peanut butter chocolate chip protein bars (gluten free)

why you’ll love this recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack to satisfy your sweet tooth and help you meet your daily protein needs, look no further than these peanut butter chocolate chip protein bars! Made with store-bought peanut butter chip protein bars, peanut butter, coconut flour, dairy-free chocolate chips, and coconut oil, these bars are not only packed with protein but also with healthy fats, fiber, and other essential nutrients. These peanut butter chocolate chip protein bars are gluten free, dairy free and vegan.

The Health Benefits of Protein

Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a vital role in many physiological processes, including muscle growth and repair, immune function, hormone production, and more. It is also a satiating nutrient that can help keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals, which can ultimately lead to better weight management.

While most people associate protein with animal products like meat, poultry, and dairy, there are many plant-based sources of protein that can be just as nutritious and satisfying. Some examples include beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds.

ingredients & substitutions

Store-Bought Peanut Butter Protein Bars

While making your own protein bars from scratch can be fun and rewarding, it can also be time-consuming and messy. That’s why we’re using store-bought peanut butter protein bars as the base for these bars. Look for bars that are high in protein and low in added sugars and artificial ingredients.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is not only delicious but also a great source of plant-based protein, healthy fats, fiber, and other nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Just be sure to choose a natural peanut butter that doesn’t contain added sugars, oils, or preservatives.

Oil-free peanut butter is a type of peanut butter that is made without added oils. Traditional peanut butter is made by grinding roasted peanuts and adding oil to create a smooth and spreadable texture. Oil-free peanut butter, on the other hand, is made by simply grinding roasted peanuts without adding any additional oils.

One of the main benefits of oil-free peanut butter is that it is lower in calories and fat than traditional peanut butter. It also tends to be a bit thicker and stickier in texture than traditional peanut butter, which some people prefer.

Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is a gluten-free, grain-free, and low-carb flour alternative that is high in fiber and healthy fats. It also adds a delicious coconut flavor and texture to these bars.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips

Who doesn’t love chocolate chips? The chocolate in this recipe is poured over the top of the bars to make them look and taste like twix bars! You can use regular chocolate or dairy free chocoalte. By choosing dairy-free chocolate chips, you can enjoy the sweet taste of chocolate without the added hormones and saturated fat found in dairy products.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a versatile and healthy fat that can be used for cooking and baking. The coconut oil here helps the chocolate chips melt better and spread smoother.

taste & texture

When made with store-bought peanut butter chip protein bars, peanut butter, coconut flour, dairy-free chocolate chips, and coconut oil, peanut butter chocolate chip protein bars are likely to have a rich and nutty flavor from the peanut butter, combined with a sweet and slightly bitter taste from the chocolate chips. The coconut flour and coconut oil may add a subtle hint of coconut flavor to the bars.

The texture of the peanut butter chocolate chip protein bars is likely to be slightly chewy and dense due to the ingredients used, including the protein bars and coconut flour. The addition of peanut butter may also add a creamy and smooth texture to the bars. The dairy-free chocolate chips provide a slightly crunchy texture and a sweet, chocolatey taste.

Overall, peanut butter chocolate chip protein bars made with these ingredients are a delicious and satisfying snack that combines sweet and savory flavors with a chewy texture. They are also high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a great option for those looking for a healthy snack to keep them full and satisfied.

directions

1. Cut each protein bar in half the long ways. 
2. Mix together peanut butter and coconut flour. 
3. Spread into each protein bar.
4. In a separate bowl, add the chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave in 30 second increments until chocolate is fully melted. 
5. Top each bar with chocolate. 
6. Refrigerate peanut butter chocolate chip protein bars for 1 hour before eating. 

expert tips & tricks

how to make this healthier

While you can use regular chocolate chips for this peanut butter chocolate chip protein bars recipe, I used dairy free chocolate chips to keep this recipe healthy. Dairy-free chocolate chips are a popular alternative to traditional chocolate chips that contain dairy products. The peanut butter chocolate chip protein bars are made with dairy-free ingredients such as cocoa butter, sugar, and cocoa solids, and are often labeled as vegan or dairy-free.

There are many reasons why someone might choose to use dairy-free chocolate chips. For example, individuals with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy may need to avoid dairy products in their diet. Additionally, those following a vegan or plant-based diet may also choose to use dairy-free chocolate chips as a way to avoid animal products.

Dairy-free chocolate chips can be used in the same way as traditional chocolate chips, in a variety of baked goods such as cookies, brownies, and muffins. They provide a rich, chocolatey flavor that is similar to traditional chocolate chips.

It’s worth noting that while dairy-free chocolate chips are free from dairy products, they may still contain other allergens such as soy or nuts. It’s important to always read the ingredient label and allergen information before consuming or using any product.

how to serve & store

Refrigerate the peanut butter chocolate chip protein bars for 1 hour before eating. Keep in the fridge for 3-5 days.