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    Home » High Protein Dairy Free Snacks

    Vanilla Peanut Butter Protein Bars Recipe (dairy-free, gluten-free, no-bake)

    Jump to Recipe
    Pin image with text: Five peanut butter vanilla protein bars lined up flat on parchment paper and drizzled with chocolate with peanuts and a bowl of oats behind them with a blue linen
    Pin image with text: Three gluten-free vanilla protein bars stacked and drizzled with chocolate with peanuts and a bowl of oats behind them with a blue linen
    Pin image with text: two images of gluten-free vanilla protein bars topped with chocolate drizzle, the top image close up of the bars stacked and the bottom of the bars laid flat on white parchment paper

     Easy to make, these vanilla peanut butter protein bars make a tasty post-workout snack! Made with vegan protein powder and creamy peanut butter this homemade protein bar recipe is great on-the-go and for meal prep!

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    Five peanut butter vanilla protein bars lined up flat on parchment paper and drizzled with chocolate.

    No-bake snack recipes are a staple in my house as a Certified Nutrition Coach and a mom (think energy balls, healthy pudding, berry protein fluff etc).

    Mainly, because they keep life super simple! Thus, there is almost always some in the freezer to grab.

    These homemade, vanilla peanut butter protein bars are both easy to make and even easier to grab while you're running out the door!

    While this is the basic recipe, they also taste delicious with:

    • mini chocolate chips
    • dried cranberries
    • shredded coconut

    Don't be nervous about adding. The best part about homemade protein bars is that you can customize them!

    Boost your protein intake and enjoy it while you do! Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp it up!

    Ingredients You'll Need

    These gluten-free protein bars actually only require seven ingredients, making them ultra simple.

    Likewise, learn everything you need to know about making homemade protein bars (step-by-step guide!).

    Regular oats: oats are an easy way to bulk up the recipe and stretch it further. Plus, they're a great source of recovery post-workout.

    Vegan Protein Powder: the protein powder you choose will affect the flavor and the texture of the bars. Make sure you choose a gluten-free protein as per any allergy requirements. For best results use certified gluten-free protein powder.

    Peanut Butter: a crucial element in homemade peanut butter protein bars! Make sure to use natural peanut butter to avoid unnecessary sugars and oils (this goes for Snickerdoodle protein bars too).

    Honey: sweetened with just two tablespoons of honey it also helps hold these homemade bars together.

    Plant-based milk: you can use any non-dairy milk you have on hand. I make mine with creamy, dreamy hemp milk but have done almond milk many times too.

    How To Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars

    1. Combine the oats and protein powder.
    2. Heat the coconut oil and peanut butter until coconut oil is melted. Whisk in the honey and vanilla until everything is combined and smooth.
    3. Add the mixture into the oats and protein powder. Stir before adding in the almond milk.
    4. Mix until combined and stocky.
    5. Press the homemade protein bars mixture into an 8x4 pan and freeze to set.

    Step By Step Photos

    Oats and protein powder in a bowl.
    Peanut butter being added to oats and protein powder.

    Mix together the regular oats and vegan protein powder.

    Melt the coconut oil and peanut butter. Add to the oats.

    Raw protein bars being mixed in a bowl.
    No-bake protein bars pressed into a pan.

    Mix in the dairy-free milk and mix the batter until sticky.

    Press into an 8x4 pan and freeze to set.

    Notes On Vegan Protein Powder

    While these vanilla peanut butter protein bars were originally made with whey protein, given I am now dairy-free they use a vegan protein powder (learn more about making dairy-free living easy here).

    If you’re making the switch to vegan protein powder, there are a few things you should note:

    • vegan protein powder absorbs liquid. So, most recipes with whey are not directly interchangeable
    • vegan protein powder tends to be less sweet than whey. This means that you normally have to add a bit more sweetness to counter the flavor
    • each vegan protein powder is slightly different based on its blend (pea/rice/etc). Meaning, one protein powder may absorb better than another

    Thus, the protein powder you choose for these no-bake protein bars will affect the flavor of the bars.

