Small-Batch Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

These quick homemade chocolate peanut butter protein bars are incredibly easy to mix up in a small batch, and they taste absolutely indulgent and delicious. The most important trick for a great result is starting with a high-quality protein powder you already enjoy the flavor of. If we had to name one downside of this recipe, it’s that it’s almost impossible to stop after eating just one bar.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup peanut butter

• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Start by lining an 8½×4½-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Leave a few inches of overhang on all four sides of the pan — this handy "parchment sling" will let you lift the whole block of bars out easily once they’re set. Set the prepared pan aside.

2. Add the peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt to a medium mixing bowl. Stir all ingredients together until you get a thick, uniformly combined dough. Press the dough firmly into an even layer across the bottom of your prepared pan, then set it aside while you make the chocolate topping.

3. Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds, then stir thoroughly. Repeat the 30-second heat-and-stir cycle until all chocolate chips are fully melted and smooth.

4. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base, and spread it into a flat, even layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill until the bars are completely set, which takes roughly 30 minutes. Once firm, lift the full bar block out of the pan using the parchment overhang, then cut it into 8 individual serving-sized bars.

Nutrition Facts (per serving / 1 bar)

• Calories: 235

• Total Fat: 16g

• Total Carbohydrates: 17g

• Protein: 10g