These Brownie Protein Bars are easy to make in under 20 minutes and contain only wholesome ingredients. They are packed with 12 grams of protein and taste like classic brownies.
I love making protein bars to recharge after a workout, like I did with my Cookie Dough Protein Bars or Puffed Cereal Protein Bars. They are so easy to make and they taste like brownies with a fudgy texture. It’s the best way to refuel!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Peanut Butter – Choose a natural, smooth peanut butter without added sugars or oils. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can be used as alternatives.
- Maple Syrup – I use pure maple syrup. Agave nectar or date syrup can be substituted.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Raw cacao powder is a nutrient-rich alternative.
- Chocolate Protein Powder – I use pea protein powder, but any plant-based chocolate protein powder will work. For a different flavor, try vanilla protein powder.
- Dark Chocolate Chips – Select dairy-free dark chocolate chips. Chopped dark chocolate can be used as an alternative.
- Coconut Oil – Choose unrefined coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor. Refined coconut oil can be used for a neutral taste.
How to Make Brownie Protein Bars
These bars are super easy to put together in just a few steps. The full details are in the recipe card below, but here are a few pictures of the key steps.
Combine all the bar ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Mix them with a silicone spatula until it makes a large ball.
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and push the batter in it with you hands.
Melt the chocolate with coconut oil in the fridge and pour it over the brownie bars.
Expert Tips
- Ensure your peanut butter is well-stirred and at room temperature for easier mixing.
- If the mixture is too dry and gritty, add a touch of plant-based milk one teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before adding the chocolate topping.
- Use a warm, slightly damp knife to cut the bars for cleaner edges.
- Experiment with different protein powder flavors to create unique variations. Some brands make delicious flavors like chocolate hazelnut, cookie dough and more. We tested the recipe with plant-based pea protein powder and almond protein powder. If you use other source of proteins, the texture may differ.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- For added crunch, you can mix in chopped nuts or seeds before pressing into the pan.
- If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the maple syrup slightly and increase the peanut butter.
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Brownie Protein Bars
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Peanut Butter
- ¼ cup Maple Syrup
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ½ cup Chocolate Protein Powder - we used pea protein powder
Topping
- ½ cup Dark Chocolate Chips
- 1 teaspoon Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Line a 9-inch x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add peanut butter, maple syrup, protein powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Stir with a rubber spatula until it forms a dough that comes into a ball. It shouldn't be dry or too sticky. If too dry, add 1 tablespoon of plant-based milk and stir it in. If too wet, add more protein powder to firm it up.
- Press the dough into a even layer into the prepared loaf pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil for 30 seconds in the microwave. Stir and repeat until fully melted.
- Pour on top of the bar and tilt the pan to spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle some plant-based sprinkles on top to decorate.
- Pop the loaf pan in the freezer for 12 minutes to set the chocolate layer hard, then cut it with a long sharp knife into bars.
Love it . Thanks.
I use an unflavored protein powder, so therefore, do I need to add more cacao?
Not necessarily, it depends on how chocolatey you like them!
Yummy!Thanks for another good recipe