Peanut Butter Protein Bars (No Bake!)

Here's a quick and easy snack recipe that sure does beat the processed protein and granola bars you find in the grocery store.  Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suite your taste preferences... for example, you could try almond, cashew, or sunflower butter instead of the peanut butter.  Or, try shredded coconut instead of the cocao nibs.  Or, try a chocolate protein powder if that's your thing!

 

First, we are going to get the sweetness from the natural sugars in dates.  Soaking the dates prior helps add a little moisture to the bar to help it stick together. 

 

Meanwhile, blend your oats and protein powder in a food processor.  Then, add in your peanut butter, dates and cinnamon. 

Add water as needed until mixture sticks together.  Then press your mixture into your baking dish.  Sprinkle your cocao nibs on top, then press into the mixture. 

 

 

 

Freeze until firm, then slice into your squares.  Enjoy as a snack or as a pre-workout boost!

 

 

Peanut Butter Protein Bars (No Bake)

1 1/2 cup Oats
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
 3/4 cup natural peanut butter
1 cup pitted dates
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1/3 cup Water, or as needed
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
3Tb cocao nibs

1. Soak dates in water for 30 minutes, or until softened. Drain and set aside.
2. Blend oats and protein powder in a food processor. Add dates, peanut butter, vanilla and cinnamon.  Blend, then add water, 2Tb at a time until mixture sticks together.
3. Flatten into bottom of 8x8 pan. Sprinkle cocao nibs on top and press into mixture.
4. Freeze 30 minutes until firm, then cut into 16 squares. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Information per serving (16.0 servings)

 

Calories: 175.8

Total Fat 7.8g	12%
Saturated Fat 2g	10%
Cholesterol 0.6mg	0%
Sodium 76.9mg	3%
Total Carb 19.4g	6%
Dietary Fiber 3.4g	14%
Sugars 4.5g
Protein 8.6g	17%
Vitamin A 3%	Vitamin C 3%
Calcium 5%	Iron 6%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.