Energy-Boosting Peanut Butter Protein Bars You’ll Love

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.

Photo byThriving Home

About This Recipe

My little ones are huge fans of these homemade protein bars (also known as “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.

Ingredients Needed

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.

• 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 cup quick oats (old fashioned rolled oats will work too)
• 1 cup total of any combination of: finely chopped nuts, unsweetened coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, chopped dried fruit, chocolate chips

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!

Combine the Liquid Ingredients

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

Add in Remaining Ingredients

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.

Photo byThriving Home

Pro Tip!

If using chocolate chips, be sure to let the peanut mixture cool. If it’s too warm, the chocolate chips will melt.

Add to Container and Chill

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.

Serve and Enjoy!

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.

Photo byThriving Home

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.

More Snack Ideas

• Chocolate Protein Mug Cake
• Fruit Pizza Roll-Ups
• Simple Blender Hummus
• No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Energy Bites