Gluten Free Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Protein Bars

These Gluten Free Chocolate No Bake Protein Bars are the perfect no bake snack for a busy day with healthy ingredients. They are free of artificial sweeteners that most store-bought protein bars contain and have a good amount of healthy fats and protein content.

 If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack that’s easy to make, look no further than these no bake chocolate protein bars! Packed with protein and fiber, these bars are perfect for a quick and satisfying snack or even a light meal replacement.

Because of the peanut butter they contain, they have a rich peanut butter flavor. With over 6 grams of protein per bar, simple ingredients, and similar taste to a candy bar, you can’t beat it.

After making your own protein bars the first time I promise you will be hooked. The good news is they are simple to make and take less than 15 minutes start to finish.

If you love chocolate protein recipes you may also want to try my Vegan Gluten Free Protein Bars With Dark Chocolate or my Dark Chocolate Protein Peanut Butter Cups.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE GLUTEN FREE CHOCOLATE NO BAKE PROTEIN BARS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the gluten-free protein bars (the exact measurements and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Gluten-free quick oats or rolled oats – you will blend up the oats to create a fine oat flour. DO not substitute for coconut flour or gluten-free flour as it will not yield the same results.
• Chocolate whey protein powder – I used PEScience Chocolate Truffle Protein Powder, use code BAILEY at checkout. You can use vegan protein powder, vanilla protein powder, pea protein, or your favorite protein powder of choice.
• Cocoa powder
• Natural peanut butter
• Pure maple syrup – or liquid sweetener of choice such as honey or agave syrup.
• Almond milk
• Dark chocolate chips or chocolate bar
• Coconut oil
• Flakey sea salt – this is technically optional, but for best results it’s highly recommended.
• Optional: vanilla extract, almond flour, brown rice syrup, pumpkin seeds etc.

DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO MAKE

1. In a large bowl, combine the blended oats, chocolate protein powder, and cocoa powder. Alternatively you can mix using a food processor.
2. In a separate bowl add the melted peanut butter, maple syrup, almond milk and melted chocolate.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
4. Line an 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
5. Press the mixture firmly into the dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
6. Put in freezer while you get the chocolate topping prepared.
7. In a small microwave safe bowl combine the chocolate and coconut oil. Melt in 30 second intervals till smooth.
8. Pour over the top of the bar evenly.
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
10. Once firm, cut into 16 bars.
11. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

HOW TO STORE THE HOMEMADE PROTEIN BARS

To store homemade chocolate peanut butter no-bake protein bars, follow these steps:

1. Cut the bars into desired sizes and shapes.
2. Place the bars in an airtight container, such as a Tupperware or a glass container with a lid.
3. Separate the bars with parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together.
4. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.

It’s best to store the bars in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain their texture and prevent them from melting. When ready to eat, simply take the bars out of the container and allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

CAN I FREEZE THIS POST-WORKOUT SNACK?

Yes, store them in a freezer safe bag and label with the date. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

DIFFERENT VARIATIONS TO TRY

Here are a few different variations for chocolate peanut butter protein bars that you can try:

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Protein Bars: Mash a ripe banana and mix it with the peanut butter and protein powder before adding in the other ingredients. This will give the bars a natural sweetness and a hint of banana flavor.
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Coconut Protein Bars: Add shredded coconut to the mixture before pressing it into the pan. You can also sprinkle some coconut flakes on top of the bars after they’ve been chilled.
3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Espresso Protein Bars: Add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the mixture before pressing it into the pan. This will give the bars a subtle coffee flavor and a boost of caffeine.
4. Chocolate Cashew Butter Protein Bars with Chia Seeds: Add a tablespoon or two of chia seeds to the mixture and substitute cashew butter for peanut butter before pressing it into the pan. Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, and they’ll add a nice crunch to the bars.
5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars with Almonds: Add some chopped almonds to the mixture and substitute almond butter for the peanut butter before pressing it into the pan. This will add a nice crunch and some extra protein to the bars.
6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Vegan Protein Bars: using plant-based protein powder of choice using other wholesome ingredients.

CAN I STILL MAKE THIS IF I’M ALLERGIC TO NUT BUTTERS?

An easy way to make this allergen friendly is by using sunflower seed butter and sunflower seeds instead of using peanut butter. This is such a great recipe as it’s so easily adaptable to different dietary requirements while keeping the ingredient list small and simple.

These gluten-free chocolate no-bake protein bars are perfect for anyone looking for a healthy snack that’s easy to make and delicious to eat. They’re also a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your health goals. 

Give them a try today and see how they can fit into your healthy lifestyle!

Other Sweet Protein Recipes You May Want To Try

• High Protein Healthy Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
• 15 Easy Protein Overnight Oats Recipes
• Chocolate Cream Pie Protein Overnight Oats
• The Best Healthy Protein Cookie Dough
• Oreo Crumble Protein Overnight Oats
• The Best Protein Vanilla Ice Cream
• Oreo Protein Shake Recipe
• Low Calorie Protein Ball Recipe

IF YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails