Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Posted on March 9th, 2011 by peanutbutterfingers

Lunch today included one of my all-time favorite dishes…

The noodle bowl!!!

The Noodle Bowl Returns

In the bowl:

Oh Yesss

I will never get sick of this meal. Ever!

Noodly

Now for some more yumminess!

Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Nothing makes me happier than sharing a delicious peanut buttery recipe with you guys! With a blog name like Peanut Butter Fingers, it makes me feel like I am doing my job when I can share the peanut butter love with you through amazing treats.

When I got the okay from my friend Leah to share her Aunt Chris’ recipe for peanut butter protein bars, I couldn’t wait to post it on the blog! I hope you love these bars as much as I do.

Peanut Butter Protein Bars

The great news about these peanut butter protein bars is that the ingredient list is simple. They’re not only full of protein, but, for a sweet treat, they’re relatively healthy as well!

Eat Me!

Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 c. honey
  • 1/3 c. dark brown sugar
  • 1 c. creamy peanut butter
  • ½ c. crunchy peanut butter
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 5 c. bran flakes (Raisin Bran works really well!)
  • 1/3 c. ground flaxseeds (optional)
  • 1 c. chopped Craisins

Directions:

  • Put honey in a large pot on medium heat. Add sugar and stir until melted and mixture begins to bubble. Add cinnamon and stir until dissolved.
  • Stir peanut butter into the honey mixture until smooth.
  • Remove from heat and stir in bran flakes, flax and Craisins.
  • Press firmly into an 8X8 pan lined with foil that overlays ends. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
  • Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes: This recipe also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and freeze squares to enjoy in the future. Additionally, you may substitute 1 c. granola + 4 c. bran flakes for the 5 c. bran flakes. Protein powder may also be added to this recipe for an extra protein punch.

Enjoy!!!

(P.S. The Fashion page was updated this afternoon!)

Filed under: Dessert, Lunch, Recipes, Uncategorized

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76 Responses to “Peanut Butter Protein Bars”

  1. 1
    Hope, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:06 pm Said:

    I love the noodle bowl! It looks so good! I’m on a spinach kick lately. I am definitely making noodles with spinach for dinner tonight. Yum!

    Those bars look so good! I am definitely saving this recipe to make them! :) Thanks for posting!

      

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  2. 2
    Brittany, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:07 pm Said:

    Coming from one PB lover to another, these look delicious Julie!! :)

      

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  3. 3
    Chicago Cuisine Critique, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:08 pm Said:

    Those protein bars sound heavenly. Yum!

      

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  4. 4
    Jordan P, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:09 pm Said:

    So, are you counting these as sweets? Or protein?

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    March 9th, 2011 at 3:13 pm

    unfortunately these will fall into my “sweets” category. none for me until after lent! buuut, i did eat a billion last night for good measure.

      

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    Kelly Reply:
    March 9th, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    I was wondering the same thing about how you were going to classify these.

      

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  5. 5
    Melissa, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:16 pm Said:

    These look tasty! Unfortunately I’m gluten-intolerant… I wonder what GF cereal would work to replace the Raisin Bran?

      

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    Kelly Reply:
    March 9th, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    I am sure corn flakes would work or another corn based GF cereal.

      

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  6. 6
    Melissa, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:22 pm Said:

    Ooh, these look great for breakfast, too! You are amping up my breakfast recipe arsenal today! Thanks a bunch! :D

      

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  7. 7
    Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner), on March 9th, 2011 at 3:24 pm Said:

    Oh my these look SO good Julie!! You can’t beat peanut butter bars, specially when they’re healthy!! :D

      

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  8. 8
    Alexis, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:25 pm Said:

    i want a (meat free) noodle bowl for dinner!! good idea.

      

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  9. 9
    Annie, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:27 pm Said:

    Ahhh so excited to try this recipe! I love foods you can make and freeze for later consumption.

      

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  10. 10
    Laura @ prettylittlewords, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:32 pm Said:

    Yum thanks for the recipe!

