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Peanut Butter Swirl Protein Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 137 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Peanut Butter Swirl Protein Bars are soft, chewy, and packed with protein, combining rolled oats and vanilla whey protein for a nutritious base. Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup and enhanced with warm cinnamon, these bars feature a decadent peanut butter swirl on top, baked to perfection. Ideal for meal prep, post-workout energy, or quick snacks, these bars are customizable, gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be made vegan with substitutions.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup vanilla whey protein powder
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup creamy natural peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Swirl Topping

  • 1/4 cup peanut butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang edges for easy removal of bars later.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, vanilla whey protein powder, almond flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly and break up any protein powder clumps.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, unsweetened almond milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of streaks.
  4. Form Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Mix thoroughly using a sturdy spatula until a thick, cohesive dough forms with no dry patches.
  5. Shape and Swirl: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan. Press firmly and evenly into the corners and edges with a spatula. Drizzle the melted peanut butter evenly over the surface, then use a knife or toothpick to swirl it into a marbled pattern.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
  7. Cool and Portion: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab out, then cut evenly into 12 bars using a sharp knife.

Notes

  • Each bar is naturally gluten-free if certified gluten-free oats are used.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • Bars freeze well; wrap individually and freeze for make-ahead snacks. Thaw at room temperature or in a lunch bag by midday.
  • For nut-free variation, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and oat flour for almond flour.
  • Use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup instead of honey to make the recipe vegan.
  • Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
  • Press dough firmly in the pan for bars that hold together perfectly and avoid crumbling.
  • Cool completely before slicing to maintain structure and neat edges.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Baking & Sweet Treats
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: protein bars, peanut butter bars, healthy snacks, vegetarian protein bars, baked protein bars, no refined sugar, gluten free snacks, post-workout bars, meal prep bars

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Find it online: https://flavorbylily.com/peanut-butter-swirl-protein-bars-recipe/