No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Power Bars
Indulge in the deliciousness of these No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Power Bars. Perfect for a quick snack or a post-workout boost, these bars combine the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter with the nutritional benefits of protein and oats. Easy to make and requiring no oven, these bars are a fantastic addition to your healthy eating plan. Refrigerate them for a cool treat or freeze them for a long-lasting snack option. Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—either way, you won't want to miss out on this simple, satisfying recipe!
9
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry oats
1 cup (uncooked)
unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup (sifted)
chocolate whey protein powder
6 scoops (preferably chocolate flavor)
stevia
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
natural-style peanut butter
5 tablespoons (smooth or crunchy)
fat-free Greek yogurt
1 cup (plain)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure vanilla extract)
water
4 tablespoons (adjust as needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing a baking dish: spray it with non-stick cooking spray for easy removal later.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients: oats, cocoa powder, protein powder, and stevia. Mix well until fully blended.
3
Add the peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients start to form a cohesive dough.
4
Gradually mix in water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a spreadable consistency. The amount of water needed may vary based on the protein powder used.
5
Once the mixture is well combined, transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into all corners.
6
Refrigerate the mixture for several hours, allowing it to firm up. For best results, refrigerate overnight.
7
After the bars have set, cut them into 9 equal squares. For easier storage, wrap each square individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
8
Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer shelf life. Enjoy as a quick snack or after a workout!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Power Bars?
These are delicious, easy-to-make snacks that combine chocolate, peanut butter, oats, and protein powder without requiring an oven.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 9 equal squares.
What is the preparation time for these bars?
The preparation falls under the < 15 Mins category, making it a very quick recipe to assemble.
Do I need to bake these protein bars?
No, these are no-bake bars, which means no oven is required.
What type of oats should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked dry oats.
Which cocoa powder is best for this recipe?
Use 1/4 cup of sifted unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
What flavor of protein powder is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 6 scoops of chocolate whey protein powder.
How much stevia should I add?
You should use 1 teaspoon of stevia, or adjust the amount to your taste preference.
What kind of peanut butter works best?
The recipe suggests 5 tablespoons of natural-style peanut butter, which can be either smooth or crunchy.
What type of yogurt is used in these bars?
Use 1 cup of plain, fat-free Greek yogurt to provide moisture and extra protein.
Is vanilla extract required?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is added for enhanced flavor.
Why is water included in the ingredients?
Water is added gradually to help the dough reach a spreadable consistency.
How much water should I add?
Start with 4 tablespoons and adjust as needed, adding one tablespoon at a time.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Spray the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray before transferring the dough for easy removal.
How do I mix the dry ingredients?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, protein powder, and stevia and mix until fully blended.
When should I add the peanut butter and yogurt?
Add the peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract after the dry ingredients have been mixed together.
What should the dough consistency be like?
The dough should be cohesive and spreadable once the wet ingredients and water are fully incorporated.
How do I spread the mixture into the dish?
Use a spatula to spread the dough evenly into all corners of the prepared baking dish.
How long should the bars be refrigerated?
The mixture should be refrigerated for several hours to firm up; for the best results, refrigerate overnight.
How should I cut the bars after they have set?
Once the bars are firm, cut them into 9 equal squares.
How should I store the individual bars?
For easier storage, wrap each square individually in plastic wrap or store them together in an airtight container.
How long do these protein bars last in the refrigerator?
The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Yes, you can freeze them for a longer shelf life or enjoy them as a frozen treat.
Are these bars suitable for a post-workout snack?
Yes, the combination of protein and carbohydrates makes them an ideal post-workout boost.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely, as they are easy to make in batches and store well throughout the week.
Can I use different protein powder flavors?
While chocolate whey is recommended, the amount of water needed may vary if you choose a different type of protein powder.
Does the texture change if I use crunchy peanut butter?
Using crunchy peanut butter will add small pieces of peanuts for extra texture, which some people prefer.
Is the cocoa powder supposed to be sifted?
Yes, sifting the cocoa powder helps prevent clumps in the dry mixture.
Are these bars a healthy snack option?
Yes, they are designed as a healthy alternative to store-bought bars, using natural ingredients and low-calorie sweeteners.
Can I share these bars with others?
Definitely! They are a fantastic addition to any healthy eating plan and are great for sharing with friends.