Easy 5-Ingredient Protein Bars (Peanut Butter Chocolate!)
User Reviews
4.6
Easy 5-Ingredient Protein Bars (Peanut Butter Chocolate!)
Description
The protein bars are made by combining peanut butter and pitted dates in a food processor, followed by hemp seeds, chia seeds, and protein powder to form a thick, dough-like consistency. Adjustments can be made by adding more dry ingredients if too wet or more nut butter if too dry. After mixing, the blend is pressed into a parchment-lined loaf pan and flattened for even thickness.
Chilling in the freezer for at least 10-15 minutes firms the bars, which can be cut into squares or bars. Optional toppings include melted dark chocolate and cacao nibs, offering a contrasting crunchy and chocolatey layer. The texture is chewy from dates and nut butter with a slight crunch from seeds.
Bars can be cut into smaller portions for serving size control. Substitutes for dates such as maple syrup are possible with texture adjustments. Protein powder flavor can vary to suit preference, and seed substitutions like sesame or flax can be used. The bars provide a homemade alternative to store-bought protein snacks.
Nutrition information is estimated with the lower range of protein powder and excludes optional toppings. Freezing or refrigeration keeps the bars firm and extend shelf life.
Ingredients
PROTEIN BARS
- 1 ¼ cups peanut butter or sub almond, cashew, or sunflower, creamy, salted
- 5 medjool dates add more for sweeter bars, pitted
- 2/3 cup hemp seed
- 1/3 cup chia seeds (or sub other seeds, such as sesame or flax)
- 1/3-1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla, flavored, or chocolate — or other flavor of choice)*
FOR TOPPING optional
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate we like Enjoy Life, Theo, and Lily’s for a sugar-free option, dairy-free, chopped
- 1/2 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp cacao nibs
Instructions
- Add peanut butter and pitted dates to a food processor and pulse a few times to incorporate. Then add hemp seeds, chia seeds, and protein powder and pulse until all ingredients are well combined and a cookie dough-like texture forms (see photo).
- If too wet, add more dry ingredients of choice, such as protein powder or hemp seeds. It too dry, moisten with a little more nut butter.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more protein powder of choice for flavor or more dates for sweetness (if adding more dates, chop first to encourage even blending). Mix again until well combined.
- Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper. Transfer mixture into the pan and spread with the back of a spoon, then use a flat-bottomed object (such as a drinking glass) to flatten into an evenly packed, flat layer.
- Transfer to the freezer to chill for at least 10-15 minutes to help the mixture firm up. The longer it freezes, the firmer it will become.
- Optional for topping: Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil in a double boiler on the stovetop, or in 20-second increments in the microwave, stirring occasionally to encourage melting. Then drizzle over the top of bars (see photo). Top with cacao nibs for added texture (also optional).
- Once chilled, remove from freezer and cut into 12 even bars or squares.We recommend storing these in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer up to 1 month (freezer is best!). They are enjoyable straight out of the refrigerator or freezer and tend to soften at room temperature.
Notes
- Cut bars into 12 smaller pieces for proper serving size and accurate nutrition information.
- Maple syrup can replace dates for sweetness, adjusting dry ingredients accordingly to maintain texture.
- Protein powder flavor varies; choose one that fits dietary needs, such as grain-free if required.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12(Bars*)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 276 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1bars | |
| Calories | 276 | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 16.7g | 6% |
| Protein | 14.1g | 28% |
| Fat | 19.4g | 30% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.3g | 12% |
| Sodium | 104mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 195mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 5.4g | 22% |
| Sugar | 7.9g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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