I’ve had a sweet tooth since this morning, for me that’s pretty rare because I’m not a huge sweets person. I decided to try these Healthy No-Bake Cookie Bars (also could be called protein bars) and WOW am I glad I did! I made a variation of these into cookies but I’ve never tried the addition of protein powder. These would be an awesome post-workout snack!

It only took me about 10 minutes to prepare the mix before pressing it into the pan. The recipe calls for Arbonne brand chocolate protein powder but I used my favorite Organic Nutribiotic Brown Rice Protein Powder and added 2 Tbsp of cocoa powder instead.

Ingredients (makes 20 bars):

Organic peanut butter, 1 cup
Agave nectar, 2/3 cup

1 cup chocolate protein powder OR 1 cup plain or vanilla protein powder with 3-4 Tbsp cocoa powder
Rolled oats, 1 1/2 cups
Ground flax seed, 1/4 cup

Instructions (10 minutes, plus cooling time):

In a small saucepan, whisk peanut butter and agave nectar over medium-low heat for 3 – 4 minutes, until the mixture is well combined and just beginning to bubble.

In a mixing bowl, stir together chocolate protein powder, rolled oats, and ground flax seed.

Pour peanut butter and agave mixture into dry ingredients.  Stir just until all of the dry ingredients have been moistened.  The mixture will be crumbly, this is okay as long as everything is moistened.

Press mixture into an ungreased 8 x 8 inch glass baking dish.  Once bars are completely cool, cut into 20 rectangles.  Serve and enjoy!  (I individually wrap them so that we can literally grab and go!)

I know, it looks weird but trust me these are really good!

They cooled pretty fast and I cut them into squares and put them in a container in the fridge. These are so good! My toddler LOVES them! I surprised her with a little treat with her afternoon snack and she was very happy!

Healthy No-Bake Cookie Bars