      

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  11. 11
    Maryann (The Balanced Bean), on March 9th, 2011 at 3:34 pm Said:

    Yum to those protein bars! Do they count as sweets? :)

      

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  12. 12
    Alyssa @ Life of bLyss, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:36 pm Said:

    these are totally topping my to-make list. I wonder how they’d taste with some flavored pb like the cinnamon raisin swirl or white chocolate dreaaamsss… ;)

      

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  13. 13
    Suz, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:37 pm Said:

    That noodle bowl looks DELICIOUS. The protein bars?!?! Even better!! I can’t wait to make them :)

      

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  14. 14
    Gen, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:42 pm Said:

    YAY!!!!!!!!! Those protein bars look deelish! =D

      

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  15. 15
    Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:45 pm Said:

    Looking at the picture I would not have guessed there is raisin bran in there!

      

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  16. 16
    Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:52 pm Said:

    those do look amazing- thank you for posting! :)

      

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  17. 17
    Mandy, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:54 pm Said:

    Hi Julie! That noodle bowl looks AMAZING!! what is carba nada pasta?

      

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  18. 18
    Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:56 pm Said:

    Mmm! I have to say, when you first mentioned these I was hesitant. I thought there was going to be protein powder in them – and I am very particular when it comes pro. powder. These look fabulous – definitely making them soon! :)

      

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  19. 19
    Sarah @ healthy girl running, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:58 pm Said:

    Those look delicious! I can’t wait to try out the recipe! Thanks for sharing! :)

      

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  20. 20
    Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat, on March 9th, 2011 at 3:58 pm Said:

    These bars sound delicious Julie! I love adding protein powder to baked goods, waffles, pancakes – or anything else that uses flour. I think I’ll be bookmarking these!

      

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  21. 21
    Carrie, on March 9th, 2011 at 4:08 pm Said:

    YUM YUM YUMMY!! thanks for gettin this recipe!! i love anything to do with PB!

      

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  22. 22
    Heather (Heather's dish), on March 9th, 2011 at 4:13 pm Said:

    Holy yum. Can these be my dinner?!

      

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  23. 23
    Jessica, on March 9th, 2011 at 4:13 pm Said:

    I literally said, “Ohhh deearrr” out loud at work when I read the recipe..haha. My student assistant heard me and wanted to know if I was looking at a picture of Ryan Reynolds (yea, I’ve been guilty of “oh dear”-ing when looking at his pics). I said to her, “Even better. It is peanut butter protein bars”.

    Thanks for sharing and thanks Leah for allowing Julie to post the recipe! And of course, thank you Aunt Chris for being awesome and making these!!!

    I cannot wait to try them!

      

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  24. 24
    Stacey, on March 9th, 2011 at 4:14 pm Said:

    Yum and yum! You have two of my favourite things right there – carbs and peanut butter! ;)

      

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  25. 25
    Jenna @ lifeinjenneral, on March 9th, 2011 at 4:16 pm Said:

    mmmm so excited to make these!

      

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  26. 26
    Katie, on March 9th, 2011 at 4:42 pm Said:

    I read on yahoo.com that today is National Noodle Day!

      

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  27. 27
    Jeni @ stepping out, on March 9th, 2011 at 4:47 pm Said:

    That noodle bowl looks amazing! Do you buy pre-cooked noodles and just mix it up or do you boil the noodles and mix everything together?

      

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    Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers Reply:
    March 9th, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    i cook them and then mix everything together!

      

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  28. 28
    Stefanie @TheNewHealthy, on March 9th, 2011 at 5:02 pm Said:

    Thanks for sharing the peanut butter love–these look great! :)

      

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  29. 29
    Kacy, on March 9th, 2011 at 5:32 pm Said:

    Yum! Those look great!

      

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  30. 30
    Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries, on March 9th, 2011 at 5:34 pm Said:

    Hurray for Aunt Chris!! :) I can’t wait to make these!

      

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  31. 31
    Jenny @ loveeatrun, on March 9th, 2011 at 5:39 pm Said:

    Just wanted to let you know that I passed the Stylish Blogger Award on to you. I’m pretty sure you have received it before but wanted to recognize you on my page and send some more people your way! :)

      

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  32. 32
    Lorraine, on March 9th, 2011 at 5:44 pm Said:

    Thank you for the recipe! I am in love with everything peanut butter too. These sound delicious and I am going to make them for myself and my husband tonight!

