If you’ve got 10 minutes, you’ve got enough time to make these rawsome awesome protein bars! All you need to do is soften some dates, stir in some peanut butter, dump it over the dry ingredients, and press into a pan. Easy to make, easy on the wallet.
The Lowdown on Protein Powders
This recipe contains whey protein isolate. I used to be fairly anti-protein powders. Unless you were an elite athlete, a body builder, or needed a specialized medical diet, I didn’t think they were necessary. I still don’t think they’re necessary, per se. A person can certainly live a healthy happy life without ever touching a protein powder but I also see how they can be a helpful tool.
Protein is a key nutrient in promoting fullness. Recent research has shown that protein at breakfast can have a huge impact on food intake throughout the rest of the day. (for more on why you NEED protein at breakfast, go download my free e-book!)
What I like about whey protein isolate is that it’s simply whey protein leftover from making cheese that has been dried into a powder. Since I eat quite a bit of cheese I feel as though I’m balancing out my dairy by buying the whey too. If you put them together, they make a whole food, right? š
So whey protein isolate is just that: cow’s milk protein. There aren’t any added flavours, sweeteners, or other ingredients.
One brand that sells a “whey protein only” protein powder is Naked Nutrition.
You can get 10% off your Naked Nutrition order with this code: NAKED10 (affiliate link)
LEARN HOW TO MAKE THESE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BARS (80 SECONDS):
Where do I Find This Whey Protein Isolate You Speak Of?
Not sure where to find whey protein isolate? Never fear.. the internet
Also, take note: whey protein concentrate is not the same thing as whey protein isolate. Both products use the same starting material but the isolate has a higher percentage of protein.
Why These Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars Are a Smart Choice
Each bar has nearly 10g of protein and 5g of fibre. This combination is a powerful snack that will keep your stomach full and your mind off food until your next meal. Combine it with a piece of fruit such as an apple or a pear for more fibre, volume, and nutrition!
If you give this recipe a go, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or snap a photo and tag it with #smartnutritionrecipes on Instagram! I’d love to see your creations! Knowing someone has enjoyed one of my recipes always makes my day brighter.
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 16 dates
- Ā¼ cup water
- 1 cup peanut butter
- Ā¼ cup milk
- 2 cups oats
- Ā½ cup isolated whey lightly packed
- ā cup chia seeds
- Ā¼ cup cocoa unsweetened
- ā cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a glass measuring cup place the dates and the water.
- Microwave on high for one minute. Mash with a fork.
- Microwave on high for another minute. Mash with a fork until a paste forms. Return to microwave if they need more softening.
- Stir in the peanut butter and milk.
- In a large bowl, place the oats, whey, chia seeds, cocoa, and chocolate chips.
- Pour in the peanut butter mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Line a 9×9 pan with plastic wrap.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan.
- Refrigerate for Ā½ an hour.
- Cut into 16 bars.
- Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in the fridge.
Nutrition
Want more variety in your protein snack routine? Check out this no-bake Chocolate Sea Salt RX Bar copycat recipe!
Or this easy, no-fail, no-bake energy ball mix-n-match recipe!
Or these soft baked blueberry almond snack bars!
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links
This looks so good! What a great healthy treat for the family!
Hope you enjoy!
This looks so good! What a great healthy, natural snack to have on hand for yourself and the family!
The best bars Iāve ever had!!! So easy to make and I always need to make a double batch, so they last more than 2 days in my house!! 20/10!
Thank you for your comment! So glad you enjoy this recipe!
I followed the recipe exactly and it fell apart. It crumbled when I cut it. It was very dry. It turned to sawdust
I was so disappointed.
Oh no, I’m so sorry Betty. Not sure why that may have happened.
Amazing!
I made these a few times now and the whole family loves them. I used almond milk and added coconut.
I just made a triple batch and wondering if I can freeze them??
I’m sure you could freeze them… I think it would increase the stickiness due to moisture when thawed. As you know they are already pretty sticky, so be prepared for that! They could be quite good in their frozen state though, so if you try it, definitely experiment whether it’s a good idea to thaw or just eat cold. Great adaptations for making them dairy free – glad they turned out so well for you! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jessica. I’m trying to eat healthier and these look delicious! I’ve never baked with dates before. Are these medjool dates? And what kind of oats do I use? Quick, rolled…
Thanks!
Hi Kelly, all the best in your quest for a healthy relationship with food http://smartnutrition.ca/nutrition-2/how-to-eat-healthy/. I’ve included a link here if you haven’t already checked out some of my other articles, you should find a lot of help here with that goal! Quick oats work great and yes they are medjool dates, hope you enjoy!
