lining and cut into 6 equal bars.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main benefits of making these homemade power bars?
These bars are a nutritious, satisfying snack made with wholesome ingredients, helping you avoid the sugar alcohols and additives often found in store-bought versions.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields 6 equal-sized power bars.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the oats for this recipe?
Pulse the whole oats in a food processor or blender until they are finely chopped but not completely powdered.
What type of protein powder is recommended?
The recipe calls for chocolate whey protein powder.
What kind of peanut butter should I use?
Natural-style peanut butter is recommended for these bars.
Are ground flax seeds required for this recipe?
Ground flax seeds are optional but can be added for extra nutrients.
What type of milk is used in the batter?
The recipe uses 1 cup of skim milk.
Does this recipe include a sugar substitute?
Yes, it includes 2 teaspoons of a sugar substitute along with honey.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly grease a 9x9-inch dish with olive oil and line the bottom with foil for easy removal.
How long should I bake the power bars?
Bake them for approximately 25 minutes.
How can I tell when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the edges are lightly browned.
Is it necessary to cool the bars before cutting?
Yes, you should allow the bars to cool completely in the dish before lifting them out and cutting them.
What is the best way to remove the bars from the pan?
Once cooled, use the foil lining to lift the entire block out of the dish.
Can I use these as a post-workout snack?
Yes, these bars are ideal for post-workout recovery or a midday energy boost.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total, including the optional flax seeds.
What is the texture of the batter before baking?
The mixture should be thoroughly combined into a thick batter.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x9-inch baking dish is the correct size for this recipe.
Can I substitute the honey?
While honey is specified for its texture and sweetness, you could experiment with other liquid sweeteners, though it may change the nutritional profile.
What role does olive oil play in this recipe?
Olive oil is used to grease the baking dish to prevent the bars from sticking.
Are these bars suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, they are designed as a guilt-free, nutritious alternative to processed snacks.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
Is the oat texture important?
Yes, chopping the oats finely helps create a more uniform bar texture.
Can I use a different flavor of protein powder?
The recipe specifies chocolate to match the flavor profile, but other flavors could be used depending on preference.
Do these bars contain any added fats?
The natural fats come from the peanut butter and flax seeds, with a small amount of olive oil used for the pan.
What is the preparation for the honey?
There is no special preparation needed for the honey; simply measure and add to the mixing bowl.
Should the oats be powdered?
No, the oats should be finely chopped but not ground into a complete powder.
Are these bars easy to make?
Yes, the process involves simple blending, mixing, and baking.
Can I add extra ingredients like nuts?
While not in the original recipe, you could add small amounts of nuts, though this will change the calorie count.
What makes these bars 'guilt-free'?
They use whole ingredients, natural sweeteners, and lack the artificial additives found in many commercial protein bars.