4 Ingredient Protein Bars – The EASY Recipe! Recipe
Introduction
These homemade protein bars are a simple, nutritious snack perfect for on-the-go energy. Made with just a few wholesome ingredients, they’re easy to customize and great for both pre- and post-workout fuel.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter or allergy-friendly substitute
- 3/4 cup protein powder (90g), unsweetened recommended
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 oz melted chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup (or honey), and salt. Stir well until the mixture forms a thick dough.
- Step 2: Choose one of two methods to shape your bars: either shape the mixture into bars using your hands or press it evenly into a lined 8×8 inch pan.
- Step 3: If using the pan, spread the melted chocolate over the top for a coating (optional). For a smoother chocolate layer, stir 2 teaspoons of oil into the melted chocolate before spreading.
- Step 4: Refrigerate until firm and chilled, about 1–2 hours. If you pressed the dough into a pan, cut into bars once set. Alternatively, dip individual bars into chocolate and chill to harden the coating.
Tips & Variations
- Be sure to taste your protein powder beforehand, as flavors can vary widely and affect the final taste.
- Try swapping peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or to accommodate allergies.
- Experiment with protein powder flavors like vanilla or chocolate to create a variety of bars.
- For added texture, mix in chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit before chilling.
Storage
Store protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge before eating. If coated with chocolate, keep them chilled to prevent melting.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use any type of protein powder?
Yes, but keep in mind that different protein powders vary in flavor and sweetness. Unsweetened powders work well to control sweetness, but feel free to experiment with flavors you enjoy.
Are these bars suitable for people with nut allergies?
They can be, if you substitute peanut butter with allergy-friendly alternatives like sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter, which still provide a creamy base and good flavor.
Print4 Ingredient Protein Bars – The EASY Recipe! Recipe
These protein bars are a simple, customizable snack made with peanut butter, protein powder, and maple syrup or honey. They are easy to prepare with no baking required and can be optionally coated with melted chocolate for an indulgent touch. Perfect for a quick energy boost or post-workout snack, they combine protein and healthy fats to keep you fueled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter or allergy-friendly substitute
- 3/4 cup protein powder (90g), unsweetened
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional
- 4 oz melted chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons oil (to blend with chocolate for smoother coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup or honey, and salt. Stir well until a dough forms and all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the bars: Either shape the dough into individual bars by hand or press the mixture smoothly into a lined 8×8 inch pan for an easier cut later.
- Add chocolate coating (optional): If using, melt the chocolate chips and optionally stir in 2 teaspoons of oil to create a smoother sauce. Spread this melted chocolate evenly over the surface of the pressed mixture in the pan, or dip individual bars into the chocolate coating after shaping.
- Chill to set: Place the shaped bars or chocolate-coated container in the refrigerator and chill until firm, about 1-2 hours.
- Cut and store: If made in a pan, cut into bars after chilling. Store the bars refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- This recipe works best with unsweetened protein powder; flavor variations are encouraged to suit your preference.
- You can substitute the peanut butter with an allergy-friendly alternative if needed.
- Adding oil to the melted chocolate helps achieve a smoother coating but is optional.
- For flavor inspiration, refer to the five protein bar flavor ideas suggested earlier in the source post.
- Readers also enjoy the Protein Banana Bread recipe as another protein-packed option.
Keywords: protein bars, no bake snack, peanut butter bars, healthy snack, post-workout snack, homemade protein bars, easy protein bars
