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Easy 5-Ingredient Protein Bars (Peanut Butter Chocolate!)
4.6 from 96 votes

Easy 5-Ingredient Protein Bars (Peanut Butter Chocolate!)

These 5-Ingredient Protein Bars blend peanut butter, medjool dates, hemp and chia seeds, and protein powder into a cookie dough-like mixture. They are pressed into a pan and chilled until firm, providing a chewy, nutrient-dense snack with flavors of peanut butter and optional chocolate toppings. The bars offer a balanced texture from seeds and sweetness from dates, ideal for a homemade energy or protein boost without complex ingredients.

Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 12 (Bars*)
Calories: 276 kcal
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Vegan

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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). 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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. 
  6. 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).
  7. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12 (Bars*)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 276

% 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.