Monster Cookie Protein Bars Recipe
These Monster Cookie Protein Bars are a delicious, no-bake snack packed with vanilla whey protein, natural peanut butter, and sweetened with maple syrup. Featuring mini chocolate chips and mini M&M’s for a fun, colorful crunch, these bars are perfect for a quick energy boost or post-workout treat. Easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, they’re a great grab-and-go option for busy days.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter (must be natural, with oil separating out)
- 5 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup oat flour (gluten-free if needed)
- 60 grams vanilla whey protein powder (about ½ cup + 2 tablespoons)
Add-Ins
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup mini M&M’s
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, oat flour, and vanilla whey protein powder. Stir together to begin forming a thick protein cookie dough.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use an electric mixer or mix by hand with a silicone spatula until the dough is well combined and smooth.
- Add Candy Mix-ins: Fold in the mini chocolate chips and mini M&M’s evenly throughout the dough to distribute the chocolate and candy pieces.
- Press into Pan: Line a loaf pan or meal prep container with parchment paper. Use your hands or a spoon to firmly press the dough into the pan, making a thick, even layer at the bottom.
- Freeze to Set: Cover the container with plastic wrap and place in the freezer. Let the bars chill for 1 hour or until firm and set.
- Cut into Bars: Lift the parchment paper out of the pan, then slice the protein dough into 6 to 8 equal-sized bars using a sharp knife.
- Store Properly: Wrap each bar individually. Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter with oil separation for the best texture that helps the bars hold together. Avoid commercial brands like Kraft or Jif.
- If oat flour is unavailable, make your own by blending old-fashioned or quick oats into a fine powder.
- For gluten-free consumers, ensure oat flour or oats used are certified gluten-free.
- These bars are no-bake and require freezing to set properly.
- Protein bars can be customized by swapping mini M&M’s for other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
Keywords: Protein Bars, No-Bake Snack, Peanut Butter Protein Bars, Healthy Snack, Whey Protein Recipe, Gluten-Free Protein Bars, Monster Cookie Bars