I Heart Pacific Northwest

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Protein Bars

These soft energy bars are full of nutty flavor and have plenty of protein to support physical activity.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole rolled oats 
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips 
  • 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons almond protein powder 
  • 1 tablespoon flax seeds 
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder 
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt 
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter 
  • 1/3 cup brown rice syrup 
  • 1/4 cup milk (leave out for a crunchier bar)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil

Makes 8 bars

Ingredient Notes

  • oats: rolled oats are preferred over instant oats for the thicker texture
  • vanilla powder: to vary the flavor, substitute cinnamon or ginger powder
  • almond protein powder: any type of protein powder can be substituted
  • peanut butter: use any type of nut butter
  • chocolate chips: use white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips
  • brown rice syrup: substitute with light corn syrup (do not use honey)
  • milk: I use oat milk but any type of milk can be used

Pro tip: using a silicone bar mold is highly recommended. The individual bars won’t crumble and are much easier to remove after baking.

Directions

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Protein Bars

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
  • Use a food processor to chop the oats into a mix of smaller pieces. Roughly chop the peanuts.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, protein powder, chocolate chips, peanuts, flax seeds, vanilla powder and salt. Set aside. 
  • In a small pan, combine the peanut butter, brown rice syrup, oat milk, and coconut oil. Heat just until the coconut oil liquifies. Let cool completely before adding to the dry mixture.
  • Add the liquid ingredients to the dry mixture and stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. 
  • Use either a silicone bar baking dish or a glass 8’’x8” baking pan coated lightly with cooking spray. 
  • Spread mixture evenly, pressing down firmly with a spatula or your hands (place plastic wrap over the mixture first) until evenly distributed. 
  • Bake for 30 minutes until edges are lightly browned. 
  • Remove from oven and let cool completely before removing from the silicone bar baking dish or before cutting into bars. 
  • Store bars in the freezer until ready to use.

Nutrition info: calories 438; fat 26g; cholesterol 0mg; sodium 108mg; carbohydrates 44g; protein 10g