4-Ingredient Homemade Protein Bars

These homemade protein bars are a quick, no-bake snack you can make with just a handful of basic ingredients. They combine peanut butter (or your favorite seed/nut butter), protein powder, maple syrup (or honey), and a pinch of salt to form a chewy, satisfying bar that’s great between meals or after workouts. The bars are easily customizable with flavor variations like chocolate, cookie dough, or banana bread, so you can make them your own.

Because there’s no baking involved, these bars are perfect when you want a healthy snack without turning on the oven. They’re ideal for meal prep, lunch boxes, hiking trips, or anytime you need a portable, protein-packed bite. Each bar typically has around twelve grams of protein, helping keep you full and energized.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8 pan or similar shallow dish
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Knife (for cutting bars)
• Airtight container for storage

Ingredients

• 1½ cups peanut butter (or allergy-friendly nut/seed butter)
• ¾ cup protein powder (about 90 g)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 oz melted chocolate (optional)

Instructions

• Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• In a bowl, combine peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup or honey, and salt.
• Stir until a thick dough forms.
• Press the dough evenly into the lined pan.
• If using melted chocolate, drizzle or spread it over the top.
• Refrigerate until firm, about 1–2 hours.
• Remove from fridge and cut into 10–16 bars, depending on size.
• Store bars in the refrigerator or freezer.

Recipe Info

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5–10 minutes + chilling
• Servings: About 10–16 bars
• Cuisine: International
• Course: Snack / Dessert

How to Store

• Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freeze bars for up to 2–3 months.
• Thaw in the fridge or eat straight from the freezer.

What Not to Do

• Do not skip chilling — the bars won’t set properly.
• Do not overfill the pan or they’ll be too thick to cut easily.
• Do not use runny nut butter without adjusting other ingredients.
• Do not leave at room temperature for long periods; they soften.

Tips & Variations

• Use chocolate-flavored protein powder for richer taste.
• Add cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips for extra flavor.
• Swap peanut butter for almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla for extra aroma.
• Make cookie dough bars by adding vanilla and mini chips.

Approximate Nutrition (per bar, based on 12 bars)

• Calories: ~160 kcal
• Protein: ~12 g
• Total Fat: ~9 g
• Saturated Fat: ~2 g
• Carbohydrates: ~12 g
• Fiber: ~2 g
• Sugar: ~6 g
• Sodium: ~90 mg

Conclusion

These easy homemade protein bars are a wholesome alternative to store-bought bars full of additives and wrappers. They’re high in protein, simple to make, and versatile in flavor. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, they’re perfect for meal prep or a quick post-workout snack, helping you stay energized and satisfied.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter all work.

Can I make them vegan?
Yes, use maple syrup and a plant-based protein powder.

Do I have to add chocolate?
No, chocolate is optional for extra flavor.

Can I add extras like nuts or seeds?
Yes, mix in chopped nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips.

Will they hold at room temperature?
They’re best kept chilled; room temp may soften them.

Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, honey or agave are good alternatives.