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.

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

  • 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