Healthy Homemade Protein Bars with Peanut Butter Powder (Low Sugar, High Protein)

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Bars

I love protein bars.

They’re convenient, portable, and an easy way to bump up protein — especially with active kids and busy days.

But, lately I’m looking for ways to prioritize high-quality, whole, nourishing ingredients over packaged or ultra-processed foods.

So I set out to create my own.

My criteria was simple:

• Low sugar

• Complete protein

• Made with real ingredients

• Easy

• Actually delicious

This recipe checks all the boxes.

And the star ingredient? Peanut butter powder (unsweetened).

Why I Love Peanut Butter Powder

If you haven’t tried it yet, peanut butter powder is simply roasted peanuts that have been pressed to remove most of the oil and then ground into a powder (I like the brand PB & Me).

Compared to traditional peanut butter, it offers:

• Fewer calories

• Significantly less fat

• More protein per calorie

• The same rich peanut butter flavour
  

It’s an incredible way to add peanut butter taste without the heaviness.

I use it all the time in:

• Smoothies

• Greek yogurt

• Overnight oats

• Proffee (my protein coffee smoothie: drip coffee + vanilla protein powder + peanut butter powder + ½ banana — SO good)
  

But my latest discovery?

Using it as the star ingredient in baking to make homemade protein bars.

Because it’s dry and concentrated, it boosts protein and flavour without making bars greasy or overly dense like traditional peanut butter can.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Bars

Low sugar, high protein, gluten-free

Makes: 24 small squares Pan: 8x8-inch ceramic baking dish

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

• ½ cup peanut butter powder

• ½ cup vanilla whey protein powder

• ¾ cup almond flour (can do any combo of flours here - I like lupin & oat flour too)

• 1 egg

• 1–2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp melted coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp white miso paste (trust me — it enhances the chocolate + peanut flavour)

• 1 tbsp hemp hearts

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1/3 cup semi-sweet dark chocolate chips

• Pinch sea salt (optional)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 ceramic baking dish with parchment paper.
   

2. In a bowl, whisk together:

   • applesauce

   • egg

   • honey

   • coconut oil

   • vanilla

   • miso paste (whisk until smooth)
     

3. Stir in:

   • peanut butter powder

   • protein powder

   • almond flour

   • hemp hearts

   • baking soda
     

4. Fold in chocolate chips.
   

5. Pour evenly into the prepared pan, and Bake for 30 minutes. The centre should be set but still slightly soft — they will continue to firm up as they cool.
   

6. Cool in the pan for 30 minutes on the counter.
   

7. Transfer to the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.

   
   

8. Cut into 24 small squares. Store in the fridge for a week, or in the freezer for longer.
   

Nutrition (Approximate, per square)

• ~70–75 calories

• ~5g protein

• Low sugar

• Balanced carbs and healthy fats

Two squares make a perfect after-school snack. Three work beautifully post-strength training.

Why These Are Better Than Store-Bought Bars

Most packaged protein bars contain:

• Refined oils

• Highly processed fibres

• Long ingredient lists

These bars contain:

• Real food

• Quality protein

• Minimal added sugar

• Healthy fats

• Simple ingredients you recognize

They’re supportive of blood sugar balance, hormone health, and sustained energy — without the crash. Enjoy!