6 peanut butter chocolate protein bars stacked on top of one another on a white plate

10 Minute Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars (Vegan & Gluten Free)

Evann Ryan

Peanut butter chocolate protein bars are one of those snacks that feel like a treat, yet still show up for you on a busy day. I started making these in my early postpartum days (still in them now at 3 1/2 weeks postpartum!) for those late night feeds with my daughter. I found once I ran out of my energy ball freezer stock, quickly I might add, I needed something higher in protein than a handful of nuts or a plain banana when the breastfeeding hunger hit. Luckily, these peanut butter chocolate protein bars also come together fast, slice clean, and taste like a dessert you can actually build a routine around.

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two hands holding a protein bar up close with a plate of bars underneath on a white surface

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars

  • Because they’re no-bake, they’re weeknight-friendly.
  • Plus, they’re high-protein vegan bars with a soft, fudgy bite.
  • Also, they’re made with simple pantry staples.
  • Finally, they’re easy to portion for grab-and-go snacks.
6 peanut butter chocolate protein bars stacked on top of one another on a white plate

What You Need To Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars

You’ll find the core ingredients below, and then you’ll melt chocolate for that glossy “store-bought” finish.

protein powder and almond flour in a metal bowl

Ingredient Substitutions 

  • Peanut butter: Swap for almond butter or any nut or seed butter you prefer.
  • Maple syrup: Agave works well, but it’s a touch less “caramelly.”
  • Almond flour: Cashew flour is closest; oat flour works, although it’s a bit drier.
  • Protein powder: Use another vanilla plant protein, but expect macro and sweetness shifts (Vedge lists 25 g protein per scoop).
a bake tray with protein bar batter pressed into it flat, with a stainless steel pot in front with chocolate chips in it
melted chocolate in a stainless steel pot with a tray of protein bar batter in the background

Other High-Protein Vegan Recipes To Try 

If you love this flavor vibe, these are worth bookmarking next:

melted chocolate being poured onto protein bar dough in a pan

Recipe Card For Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars

Title: Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 45–60 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 9 bars

Approximate macros (per bar):  268 cals - 20g fat - 14g carbs - 12g protein
Note: macros vary by chocolate brand and exact scoop size.

Ingredients List 

Bar base:

  • 1 cup all-natural peanut butter (250 g)
  • 1 scoop Vedge Cookies & Cream protein powder (about 35 g; 1 scoop), use discount code: EVANNRYAN
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup (30 mL; about 40 g)
  • 2/3 cup almond flour (75 g)
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt (about 1 g)

Chocolate topping:

  • 1/2 cup Enjoy Life chocolate (about 85 g)
  • 2 tsp olive oil  

Instructions 

  1. First, line an 8x8 in (20x20 cm) pan with parchment paper.
  2. Then, stir together peanut butter (250 g), protein powder (1 scoop), maple syrup (40 g), almond flour (75 g), and salt (1 g) until a thick dough forms.
  3. Next, press the mixture firmly into the pan in an even layer.
  4. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate (85 g) plus olive oil (2 tsp) in the microwave in 20-second bursts (or over a double boiler), stirring each time until smooth.
  5. After that, pour the melted chocolate over the chilled base and spread it evenly.
  6. Finally, chill 25–40 minutes more, slice into 9 peanut butter chocolate protein bars, and enjoy.
sliced peanut butter protein bars stacked in a glass meal prep container being held up by one hand

Share Your Thoughts

If you make these peanut butter chocolate protein bars, leave a comment with what protein powder you used and whether you went extra thick on the chocolate layer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars

How do I store peanut butter chocolate protein bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months.

Can I make peanut butter chocolate protein bars without almond flour?
Yes. Cashew flour is the closest swap, while oat flour also works, although it can make the bars a bit drier.

Why did my peanut butter chocolate protein bars turn out crumbly?
Usually, it’s from too much flour or a very thick protein powder. Add 1–2 tsp (5–10 mL) maple syrup or a splash of plant milk to bring the dough together.

Can I reduce the sugar in peanut butter chocolate protein bars?
You can slightly reduce the maple syrup, although the bars will be less sweet and a bit more crumbly. Keeping the chocolate layer thin also helps.

Are Enjoy Life chocolate chips vegan for peanut butter chocolate protein bars?
Enjoy Life markets its mini chips as vegan and free from many common allergens

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