Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Chocolate peanut butter protein bars are packed with protein, chocolate chips and M&M’s. These bars are chewy, thick, and taste like cookie dough!

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars are peanut butter and chocolate protein bars packed with chocolate chips and M&M’s. Made with only 7 ingredients, these no-bake protein bars are quick and easy to make. They are healthier than any chocolate peanut butter cookie, but taste just as delicious! These chocolate peanut butter protein bars are chewy, thick, and taste just like cookie dough! These give off major monster cookie vibes, but have extra chocolate.

What ingredients do I need for this recipe?

I try to make all of my recipes as easy and simple as possible. That means there will usually be fewer than 10 ingredients, all of which are a pantry staple. This recipe only has 7 ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Oats – For this recipe, you’ll need to to use oats to make an oat flour. Don’t let that intimidate you: to do this, all you need to do is put the oats in a blender or food processor for a few seconds. Oat flour will help create a thick and chewy texture for your protein bar. I use a standard old-fashioned or quick oats, just like I use for my easy protein oatmeal!
• Peanut butter – Peanut butter is one of the most important ingredients for this recipe. Not only does it give the bar a delicious flavor, but it serves as a binder to hold everything together. I recommend using a natural peanut butter for this recipe because it will be extra creamy!
• Chocolate Protein Powder – One serving of chocolate protein powder will add protein and some sweet chocolate flavor to these protein bars.
• Honey – Adding honey will make these bars sweet and also serve as a binder to help hold these bars together.
• Vanilla – I like to add vanilla to everything because I think it can make everything taste that much better. Plus, we’re basically making cookie dough and this will help get us to that flavor.
• Mini M&M’s – This is another important monster cookie ingredient. The M&M’s are an important topping to the treat, and by using the minis, we ensure M&M’s in every bite!
• Mini chocolate chips – Like the mini M&M’s, chocolate chips are another important topping for this recipe that we want to make sure is in every bite!
• Optional: For some additional chocolate flavor and a few nutritional benefits, add a scoop of cocoa powder.

Can I make substitutions to this recipe?

I haven’t tested many of the ingredient swaps, but I would bet you can make the necessary changes based on your dietary needs and available ingredients.

• Oats – I use old-fashioned oats for this recipe, but you can use gluten-free or any kind of oats that match your dietary needs.
• Peanut butter – Peanut butter is a really important ingredient to this recipe, but any kind of creamy nut butter would work well. You could try almond butter, sunflower butter, or even a flavored peanut butter!
• Chocolate Protein Powder – The chocolate protein powder will add a stronger chocolate flavor to this recipe, but you can leave it out if you don’t have any.
• Mini M&M’s & Mini chocolate chips – These two ingredients are going to help create some additional chocolate flavor we’re looking for, so I would recommend keeping them! However, you can definitely use a regular-sized M&M or chocolate chip instead of a mini version.
• Cocoa powder - A scoop of cocoa powder can add some additional chocolate flavor but is definitely optional.

What makes these bars nutritious?

These chocolate peanut butter protein bars are made with simple ingredients that taste delicious! The oats will add healthy carbohydrates and fiber to the bar. Peanut butter will add healthy fats and protein, and one serving of protein powder can add extra protein. Combining these ingredients with honey and toppings will create a bar that is packed with a balance of nutrients, potassium and calcium. Plus, each bar is only 99 calories! This bar is a great pre-run, post-workout, afternoon, or late-night treat.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to make. This is a one-bowl recipe so you’ll need to dump all of your ingredients into one large bowl and stir! The hardest part of this recipe will be stirring everything until it’s completely mixed. This is also a no-bake recipe, so no oven involved.. The only “cooking” is the time when these bars will sit in the freezer to firm up. Trust me, this recipe is so quick and easy!

What is the process to make this recipe?

• Gather all ingredients.
• Place the oats into a blender or food processor and process until finely ground.
• Put the peanut butter and honey in a large bowl and melt in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir together.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl.
• Mix very well until everything is combined.
• Place a piece of parchment paper onto a baking sheet.
• Firmly press the batter onto the baking sheet and spread so that it is all one layer and covers the baking sheet.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least one hour.
• Cut into bars and enjoy!

Looking for something similar?

If you’re looking for more healthy no-bake dessert bars, try these:

• Monster Cookie Protein Bars
• Cookies and Cream Protein Bars
• Coconut Chocolate Chip Bliss Bars

Can I have the recipe?

If you try this recipe and love it, please rate it and me know your thoughts! I hope you enjoy these chocolate peanut butter protein bars as much as me!