I’m kicking off 2018 with my all-time favorite flavor combination: peanut butter and chocolate.
Can you believe it’s been months since I’ve shared a chocolate-PB recipe here on Baked Greens?
That needs to change, immediately.
These Peanut Butter Cup Protein Bars are exactly as they seem: a protein bar that tastes just like a peanut butter cup. I can’t believe I’ve made it this far in life without them; they are seriously the best protein bar I’ve ever made.
They’re made in just 1-bowl in about 15 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand (maybe with the exception of the protein powder). Adapted from my almond butter protein bars, which were my favorite until I decided to make a peanut butter version and never looked back.
Aaaaand they’re perfect for keeping you full + satisfied for whatever 2018 may throw your way.
The base is a thick layer of peanut butter mixed with maple syrup (or honey!), unsweetened pea protein powder, oats, a few dates, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. This thick, fudgy peanut butter mixture gets pressed into a loaf pan to help cut the perfect bar shapes.
Then we melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it on top, let it harden, and cut into bars!
I think you’re going to be as OBSESSED with these bars as I am. They’re:
Quick + easy to make
Full of protein and healthy fats
Perfectly portable
Loaded with peanut butter
Super satisfying
& Downright delicious!
If you make them, let me know! Leave a comment here, or take a picture and share it with me on Instagram. Happy 2018, Friends!
Peanut Butter Cup Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter butter no added sugar/oil
- 1/4 cup raw honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened pea protein powder or other unsweetened protein powder of choice*
- 4 large Medjool dates pitted and finely diced
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate
- flaky sea salt to top (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper; set aside.
- 2. Put first 5 ingredients into a bowl and stir well to combine. Add all remaining ingredients, except chocolate, and stir until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands or a sturdy wooden spoon to get everything combined.
- 3. Press the dough into the loaf pan with your hands, forming an even layer. Put the loaf pan into the freezer to let bars set up for a few minutes while you melt the chocolate.
- 4. Put chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until melted. Pour melted chocolate over the pan of protein bars and smooth with a spoon. Top with flaky salt, if desired. Put pan back into the freezer for 5 minutes to let the chocolate firm up.
- 5. Remove pan from freezer and lift the parchment paper to remove the loaf. Slice into 6-8 bars for a more filling, meal-like sized bar, or cut into 12 small squares for a less filling, snack-sized bar!
- 6. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days, in the fridge for up to 10 days, or in the freezer for several months. I prefer the taste/texture best at room temperature, but they do have a longer shelf life if stored in the fridge.
Notes