15g Protein Bar Recipe That Tastes Like Cookie Dough

Confession time: I used to grab those pricey, wrapped protein bars at the store whenever hunger struck between meetings. Then one chaotic Tuesday, I ran out mid-week and got desperate. That’s when I whipped up these no-bake peanut butter protein bars with what I had in my pantry – and wow! No fancy equipment needed, just 5 simple ingredients that cling together like best friends. Each chewy square packs 15g of protein (take that, store brands!), and they taste like peanut butter cookie dough without the guilt. My gym bag and office drawer now always have a stash – these bars became my superhero during busy days.

Why You’ll Love These Protein Bars

Let me count the ways these little squares will become your new snack obsession:

• 15g protein per bar – That’s more than two eggs! Perfect for post-workout or when your energy crashes at 3 PM.
• No oven required – Just mix, press, and chill. My kind of “baking” when I’m feeling lazy.
• Only 5 ingredients – All pantry staples you probably have right now (peanut butter lovers, rejoice!).
• Vegan magic – No sneaky dairy or eggs to worry about. Just pure, plant-powered goodness.
• Grab-and-go gold – These hold their shape beautifully in lunchboxes or gym bags. No messy crumblies here!

The first time I made these, I hugged the whole pan. You’ll understand when you taste them.

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Ingredients for No-Bake Protein Bars

Here’s everything you’ll need – I bet half of these are already in your pantry staring at you right now. The best part? No weird health-food-store ingredients required!

The Wet Team:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter (the drippy kind – no added oils or sugars here!)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (none of that pancake syrup impostor stuff)

The Dry Crew:

• 1 cup vanilla protein powder (my secret? Vega or Orgain work like a dream)
• 2 cups rolled oats (not instant – we want those hearty, chewy textures!)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds (optional, but they add this amazing little crunch and fiber boost)

See? I told you it was simple. Now let’s turn this dream team into the perfect snack-bar squad. Pro tip: double the batch – these disappear faster than cookies at a kids’ party!

How to Make No-Bake Protein Bars

Ready for the easiest “baking” session ever? These bars come together faster than you can say “snack time.” Just follow these simple steps – the hardest part is waiting for them to chill!

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Grab your 8×8 pan and line it with parchment paper like you’re wrapping a present. Make sure the paper overhangs the sides – this’ll be your lifeline when lifting those perfect bars out later.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl (trust me, you’ll need the space!), dump in that glorious peanut butter and maple syrup. Stir them together until they’re smoother than a jazz playlist. Lick the spoon? I won’t tell!

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Now comes the magic! Sprinkle in your protein powder first, stirring like you mean it – no clumps allowed! Then shower in those hearty oats and chia seeds. Keep mixing until every oat is coated and happy. The mixture should stick together when you pinch it.

Step 4: Press and Chill

Pour your mixture into the waiting pan and press it down firmly with your hands (clean ones, please!). This isn’t the time to be gentle – really compact it for bars that hold together. Pop it in the fridge for 2 hours – go fold laundry or answer emails while dreaming of your protein-packed future.

When time’s up, use the parchment paper “handles” to lift out your masterpiece. Slice into 12 perfect rectangles (or 24 squares if you’re feeling dainty). Store them in the fridge so they stay firm and fabulous!

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Tips for Perfect Protein Bars

After making countless batches (okay, maybe I have a slight addiction), I’ve learned all the tricks for no-fail protein bars every time:

• Stick with natural peanut butter – The runny kind without added oils gives the perfect sticky texture. Skippy won’t cut it here, friends!
• Taste your batter – Want sweeter bars? Add another tablespoon of maple syrup. Prefer less sweet? Reduce it slightly. Your kitchen, your rules!
• Press like you mean it – Those crumbs at the bottom of the pan weren’t pressed hard enough. Use the bottom of a glass if your fingers get tired.
• Mix-in magic – Try folding in dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling. My husband swears by mini M&Ms (don’t judge our cheat days).

These little tweaks turn good bars into “hide-them-from-your-roommates” great!

Protein Bar Variations

Just like my mood on Mondays, these bars are totally customizable! Here’s how I mix things up:

• Craving chocolate? Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the mix – it tastes like dessert but still packs that protein punch.
• Nut allergy folks: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter (my niece’s favorite trick).
• Want fruity? Try dried cherries or raisins stirred in – they add chewy little surprises in every bite!

The best part? No baking means instant gratification when those cravings hit. Find more fun combos on our Pinterest boards too!

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Storing Your Protein Bars

Okay, confession – the first time I made these, they disappeared in two days (blushes). But if you actually want them to last, here’s the scoop: stash them in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay perfectly chewy for up to 2 weeks. Pro tip – layer them between parchment paper so they don’t stick together!

Trying to stockpile? These freeze like a dream! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then toss them in a freezer bag – they’ll keep their texture for up to 3 months. I grab one frozen in the morning, and by lunch it’s thawed but still cool – perfect for that mid-afternoon energy slump. Just don’t microwave them unless you want peanut butter soup (learned that one the hard way).

Nutritional Information

Here’s the delicious truth about these protein bars: each chewy square gives you 220 calories packed with 15g protein – that’s like eating two hard-boiled eggs but way tastier! Plus, you get 22g carbs for energy and 10g healthy fats to keep you full. Just remember – values might do-si-do a bit depending on your exact ingredients. My vegan protein powder makes ’em about 10 calories lighter than when I use whey. Either way, they’re guilt-free fuel I actually crave!

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Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked these questions constantly at potlucks and gym sessions – here’s the scoop from my peanut-butter-stained recipe notebook:

Share Your Protein Bar Creations

I’d love to see your protein bar masterpieces! Tag me on Pinterest when you make them – your creative twists might just inspire my next batch. Now go forth and conquer snack time like the protein ninja you are!

No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars

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Make these easy 5-ingredient protein bars at home for a quick, healthy snack. Packed with 15g protein per bar, they’re vegan-friendly and perfect for on-the-go energy.

• Author: Sophia Collins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snacks
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

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• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup vanilla protein powder
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup chia seeds

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Instructions

1. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper
2. Mix peanut butter and maple syrup in a bowl
3. Add protein powder and stir until combined
4. Fold in oats and chia seeds
5. Press mixture firmly into pan
6. Refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting into bars

Notes

• Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
• Use almond butter for nut-free version
• Add chocolate chips for extra flavor
• Find more recipes on our Pinterest

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 0mg