agave nectar Archives • A Sweet Pea Chef

Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven. This post will show you how to make delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars that provide a mood boost and sustained bursts of energy! If you're active and on the go, protein bars can be your best friend forever. But when they contain additives and unhealthy fillers, things get complicated. I'm not a fan of hidden sugars (which you can read about here), and I try to avoid weird preservatives whenever possible. You can find some quality protein bars available at the store, but I think it's enjoyable to make my own. Enter: These chocolate peanut butter protein bars! These contain a powerhouse protein combination; peanut butter, protein powder, chia seeds, and oatmeal. Honestly, I probably make these more than 3x per year because they're just so good! And no baking is required. Ready to learn how to make them? It's pretty simple... What Qualifies As A Protein Bar? In a line, protein bars are simple energy snacks that contain high amounts of protein (around 7-25 grams) relative to other macros. When looking for a high-quality option, choose a protein bar that... Has at least 10 grams of protein per bar Is around 140 to 200 calories if you're having it as a snack Has more than 6 grams of fiber Contains less than 25 grams of carbohydrates Doesn't have more than 6-9 grams of sugar Does NOT contain saturated fats or soy protein isolate Do Protein Bars Help You Lose Weight? YES! Protein bars can help you lose weight, especially if you eat a protein bar with healthy nutritional value (similar to the stipulations above). Protein bars contain protein (obv) which helps keep you full for more extended periods. And when you're full, you have less desire to snack. Also, did you know that protein is vital if you want to enhance fat loss because it boosts your metabolism? The value of protein extends FAR beyond weight loss. Read Why Women Need To Eat More Protein to get the scoop. What Makes A Good Protein Powder? Protein powder is a fantastic addition to many recipes, but you want to make sure it's not causing more harm than good. A good quality protein powder... Contains simple, clean, minimal ingredients. Doesn't have added refined sugar. Clean sweeteners include monk fruit extract and stevia leaf extract. Is BPA-free and processed by a trustworthy facility. It should also be worth the trouble of eating! Protein powders that include all nine essential amino acids are whey protein powder and egg protein powder. I'm also a big fan of pea protein powder, which you can read more about here. Vegan protein powders pack a lot of punch too! What's In These Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars? These protein bars have A LOT of yummy flavors, yet the ingredients are relatively simple. You can mix them right in a bowl, no blender or food processor required. Easy peasy to make and you've gotta love that! Here's what you need: Rolled oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are the ideal consistency for this recipe, especially if you're a fan of chewy protein bars. Plus, they're packed with fiber. Chia seeds: Because chia seeds are also high in protein and fiber, they are excellent additions to any protein bar. I pretty much add them to everything; vinaigrettes, jams, and puddings! Protein powder: I like this particular brand of protein powder because it has only three ingredients. NONE OF WHICH are artificial sweeteners. It's GMO-free, too. Dark cocoa powder: Cocoa is great. Now, this may come as a surprise, but cocoa can help regulate your appetite! Ground cinnamon: If you're trying to lose weight and get rid of some belly fat, start regularly adding cinnamon to your diet. Creamy peanut butter: Great source of protein right here. Natural peanut butter without added sugar is the best. Even if it's store-bought, as long as you purchase the healthy version, you're good to go. Almond butter works also, if that's your preferred nut butter. Coconut oil: An absolute mainstay in my pantry after I shifted to a clean(ish) lifestyle. Almond milk: I'm not too fond of a dry protein bar. Almond milk provides moisture in this recipe. The almond milk also gives a terrific calcium boost. Honey: I prefer honey for a kiss of natural sweetness (and it helps bind the bars together). I always prefer natural sweeteners when I bake, and maple syrup is another one of my faves. Dark chocolate morsels: Nuts about chocolate like me? Yes, everyone loves chocolate! And did you know it's also good for you? Discover 11 Proven Health Benefits of Chocolate. How To Store? You can store these dairy-free protein bars at room temperature for up to a week using an airtight container. They freeze well if you make a big batch and can't eat them all at once. Stored in an airtight freezer bag, they'll be good for up to 3 months. I freeze them individually in plastic wrap. That way, they won't clump together, and I can grab one when needed. A convenient healthy snack! More Healthy Protein Recipes Looking to bump up your protein intake from multiple sources? Check out some of my other recipes! 7 Best Protein Bars + What Makes a Protein Bar Healthy How to Make Protein Pancakes + 4 Easy Protein Pancake Recipes 5 High Protein Fruit Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss ( 5 Ingredients or Less!) My Fave High Protein Snacks for Weight Loss This post contains affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend. Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven. They provide a mood boost and sustained bursts of energy! 1 cup rolled oats2 tbsp chia seeds2 scoops protein powder (I like this vanilla protein powder)2 tsp dark cocoa powder1/8 tsp ground cinnamon2/3 cup creamy peanut butter1 tbsp plus 1 tsp. coconut oil (divided)3 tbsp almond milk (plus more if needed)2 tbsp honey2 tbsp dark chocolate morsels In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, protein powder, cocoa powder and ground cinnamon. Mix well.Add in the peanut butter and stir to combine until mixture is crumbly and peanut butter is evenly distributed.Add in the coconut oil, the almond milk, and honey and stir to incorporate. The mixture should be pretty sticky and moist (i.e. not dry and crumbly). If not, add a little more almond milk.Line a small, flat and rimmed dish, like a casserole dish, with parchment paper. Using a spoon, firmly press the mixture into the dish, making sure to press it evenly. This will be the thickness of the bars. Once the mixture is firmly pressed, put in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to set.While mixture is in the freezer, heat the chocolate morsels and remaining 1 tsp. coconut oil in a small bowl in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until chocolate is smooth and liquidity.Remove the dish from the freezer. Keeping the oatmeal mixture on the parchment paper, lay on a flat surface. Slice into 8 even bars.Separate the bars slightly and drizzle the hot chocolate over with a spoon.Return the bars to the refrigerator in an airtight container and allow the chocolate to cool and set, about 5-10 minutes.To store, keep in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 1 week. SnackEasyhomemade chocolate peanut butter protein bars, homemade protein bars, protein bar recipe