I made these as I am looking for a healthier snack that provides a lot of nutritional value during my pregnancy without adding a ton of carbs or calories.
Can I use almond or cashew milk instead of cow’s milk? One of my friends has a dairy allergy but is dying to try these!
Yup! You could but it would be much lower in protein.
These are great. Can a person make a large amount and freeze?
For sure!
I was wondering if I could use a plant based protein powder instead of whey, as I am allergic to dairy?
Yes, but if it’s already sweetened it may end up being overly sweet.
Iāve been making these to bring with lunch for about a month now and I love them!!! With this recent batch I added a smashed, ripe banana and it was incredible! Highly recommend it.
Mmm, that sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing!
I made these to take to work for our snack day and they won hands down for anything else I’ve brought in, they are absolutely delicious!! I’m making them again so I can keep some for myself in the freezer.
Yay! So happy you and your co-workers enjoyed them!
Delicious! Just made for first time and forgot the addition of unsweetened cocoa. Wasnāt missed, still satisfies the sweet tooth without the guilt! I did add pumpkin seed and flax seed! Thanks for sharing!
Yum! Those sound like great additions!
Hi Jessica, I doubled the recipe and used 9 by 13 pan. I substituted some things such as a cup and a half of peanut butter and half a cup of almond butter. Substituted milled flaxseed instead of whey. I also added about a quarter cup of honey after tasting, for extra sweetness, as I’d like to give these to my grandchildren. Would these be okay to give to Children 3 to 7 years old?
Barring any allergies or intolerances, these bars are fine for all ages!
What type of oats are best to use? I have old fashioned large flake and quick cooking. Thanks in advance!
Either one will work! But the quick cooking will soak up the mixture a bit faster.
Hi Jessica. I’m looking forward to trying these, and am putting my grocery list together right now. Do you use sweetened or unsweetened cocoa? Also, does it matter what type of milk I use, skim or whole? Thanks!
I didn’t know there was such a thing as sweetened cocoa! I’ll have to update my recipes to specify. Yes, this is unsweetened cocoa.
Another natural form of dried fruit to substitute the dates would be dried non-sulphured apricots. I have used these many times in substitution of dates as I am a B blood type and dates are a no-no!
Yes, dried apricots would be great!
Hi Jessica, are these suitable for children? I have a 5 & 6 yr old and thought these would be great for their energy levels for their swimming lessons after school.
Many thanks
Viv
Yes, they’re not too high in protein to be a concern. And they’re not made with “protein powders” which could have other ingredients like caffeine and such that are not recommended for children.
These are very addictive, soo good Iām nearly finished my second batch. I switched to cocoa powder & cocoa nibs instead of chocolate chips. These sure do hit the spot pre or post workout
I would love to try them with cocoa nibs! Now I just need to figure out where to buy them š Thanks for the suggestion!
Yum! Thanks Jessica. I love raisins and had some soaked ones left over from another recipe so played around with this one, adding them to 100g dates, used almond butter & almond milk, added maca powder & extra dry ingredients, virtually doubling the end product. Cut them into snack-sized bars meant for between meals and post-workouts but hard to stop at just one! Cheers, Aggy.
Awesome! The raisins sound like a great addition.
Hi, I tried this but I didn’t seem to bind, it’s breaking apart as I cut it into pieces. Did I make a mistake? I thought I followed the recipe exactly.. Thanks,
Oh I’m so sorry it didn’t hold together for you! It really should. Without being there while you made the recipe I can’t really speculate as to why it didn’t!
Rukshana,
I had the same problem. I doubled the amount of dates and that solved the problem. Maybe the dates I have are smaller, and this recipe calls for the larger medjool dates?
Love the recipe! Thanks!
HI, I WANNA KNOW WHAT THE DATES ARE?
Hi Agustina,
Dates are a dried fruit used as a natural sweetener. You can often find them in the baking section of the grocery store. They are also known as date palms.
Hi Jessica. I do not like dates…what would you recommend for a substitute?
Hmm, I haven’t tried it but I imagine raisins could work!
These are great! Easy to make and pretty tasty!!
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!
I have never bought protein powder before, but when I see yummy recipes like this one or a smoothie recipe that calls for protein powder, I usually skip the protein or the recipe altogether. So if a newbie like me were to buy only one protein powder, is this the one you would recommend?
Yes, this is the protein powder I’d recommend. There isn’t any additional flavourings or artificial sweeteners so it’s a great base that you can flavour/sweeten in whatever way YOU want!
My son & I love these Jessica! I take one when I work night shift and my son eats one on the way out the door to university.
They are super tasty and filling.
Awesome! I created them to be a filling snack so I’m glad they’re living up to my expectations!