    Choosing A Protein Powder For The Bars

    These peanut butter protein bars are made with Genuine Health Protein Powder.

    Genuine Health’s Fermented Vegan Protein Powder helps fuel your goals, recover and stay full.

    Made with 20 grams of plant-based protein, this vegan protein powder is dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and certified organic. It’s also been voted one of the best tasting vegan protein powders.

    But best of all is that this protein is fermented. This helps break down the “anti-nutrient” in grains, nuts, seeds and legumes that often causes bloating.

    This protein powder literally gives you the best of both worlds.

    Shop the Genuine Health Store on Amazon or grab it from Well Dot Ca.

    Three peanut butter vanilla protein bars stacked on parchment paper and drizzled with chocolate.

    How To Store The Peanut Butter Protein Bars

    The homemade peanut butter protein bars can be stored in either the fridge or the freezer. In the fridge, they should last roughly one week. Whereas in the freezer they'll obviously last longer (a month or so) so long as they're in an airtight container.

    They do freeze pretty solid so if they're in the freezer make sure you let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before you're ready to eat them!

    Likewise, if planning to store them in the freezer, make sure they are cut and separated into bars first. Otherwise, you'll crumble them getting apart!

    Texture 

    Part of the texture of the protein bars depends on the protein powder you use and how well it binds. These bars are typically a bit delicate from the oats but they do hold together.

    The plus side is that they're not super sticky- even coming out of the freezer. While they are peanut butter-based, your hands (or the hands of your toddler!) won't be completely covered.

    That said, using fermented protein powder is what binds them together. If you're using a vegan protein that does not contain pea protein (like Botanica protein powder) you may need to add more oats or the bars will be too sticky.

    Important Teaching Tips

    As I mentioned above, the best part of making your own protein bars is that you can alter them if you need to (like when you run out of ingredients!). Any nut butter will work with these peanut butter protein bars as will Sun butter.

    If you need the bars nut-free, sun butter is a wonderful alternative. And any plant-based milk will work in place of the almond milk.

    Similarly, I've also replaced the oats with puffed rice to make a bit more of a crunchy protein bar and that turned out great also.

    If you use a fermented protein powder like Genuine Health, your bars will the thicker. If you use a protein powder like Botanica perfect protein the bars will be sweeter and squishier (in a really yummy way!).

    Five peanut butter vanilla protein bars lined up flat on parchment paper and drizzled with chocolate.

    Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Protein Bars

    Are protein bars good for you?

    Protein bars when made with minimal sugars and no processed oils can be a healthy addition to any diet and a tasty way to increase daily protein intake.

    What can I use in place of peanut butter in homemade protein bars?

    If you're trying to avoid nuts, using Sunflower Seed Butter (sunbutter) in place of peanut butter is a great alternative.

    Other Wicked Protein Recipes You'll Love

    • Chocolate peanut butter protein balls
    • Peanut butter and jam protein balls
    • Gluten-free homemade protein bars
    • Homemade protein bars with chocolate
    • Chocolate fudge protein balls
    • Savory blueberry protein oatmeal
    • Chocolate peanut butter bomb shake
    • Chocolate protein fluff
    • Coconut protein balls
    • High protein cookies
    • High protein pancakes
    • Yogurt protein pancakes
    • Energizing protein bar
    • Easy, no-bake vanilla protein bar
    • High protein snack recipes
    Five peanut butter vanilla protein bars lined up flat on parchment paper and drizzled with chocolate.

