No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Granola Bars
No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Granola Bars
What I love about No Bake PB Protein Granola Bars
“These are TOO good!” Those were my husband’s words when he tried these protein bars for the first time. In fact, he said that I need to make them less good. Well, obviously I’m not going to do that! I have always been such a big proponent of eating a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients but one that ALSO tastes good! These no bake peanut butter protein granola bars are just that. They are packed full with healthy fats and protein to nourish you while also tasting delicious. Might I say… so delicious they could be mistaken for dessert?
If you find it hard to get protein into your diet and you’re not a smoothie person, then you have to try these protein bars! They’re so quick and easy to prepare and you only need one bowl to make them. This recipe makes 9-12 bars depending on how big you cut them. We have been loving having a batch on hand during the week when we’re running around from here to there. I promise, the whole family will love them!
Here’s a list of ingredients that you will need:
Peanut Butter - You want to use all natural, smooth, creamy peanut butter for this recipe. Make sure the only ingredient in your peanut butter is peanuts. We don’t want any added preservatives or sugar. Also, if you can find a peanut butter that is nice and drippy (and not dry) it will be in your best interest when the time comes to mix it with the other ingredients. You can use crunchy peanut butter if you love the crunch, but otherwise, smooth is best!
Maple Syrup - Just like with peanut butter, be sure to find a good, real, all natural maple syrup. Stay away from the faux maple syrups which are full of added synthetic sugars and preservatives. Just get the real stuff! It’s wroth it. The flavours can’t compare and real maple syrup is much better for you.
Coconut oil - Making sure that the coconut oil is melted will help ease the mixing process. This is partly why the bars need to be chilled before cutting; so that the coconut oil can harden again.
Oats - I recommend using rolled oats for the best texture. If you can find sprouted oats, that’s a bonus! Anytime you eat grains and they’re sprouted they are much easier on your gut and therefore easier to digest. Do not use quick oats for this recipe.
Protein powder - This recipe calls for unsweetened, unflavoured protein powder. You can find this at most health food stores, select grocery stores or online! You could use vanilla protein powder if that’s all you have, but the taste might vary slightly and they will end up being much sweeter as vanilla protein powder does have added sweeteners.
Seeds - I added both chia seeds and hemp hearts for added nutrition. Chia seeds are considered a superfood and have many health benefits and hemp hearts are high in protein and omega-3’s.
Dried cranberries - When it comes to granola bars, it’s all about the add-ins! I love the addition of dried cranberries in these bars. They add some sweetness but a nice chew as well.
Chocolate - We definitely have to have chocolate in these bars too! I love to use sugar-free chocolate chips for all of my baking because you get that chocolatey goodness without all of the added sugar. You can find them at most health food stores and some grocery stores. However, any kind of chocolate will do!
We really love these protein granola bars and hope you will too! If you love them, please leave a rating below! Thanks for being here, friends.
No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Granola Bars
No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup creamy, smooth peanut butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups sprouted rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unflavoured protein powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp hemp hearts
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup chocolate chunks or chips
Instructions
- Line an 8"x8" pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the oats, protein powder, sea salt, chia seeds, hemp hearts, cranberries and chocolate chips and fold in with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press down in an even layer.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into squares.
- Once cut, store the bars in the fridge and enjoy anytime!
