Go Back
Sliced no-bake protein bars on a cutting board

Easy 5-Ingredient No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars

These are the absolute easiest no-bake protein bars you will ever make with just five ingredients and no oven time needed. They deliver maximum satisfaction with minimum effort, making them an essential part of simple meal planning.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 10 bars
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup protein powder vanilla or unflavored
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips optional topping

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • parchment paper
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Stir the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) in a medium bowl until smooth.
  3. Add the rolled oats and protein powder to the wet mixture.
  4. Stir all ingredients together until a thick, uniform dough forms. You may need to use your hands to fully incorporate everything. Add one teaspoon of water or milk at a time if the dough is too dry.
  5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using the flat bottom of a measuring cup. Press firmly to compact the mixture.
  6. If using, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate over the top of the bar mixture.
  7. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
  8. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the block of bars out of the pan. Run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe dry, and cut into 10 to 12 equal bars.

Notes

Protein powder: Use a good quality protein powder (vanilla or unflavored) or the texture will suffer. Vegan option: Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your protein powder is plant-based. Keto option: Substitute the oats with almond flour and use a keto-friendly sweetener instead of honey.
QR Code linking back to recipe