How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars are simple, requiring just 10 ingredients and 30 minutes to make. #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan

Stay with me for a second while I come out and say something a little conceited. These Peanut Butter Chocolate  Protein Bars are AMAZING. Seriously, grab-n'-go breakfast perfection. Nope not even grab-n'-go breakfast perfection.. JUST PERFECTION. These bars are soft and chewy just like a granola bar should be, and as the name implies, they're packed with protein (see notes in recipe).

I've obviously got a thing going with homemade granola bars (exhibit A, B and C). But this recipe, it's special. It was created for my favorite 5-year-old-boy who refuses to consume homemade bars with chunks of nuts in them. Never mind that he routinely begs for AND eats Lara Bars (loaded with nuts) from the store. I've learned to choose my battles, and granola bar logic (or lack thereof), well.. not worth it.

In addition to a selective nut aversion, our pediatrician recently recommended that Campbell stay away from dairy containing cow proteins.  It's been tougher (and more expensive) than I would have imagined. I've been working hard to come up with substitutes for our favorite recipes. For these bars, I used goat milk, but you could use ANY type of milk that works for your family. The recipe isn'f fussy.

Here's a few of my favorite things about these bars:

• Made from 9-ingredients that are all most likely hanging out in your kitchen as you read this recipe.
• NO VISIBLE NUTS - obviously the bars are loaded with nuts in the form of peanut butter, but your kiddo or picky spouse will never be the wiser.
• All recognizable ingredients. If you've never checked out the ingredient list on different varieties of store-bought bars, it can be shocking. There are more and more real food options, but they are really really expensive.
• Homemade granola bars, well.. they make you feel like a "Pinterest Mom," and yet, they really couldn't be easier to make.

Time Saving Tips and Tricks:

Prep: You can preassemble the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container in your pantry for up to a month, if not longer. Add the wet ingredients and you will be ready to pop these in the oven.

Make Ahead: Make and bake these bars. Let them cool. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, but I bet ya they won't last that long.

Freezer: Wrap the cooled and sliced bars in parchment paper and place them into an airtight Ziplock bag. They will keep up to a month.

📖 Recipe

Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars

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• Author: Bailey Sissom
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars are simple, requiring just 10 ingredients and 30 minutes to make. #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free blend if desired)
• ¼ cup peanut butter powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ cup + 2 TBS milk (goat, almond, cow.. it all works)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup dark chocolate chunks (sub sweet dried fruit if vegan or dairy-free)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray and line an 9x11" or 8"x8" inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In large mixing bowl combine oats, peanut butter powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix.
3. Into the bowl of a stand mixer, combine peanut butter, honey, milk, and vanilla. Mix until fully combined.
4. Pour dry ingredient mix into the wet ingredients. Mix until fully combined. The batter will be very sticky. Add chocolate chunks. Stir to incorporate.
5. Pour into prepared baking dish. I wet my hands and them use them to firmly press the mixture into place. Use a rubber spatula to ensure that it is distributed evenly.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
8. Cut bars into desired serving size. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

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Notes

• I used no-stir peanut butter for this recipe. Using natural (with the oil on the top) will change the recipe ratios/texture and I have not tested the results.
• 3g of protein isn't a TON. The original recipe contained protein powder, but I don't like giving that to my kids.  If you'd like to up the protein factor, swap out the ¼ cup of peanut butter powder for a scoop of your favorite chocolate protein powder. You will also want to reduce the amount of oats you use by about ⅛ - ¼ cup.

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