    No-Bake Vanilla Protein Bars

    Fit as a Mama Bear
    Easy to make, these vanilla peanut butter protein bars make a tasty post-workout snack! Made with vegan protein powder and creamy peanut butter this homemade protein bar recipe is great on-the-go.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    30 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 5 bars
    Calories 360 kcal

    Equipment

    • Parchment paper
    • 8x4 baking pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup oats
    • ½ cup vegan protein powder 2 scoops
    • 3 tablespoons coconut oil measured solid
    • ½ cup peanut butter
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ cup almond milk

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium bowl, combine oats and protein powder.
      Oats and protein powder in a bowl.
    • In a small bowl or pot heat the coconut oil and peanut butter slowly until coconut oil is melted. Remove from heat. Whisk in the honey and vanilla until everything is combined and smooth.
    • Pour the peanut butter mixture into the oat mixture and mix with a fork until it looks sticky but crumbly.
      Peanut butter being added to oats and protein powder.
    • Very slowly, add in the almond milk and mix until everything is combined and holding together.
      Raw protein bars being mixed in a bowl.
    • Line an 8x4 baking pan with parchment paper. Place the mixture into the pan and use another piece of parchment paper to press the mixture down evenly.
      No-bake protein bars pressed into a pan.
    • Place in the freezer for thirty minutes to set.
    • Remove and let thaw for five minutes before cutting into bars.

    Notes

    • The protein powder you choose will affect both the flavor and the texture of the homemade protein bars. Check out my three favorite protein powders and know that the fermented ones absorb liquid more so your bars will the thicker.
    • If you’re using a protein powder without pea protein (Botanica), you may need to add more oats so that the bars are not as sticky
    • Let the protein bars thaw at room temperature for ten minutes (or in the fridge for longer) before enjoying
    • Tip: if you have specific dietary restrictions (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan) – double-check all your ingredients for appropriate brands!
    • Keep in mind the protein values may be off by 1-2 grams as it depends on which protein powder you’re using. Each vegan protein powder has a different markup of ingredients which can alter the intake slightly.
    • You can drizzle the protein bars with 1 tbs mini chocolate chips + 1 teaspoon coconut oil melted together however the nutritional breakdown does not include that.
    Disclaimer:

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"

    Nutrition

    Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 17gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 244mgPotassium: 234mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword peanut butter protein bars, protein bars, protein powder, vegan protein bars
    Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

    If you're looking for an easy, simple-to-make, delicious snack, these are for you! These no-bake peanut butter protein bars are sweet, full of healthy ingredients, and portable.

    Plus, protein bars make a great snack that will keep you full when you're stuck. Make a big batch and keep them in your freezer for a quick grab and go.

    More High Protein Dairy Free Snacks

    • A stack of frozen yogurt bars.
      Frozen Yogurt Protein Bars [5 ingredients]
    • A bowl of baked banana bread with chocolate chips and sliced bananas on top.
      Single Serve Banana Bread (High Protein)
    • Sliced protein bars beside a bowl of peanut butter with chocolate chips scattered around.
      4 Ingredient Protein Bars [Dairy-Free]
    • Yogurt protein pudding in a bowl with chocolate chips and peanut butter toppings.
      Greek Yogurt Protein Pudding [3 Ingredients]

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Maya

      July 06, 2017 at 5:22 pm

      Everything looks so yummy! I'll definitely have to bookmark this for these recipes. You should create a healthy snack recipe book!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 06, 2017 at 6:45 pm

        Thank you so much Maya! I recently launched my dinner cookbook (eek) but I am a snack fiend...

        Reply
    2. Clair

      July 06, 2017 at 6:39 pm

      These look and sound delicious! I am always looking for good healthy recipes..this one is perfect!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 06, 2017 at 6:45 pm

        Thanks! I love them because I can take them with me!

        Reply
    3. RM

      July 06, 2017 at 7:03 pm

      These look so absolutely yummy!!!! I can't wait to make these with my kids!!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 07, 2017 at 12:38 am

        My little one loved them! Though really.. peanut butter is hard not to love lol

        Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 07, 2017 at 12:41 am

        My little one loves them! But really... how can you not love peanut butter 😛

        Reply
    4. Gillian

      July 06, 2017 at 7:52 pm

      What a great protein rich snack. Vanilla and peanut butter is a combination that you can not go wrong with. My son would love these as an after training reat.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 07, 2017 at 12:37 am

        Definitely protein filled and perfect post workout! What kind of training does your son do?

        Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 07, 2017 at 12:43 am

        They're definitely full of protein- and delicious! Perfect as a post-workout snack. What kind of training does your son do?

        Reply
    5. Mandy Allen

      July 06, 2017 at 9:24 pm

      I love any recipes with oats in them! I make great flapjacks with ginger, lovely!

      Enjoy the journey!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 07, 2017 at 12:36 am

        Mmm flapjacks with ginger sound good too! Oats are just so versatile they're hard not to love!

        Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 07, 2017 at 12:43 am

        Mmm those flapjacks sound nice! Oats are so versatile, they're hard not to love

        Reply
    6. Marcella Kenny

      July 07, 2017 at 2:04 am

      I love eating healthy and peanut butter! This looks like a fabulous healthy snack. I have to try this one.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 07, 2017 at 4:17 pm

        It's definitely tasty! You can't go wrong with peanut butter vanilla lol

        Reply
    7. Shannon Burlingame

      July 07, 2017 at 4:24 pm

      Yum!! These look so simple to make with only a few ingredients. I'm always looking for quick easy breakfasts so these would be perfect! 🙂

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 08, 2017 at 2:24 am

        Extremely simple- and no bake! I love anything no bake lol

        Reply
    8. Hannah @ The Northern Writes

      July 07, 2017 at 7:16 pm

      look yummy! Although I think I'd want mine dunked in some chocolate as well 😛

      Hannah @ The Northern Writes | http://www.thenorthernwrites.co.uk

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 08, 2017 at 2:22 am

        Haha keep checking back- I actually made a "chocolate coated" version (nut free though) that comes out in a couple of weeks! Great minds think alike 😉

        Reply
    9. Akshita

      July 07, 2017 at 7:38 pm

      Yumm! These sound delicious as well as healthy and nutritious, which is often hard to find :/ I might just try out the recipe, the next time I am in the mood to try out something new! Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Akshita,

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 08, 2017 at 2:22 am

        I hope you enjoy them!

        Reply
    10. Nita

      July 07, 2017 at 8:29 pm

      I'm not a big fan of protein bars, but these look yummy!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 08, 2017 at 2:21 am

        They're pretty tasty! Peanut butter and vanilla just go so well together!

        Reply
    11. Aubree Rivera

      July 10, 2017 at 7:35 pm

      Wow I am going to have to try some of these. They look great and we are always looking for snacks we can make for the summer without turning on the oven.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 11, 2017 at 12:10 am

        I adore everything no bake too! These ones are definitely tasty- and perfect to freeze and grab with you when you need them 🙂

        Reply
    12. Melissa @Real Nutritious Living

      March 13, 2018 at 7:40 pm

      I'm obsessed with all the no bake goodies! Yum!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        March 14, 2018 at 5:15 pm

        Haha yup we live off them!

        Reply
    13. Gen

      June 29, 2022 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      These were so so delicious. We love having easy protein bar-type snacks in the house but didn’t want to keep having the same store bought bars. We’ll definitely be making these again!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        June 30, 2022 at 7:46 pm

        It's definitely nice to switch out for homemade sometimes!

        Reply
    14. Jennifer

      June 29, 2022 at 10:45 am

      5 stars
      You had me at no bake! Another winning recipe - delish!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        June 30, 2022 at 7:46 pm

        No bake saves sanity lol

        Reply
    15. Glenda

      June 29, 2022 at 2:17 pm

      5 stars
      These have been a great part of a quick grab and go breakfast for my husband. thanks so much for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        June 30, 2022 at 7:47 pm

        Yay! It's the peanut butter.. it's always a win lol

        Reply
    16. Kate

      June 29, 2022 at 11:00 pm

      5 stars
      Love these for a quick and healthy breakfast. My kids love them too!
      Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        June 30, 2022 at 7:47 pm

        Always a win when kiddos approve!

        Reply
    17. Greta

      June 30, 2022 at 7:36 pm

      5 stars
      Love this no-bake protein bar. Healthy and is super fast to do it. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        June 30, 2022 at 7:48 pm

        Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    5 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

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