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Chocolate protein with sprinkles laid out on a white plate.
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Chocolate Protein Bars

These homemade chocolate protein bars make a great snack for kids and adults, or a delicious post-workout treat. These are lightly sweetened with honey and made with healthy ingredients like flaxseeds and cacao powder.
Course Bars, Snack
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 15 minutes
Res Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12 bars
Calories 255kcal
Author Sara

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 large loaf pan or 8x8 square dish

Ingredients

Ingredients for Protein Bars

  • 1 ¼ cups natural peanut butter (see notes)
  • 3 tbsp. honey
  • ¼ cup flaxseed meal
  • ½ cup chocolate protein powder
  • 2 tbsp. cacao powder (see notes)
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • ⅛ tsp. fine sea salt

Ingredients for Chocolate Topping (optional)

  • ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate)
  • 2 tsp. coconut oil

Instructions

  • Line a large loaf pan (9x5) or 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two ends. This allow you to pull the bars out of the pan when done. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the ingredients for the bars (peanut butter, honey, flaxseed meal, protein powder, cacao, vanilla, salt). Mix until well combined and a "dough" has formed. The final mix should resemble cookie dough.
  • Add protein bar "dough" to the pan and evenly press mixture into pan.
  • Add chocolate and coconut oil to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 45-second intervals, stirring in between. Stop microwaving once chocolate is almost melted; continue stirring to melt the final pieces of chocolate.
  • Spread melted chocolate over bars. If desired, you can add some sprinkles (my kids like the sprinkles).
  • Place bars in fridge to allow bars and chocolate to set. This should take about 30 minutes.
  • Using parchment paper, remove bars from pan and cut into desired size.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Natural peanut butter should be used for these bars. Natural peanut butter is peanut butter that is just made from peanuts or peanuts and salt. The recipe won't turn out the same if made with peanut butter with added oils and sugars. 
  • I use cacao powder because of the added health benefits and it's less processed compared to cocoa, but either can be used. 
  • The chocolate topping is optional and omitting the chocolate cuts down on the total sugar in these bars. Don't worry, the bars are still delicious even without the chocolate topping. 
  • Let bars sit at room temp for 10/15 minutes before cutting; allowing the chocolate topping to come to room temperature will help the chocolate from cracking when you cut the bars.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. These can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 161mg | Potassium: 253mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1mg