The first step to working out is getting the right snacks. Am I right?
Or am I just putting off the actual working out process? Swimsuit season is approaching, and my gym membership is gathering dust. Somebody, give me some inspiration!
If not inspiration, at least give me some of these Peanut Butter and Chocolate Protein Bars. Because dayyyum, these things are GOOD!
I actually just grabbed one of these from the fridge and stuffed it in my mouth just two seconds ago. Because I just can’t look at these pictures without wanting to eat some. They are that good.
So I was lying a little bit about my gym membership. It was just last week that I picked it back up and started working out again. And MAN. Let me tell you. I am not in shape at ALL.
Let me explain. I went into a Body Pump class feeling like I would conquer it and still feel great after. Yeahh, that didn’t really happen.
It left me sore and aching for 2 full days after. The instructor suggested that I eat protein straight after to “feed” my muscles, as she put it. As soon as I got home, I made these super easy protein bars so that I will be prepared for the next time I go to the gym.
In the meantime, I just ate peanut butter straight out of the jar.
These bars are so easy to make, you will want to make them over and over. The making of the bars literally takes only 5-10 minutes. The longest part of this whole protein bar making process is waiting for them to harden in the fridge.
My favourite thing about these protein bars is that they are no bake! Hello summer recipe! It is starting to heat up in Toronto, so having a no bake recipe in my back pocket will prevent my kitchen from also heating up in the warm summer months.
Also, chocolate and peanut butter. Best combo ever!!!
But speaking of making these bars over and over, I have experimented with these bars quite a bit over the past couple of weeks. But this is the version I prefer the most.
You could also mix in the chocolate chips instead of melting and pouring it on top, but keep in mind the chocolate will melt, and not look like those classic chocolate chip bars. It actually makes quite a pretty marble pattern inside the bars. But not pretty enough in photos, unfortunately.
These bars also have a very unique texture. Have you ever tried a polvoron? Well, that is the closest I can get to comparing what the texture of these bars most resembles. Personally, I LOVE polvoron and its texture, but some people don’t. You could try experimenting with other flours if you like. Just make sure to add more flour, as coconut flour is very absorbent.
No if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to make more.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 6 oz chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp salted butter
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl, heat the peanut butter and maple syrup in two 30 second intervals, mixing after each interval until smooth.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the coconut flour and protein powder.
- Add in the flour mixture to the melted peanut butter mixture. Mix until fully combined.
- Press the mixture in the prepared baking pan. Place in the refrigerator until hardened.
- In a small saucepan on low heat, heat the chocolate chips and butter, and mix until melted and smooth. Do not overcook!
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the hardened protein bars. Return to the refrigerator until the chocolate has hardened. Cut into bars, and place in an airtight container.
Oooh I love that these are both delicious and healthy-ish. I might use dark chocolate for some extra antioxidants and more good excuses for eating them 🙂 🙂
Sues
Peanut butter and chocolate are a droolicious combo, and these bars look insanely delish. Yummy share.
Anu
http://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/
Peanut butter and chocolate just work so well together. Love that combo! And these look SO good — super recipe. Thanks!
Interesting! Never heard of polvoron until now. Might make sense to mention the brand of coconut flour that you used as they actually all differ in their ability to absorb moisture. I found out the hard way. 😉
Comment as:
I have some constraints, so I’d like to know if this recipe still work if I omitted the maple syrup and used pure stevia extract (and add a splash of two of almond milk if needed for the moisture)?
Also, what kind of protein powder do you use? Rice? Hemp? A mix? Does it have to be vegan or would whey work?
Thanks!
I have tried it with Hemp protein powder and it works great.
I have personally never tried substituting pure stevia extract for the maple syrup, but I think if you added some almond milk to fill in the for the missing moisture, it should work. Let me know how it goes!
These were great! The perfect after workout snack. Thank you!
Yay! So glad you liked it 🙂
My favorite flavor combination! Love how easy they are to make and that they are good for you. Will be making these often.
They are one of my favourite things to make 🙂
This is really good! My family loved it and couldn’t stop eating it!
I can relate 😉
These bars look so amazing. It’s just what I was looking for. Simple yet healthy recipe. I’m making this.
Let me know how they go!