Sharing a super delicious and super east homemade peanut butter protein bar recipe. It’s gluten-free and dairy-free, too!
Hi friends! How are you? I hope that you’re having a wonderful week. Leading up to our trip, I was doing a ton of meal prepping. With P home and doing the homeschool thing, she’s helped me a lot, and it’s so amazing for the kids to be stocked with staples and healthy snacks, too.
Even when I don’t meal prep a lot, there’s something that I emphasize: protein. I think protein is the hardest macro to hit if it’s not prepped and ready to go. When I open the fridge and see a pack of raw chicken or anything else, I’ll choose anything else lol. If the chicken is cooked, I’ll eat it!
Getting enough protein is essential for overall health, muscle recovery, and staying full and satisfied throughout the day. Whether you’re trying to build muscle, maintain a healthy weight, or to ensure you’re meeting your daily nutritional needs, protein plays a significant role.
How much protein do you actually need each day?
While the recommended daily intake varies depending on factors like age, activity level, and fitness goals, a general guideline is around 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for the average person. Athletes or those with active lifestyles may require even more. I found that there’s a sweet spot for protein, and for myself, I try to hit at least 100g per day.
One of the easiest ways to increase your protein intake is by incorporating protein-rich snacks into your day. Somethine we LOVE: these homemade protein butter bars. They’re packed with wholesome ingredients, easy to make, and absolutely delicious – I think you’ll love them as much as we do!
Peanut Butter Protein Bar Recipe
These peanut butter protein bars are the perfect balance of chewy, nutty, and naturally sweetened goodness. They’re packed with protein, thanks to vanilla protein powder, and they’re a convenient snack on the go. Unlike many store-bought protein bars, this recipe is made with clean, simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, they’re gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and can easily be made dairy-free by choosing the right chocolate.
Each serving contains approximately 10-12 grams of protein, making it an excellent way to fuel your body and keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.
Does Peanut Butter Have Protein?
Peanut butter has a small amount of protein, along with healthy fats that help keep you full and satisfied. On average, one tablespoon of peanut butter contains about 4 grams of protein. While it’s not as protein-dense as foods like chicken or fish, peanut butter can be paired with other protein-rich ingredients like vanilla protein powder or greek yogurt. Even though it has a little protein, I consider it to be more of a fat in my daily nutrient balance.
How To Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Ingredients:
1 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter/cashew butter for variation)
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup almond flour or oat flour
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate (melted for topping)
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Parchment paper for lining the baking pan
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the vanilla protein powder, almond flour, and sea salt. Mix until a thick dough forms.
Step 4: Press Into Pan
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly using a spatula or your hands.
Step 5: Melt Chocolate Topping
In a small bowl, melt the dairy-free chocolate with coconut oil until smooth. Pour over the protein bars and spread evenly.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy!
Once set, remove from the pan, slice into bars, and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
These homemade protein bars are perfect as a post-workout snack, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a grab-and-go breakfast option.
Making your own peanut butter protein bars at home is an easy way to ensure you’re getting high-quality ingredients without any unnecessary additives or preservatives. Plus, you can customize them to your liking – swap out peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter, or add in extras like chia seeds or shredded coconut. Give this recipe a try, and please let me know what you think!
If you’re looking for more, check out this homemade protein ice cream and protein pancakes recipe.
xoxo
Gina
