Coconut & Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars Recipe
These Coconut & Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack perfect for a quick energy boost or a post-workout treat. They combine creamy peanut butter, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla protein powder with wholesome oats, chia seeds, and shredded coconut. Topped with melted chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars are both satisfying and flavorful, easy to prepare, and store well in the fridge for on-the-go snacking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/3 cup honey (use coconut palm syrup if vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- Optional: 1/3 cup dried tart cherries (or dried fruit of choice)
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Fancy sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Heat Peanut Butter Mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the natural peanut butter, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla paste. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then remove it from the heat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Transfer the warm peanut butter mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the vanilla protein powder until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Fold in the oats, chia seeds, shredded coconut, and dried cherries if using, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form the Bars: Line an 8×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pan, spreading it out evenly and pressing gently to compact it.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together the chocolate chips and coconut oil, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the bars. Sprinkle with fancy sea salt to taste.
- Chill and Set: Place the loaf pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set firmly.
- Cut and Store: Once set, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, cut them into 10 equal bars or squares. Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with coconut palm syrup to make the recipe vegan.
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for a healthier option.
- If you prefer, replace dried tart cherries with any dried fruit of your choice.
- Ensure the chocolate chips and coconut oil are melted on low heat to prevent burning.
- Keep the bars refrigerated to maintain their texture and freshness.
