No Bake Protein Bars (Vegan + Gluten Free)
The best homemade no bake protein bars made with just 4 simple ingredients. Vegan, gluten free, and completely customizable - these bars are better than anything you'll find at the store.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups peanut butter (or allergy-friendly nut or seed butter substitute)
- ¾ cup (90g) protein powder, unsweetened recommended
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey (or sugar-free sweetener for keto version)
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 oz chocolate chips, melted (optional, for topping)
- 2 tsp coconut oil or neutral oil (optional, stir into melted chocolate for smoother coating)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup, and salt until a thick, uniform dough forms. The dough should be firm and hold its shape.
- Choose your shaping method: either press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 8x8 inch baking pan, or shape individual bars by hand on a parchment-lined tray.
- If using the optional chocolate topping: melt the chocolate chips (with coconut oil if desired) and spread evenly over the surface of the bars or pan.
- Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or until fully chilled and firm.
- If using a pan, lift out using the parchment paper overhang and slice into 10 to 16 bars depending on your preferred size.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Taste your dough before chilling and adjust sweetness or salt to your preference.
Use natural peanut butter (stir well before measuring) for best texture.
For larger, higher-protein bars: cut into 60g bars for 20+ grams of protein per bar.
Chocolate Protein Bars: Replace 2 tablespoons protein powder with cocoa powder. Stir in mini chocolate chips.
Banana Bread Bars: Replace maple syrup with ¼ cup mashed overripe banana. Add a pinch of cinnamon.
Cookie Dough Bars: Add ¼ tsp vanilla extract, ⅛ tsp baking soda, and mini chocolate chips. Use cashew or macadamia nut butter.
Chocolate Hazelnut Bars: Replace peanut butter with chocolate hazelnut butter. Top with chopped hazelnuts.
No Protein Powder Version: Replace protein powder with 1 cup oat flour. Increase sweetener to ⅓ cup.
NUTRITION (approximate, per bar based on 16 bars with peanut butter)
Protein: 10–12g | Sugar: under 3g | Note: nutrition will vary based on protein powder brand and bar size.