Looking for a healthy and delicious way to fuel your body and satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than these homemade protein bars!
Packed with nutrient-rich oats, creamy peanut butter, protein powder, chocolate milk, espresso, tart dried cherries, and decadent chocolate chips, these bars are a tasty and convenient snack that will keep you feeling full and energized all day long.
Perfect for a pre-workout boost, a mid-day pick-me-up, or a guilt-free dessert, these protein bars are easy to make and sure to become a staple in your healthy eating routine.
Hands-down The best protein bar recipe
My family can’t get enough of these Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars! With my teenagers’ growing interest in fitness and protein intake, this recipe has become a household staple.
Packed with protein from the combination of peanut butter and protein powder, these bars are not only delicious but also satisfying. The recipe makes a large batch that is easy to grab and go, with 2-inch squares that can be stored in the freezer until ready to eat.
Whether as a pre-workout snack or a post-dinner treat, these bars are sure to become a family favourite.
This recipe makes a large batch! I cut them into 2-inch squares and I was able to get around 96 squares! Amazing! I pack them up into ziploc bags and eat them from frozen! So good!
What makes these protein bars so special?
This recipe is perfect for families and is incredibly practical. I think the combination of instant espresso, chocolate protein powder and then the cherries makes this recipe incredible. The instant espresso also brings out the chocolate flavour and gives you a great burst of energy to start your day.
I like to use chia seeds and ground flaxseed for their nutritional value, vanilla extract for a delicious twist, and instant espresso for a little extra kick.
If you like this recipe you might like to try my recipe for Easy Healthy Protein Bars. A slightly different version and also so delicious. I always have a batch of both of these recipes in my freezer to grab-and-go.
Ingredients
- 1 kg. Peanut Butter, 4 cups
- 2/3 cup Honey
- 2/3 cup Chocolate Milk
- 1 tbsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
- 5 cups Rolled Oats, quick
- 1/2 cup Flaxseed, ground
- 1/2 cup Chia Seed
- 2 tbsp. Instant Espresso I like Nescafe Gold Espresso Instant Coffee
- 2 scoops Chocolate Protein Powder
- 1 cup Dried Cherries, chopped
- 1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
instructions
- Line a Large Baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing glass bowl add the peanut butter, honey, chocolate milk, and espresso powder.
- Add the bowl over the top of a medium saucepan that has water that has been simmering. Melt and mix the mixture until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, mix the oats, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, protein powder, dried cherries, and half of the chocolate chips.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture into the dry mixture and mix until well combined.
- Pour this mix onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Take some time here to smooth out the mix into a nice even layer. The bars should be approximately a 1/2 inch thick and fill the entire surface of the baking sheet.
- Add the remaining chocolate chips and slightly press them down into the mixture.
- Place plastic wrap over the bars and flash freeze them for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour or until they are firm.
Remove from the freezer. Slice the bars into 2-inch squares and store them in Ziploc bags. Do not overlap the bars. Keep them one layer and flat. Freeze.
Keep Frozen and eat from frozen. They are super delicious!!!
Benefits to eating homemade protein bars
Protein bars are a great way to supplement your diet with the essential macronutrient, protein. Protein plays a crucial role in building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as supporting healthy bones, skin, and hair. Eating protein bars can also help you feel fuller for longer periods of time, which can aid in weight loss or management goals
The Best Ever Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars with Dried Cherries
Ingredients
- 1 kg. Peanut Butter, 4 cups
- 2/3 cup Honey
- 2/3 cup Chocolate Milk
- 1 tbsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
- 5 cups Rolled Oats, quick
- 1/2 cup Flaxseed, ground
- 1/2 cup Chia Seed
- 2 tbsp. Instant Espresso I like Nescafe Gold Espresso Instant Coffee
- 2 scoops Chocolate Protein Powder
- 1 cup Dried Cherries, chopped
- 1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Line a Large Baking sheet with parchment paper.In a mixing glass bowl add the peanut butter, honey, chocolate milk, and espresso powder. Add the bowl over top of a medium saucepan that has water that has been simmering. Melt and mix the mixture until everything is smooth and well combined. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon. Set aside.In another large bowl, mix the oats, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, protein powder, dried cherries, and half of the chocolate chips.Pour the peanut butter mixture into the dry mixture and mix until well combined. Pour this mix onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Take some time here to smooth out the mix into a nice even layer. The bars should be approximately a 1/2 inch thick and fill the entire surface of the baking sheet. Add the remaining chocolate chips and slightly press them down into the mixture. Place plastic wrap over the bars and flash freeze them for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour or until they are firm. Remove from the freezer. Slice the bars into 2 inch squares and store them into ZipLoc bags. Do not overlap the bars. Keep them one layer and flat. Freeze. Keep Frozen and eat from frozen. They are super delicious!!!
Time for a jolt of energy
Overall, these homemade protein bars made with oats, peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, dried cherries, and chocolate chips are a delicious and nutritious option for anyone looking to fuel their body with quality ingredients.
With a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, these bars provide sustained energy throughout the day while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Plus, they’re easy to make and can be stored in the freezer for a convenient and healthy snack on-the-go. So, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or simply looking for a healthier snack option, give these protein bars a try and indulge in a guilt-free treat!