Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes. Almond butter or cashew butter both work well. Just make sure you use a natural nut butter that needs to be stirred.

What's the best protein powder for homemade protein bars?

A vanilla whey protein powder will give the bars the best texture and flavor. Plant-based protein powders can work too, but they tend to absorb more moisture and may make the bars drier.

My protein bars are dry. What can I do?

Protein powders vary a lot in absorbency. If your mixture feels too dry or crumbly, add a small splash of water or a little extra maple syrup until the dough comes together.

How much protein is in each bar?

This can vary slightly depending on the protein powder you use. Each bar has about 10–12 grams of protein per bar.

Can kids eat these protein bars?

Yes! My kids love them after school, or as a pre or post-activity snack.

Are these a replacement for Perfect Bar?

They definitely can be! These homemade protein bars have a similar soft, chewy texture and need to be stored in the refrigerator, just like Perfect Bars. They also have a comparable protein-to-calorie ratio, but they're made with just seven simple ingredients.

Homemade Protein Bars

Name: Homemade Protein Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ⅓ cups natural, creamy peanut butter; 2/3 cup pure maple syrup; 3 tablespoons oat flour; 1 cup vanilla protein powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, optional

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest!

Recipe

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Homemade Protein Bars

These homemade protein bars are made with simple ingredients and come together in minutes. They’re incredibly delicious, satisfying, and way better than store-bought bars. Make a batch and keep them in the fridge for a quick and easy protein snack!

Prep: 10Total: 10 minutes

Servings: 16 1x

Ingredients

1 ⅓ cups natural, creamy peanut butter
2/3 cup pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons oat flour
1 cup vanilla protein powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, optional

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Instructions

Prep: Line a square baking pan with parchment paper. Both 8×8 and 9×9 work great.
Mix: In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, maple syrup, oat flour, protein powder, vanilla extract, salt, and chocolate chips until combined. The dough should be thick.
Transfer: Press the mixture in the prepared baking pan. Spread the mixture into an even layer using a thick rubber spatula or your hands.
Chill: Place the bars in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.
Slice: Lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan. Slice into 16 even bars or squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Drippy, natural peanut butter works best for this recipe. It helps the ingredients stick together and creates a soft, sturdy bar that isn’t too dry.
These bars are easy to customize depending on your preferred texture. Add a little more oat flour for a firmer, more solid bar, or a small splash of water to soften them up.
Chocolate Option: You can either mix the chocolate chips directly into the dough, or melt them and pour the chocolate over the top for a chocolate layer. To make the topping, add the chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 10-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth and melted. Pour the chocolate over the bars and spread into an even layer. Chill the bars for 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe By: Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT

Find it online: https://coconutsandkettlebells.com/homemade-protein-bars/