Peanut Butter Protein Bars

These Peanut Butter Protein Bars (aka Homemade CLIF Kid Zbars) are a delicious and nutritious snack that will keep you satiated for hours. They’re customizable with add-ins like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes.

About This Recipe

My little ones are huge fans of these homemade protein bars (formally named “Clif Kid ZBars”).

I love that these bars contain all whole food ingredients, fiber, some vitamins and minerals, and a lot of protein. You can also customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Whether you enjoy them as a post-workout snack or as a convenient on-the-go option, homemade peanut butter protein bars are a wholesome and tasty way to fuel your body.

This recipe requires only four main ingredients and is very versatile. Here are the basics to start with but consider switching up your add-ins each time.

• Peanut butter – Almond butter will work well too.
• Honey – I use local or raw honey if possible.
• Coconut oil – The flavor is so yummy in these bars.
• Quick Oats – Quick oats are a bit smaller in texture which works well in recipes like this. If you only have old fashioned rolled oats, they will work. The texture will just be a bit more rough.
• 1 cup of add-ins – Like mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, walnuts, pecans, sunflower sweets, coconut flakes, flaxseed, etc. This is where you can play with the recipe!

In the recipe in the photos, I used sunflower seeds, mini chocolate chips and diced dried cranberries.

How to Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Here is how they come together. Bonus: no baking required!

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt together the nut butter, honey, and coconut oil.

Remove from heat and add one cup of oats. Choose your favorite combination of add-ins to equal a total of ONE CUP. Pour in and stir well.

Stir well, then spread the mixture evenly into an 8×8 pan. The mixture will need to chill in order to be cut and divided as bars. You can do this two ways:

1. Refrigerate – It will need at least 2 hours in the fridge to be firm enough to cut and move.
2. Freeze – It will need around 30 minutes in the freezer in order to be solid enough to cut and move.

These bars make a great breakfast or afternoon treat! If you want to pack them as a road trip snack, be sure to put them in a cooler. They need to remain cold in order to hold together.

How to Store the Bars

I found it easiest to wrap my bars individually in plastic wrap or in snack bags. When snacks are easy to grab, they go faster around my house.

• To Store in Refrigerator: Place in an airtight container or wrap individually. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• To Store in Freezer: Place in an airtight container or wrap individually. Bars can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

FAQs

We haven’t tested these with another kind of oil. The coconut oil works well because it adds great flavor and also hardens up after cooling off to help the bars hold their shape.

Yes! If you are really sensitive to gluten, use certified gluten-free oats.

You bet. Just use a 9×13 inch dish instead of an 8×8 inch.