      

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  33. 33
    Ewa, on March 9th, 2011 at 5:48 pm Said:

    Hey Julie, I have been following your blog for a while. Just want to say thank you for that post. I’ve decided to challenge myself and go 40 days without chocolate and booze;-) Challenge comes handy now when i am training for my third marathon in June and trying to get speedy this time. Let’s just say my beloved wine was not helping me!
    I feel like giving up on sweets is easier than wine!
    So far I went to the store and got plenty of cashew and almond butter. somehow that satisfies my cravings!;-) Good luck to you on your challenge!

      

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  34. 34
    Sable @ Squat Like a Lady, on March 9th, 2011 at 5:57 pm Said:

    That recipe looks fantastic!!! I may try to make it this weekend — my life is so much easier when I can just throw a bar in my lunchbox as opposed to draining, mixing and flavoring a can of tuna. Thank you!!!

      

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  35. 35
    chelsea, on March 9th, 2011 at 6:00 pm Said:

    going to the grocery store right now and getting the ingredients to make these! NOW!

      

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  36. 36
    Tara @The Game of Life, on March 9th, 2011 at 6:10 pm Said:

    These look great!! Thank you!! :)

      

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  37. 37
    Kristen, on March 9th, 2011 at 6:12 pm Said:

    I love that this recipe doesnt have a ton of sugar, just 1/3 cup. then use honey
    Sounds yummy!

      

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  38. 38
    Amber Mitchell, on March 9th, 2011 at 6:25 pm Said:

    Let me first warn you this is VERY random! I just stopped off at my favorite organic place”Flat Belly” and they had raw energy bars they are made with fresh lemon, dates, raisin and rolled in chia seeds and alivered almonds. I though Julie would love this I gotta try well, they are delish! I’m gonna sweet talk the chef and try to nab the recipe for ya!

      

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  39. 39
    Erika @ FoodFitnessFun, on March 9th, 2011 at 6:26 pm Said:

    Ohmygoodness – this looks delicious! I looooove peanut butter! :-D

      

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  40. 40
    Alexa @ SImple Eats, on March 9th, 2011 at 6:35 pm Said:

    These look really good! I bet the tartness of the cranberries is delish with the PB!

      

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  41. 41
    Alyssa, on March 9th, 2011 at 6:35 pm Said:

    I bought some carba nada noodles recently! I cant wait to try them!! I want to give up sweets sooo bad for lent but I’m going to Key West for 5 days and I just dont see it happening there. I have to try out their desserts!

      

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  42. 42
    Heather @ Side of Sneakers, on March 9th, 2011 at 6:53 pm Said:

    Those bars sound insanely delicious- perfect to have on hand for a between-meal snack!! :)

      

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  43. 43
    Kayla (Little Miss Healthify), on March 9th, 2011 at 7:40 pm Said:

    Ooh, these look good, almost cookie-bar like!

      

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  44. 44
    Mary @ Bites and Bliss, on March 9th, 2011 at 8:20 pm Said:

    They look so dense and peanut buttery..almost like fudge- perfect!

      

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  45. 45
    Allison@ Happy Tales, on March 9th, 2011 at 8:42 pm Said:

    Yessssssssss thank you for the recipe!!!! But… since it calls for added sugar… don’t these count as sweets?! Did you already break Lent?! I’m assuming you didn’t have any and you’re just sharing the recipe…

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    March 9th, 2011 at 9:06 pm

    yes, none of these babies for me until after lent!

      

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  46. 46
    Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill, on March 9th, 2011 at 9:15 pm Said:

    These sound tasty! I’ll have to put them on my “to bake” list! I wonder if any kind of Kashi cereal could be used in this recipe for even more added protein?

      

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  47. 47
    rebecca lustig, on March 9th, 2011 at 9:17 pm Said:

    i swear, add the word ‘protein’ to anything, and it automatically becomes healthy and appropriate to consume at any time!

      

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    carlee Reply:
    March 9th, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    haha I know, right? lol We always get that assumption! Or Gluten free! lol

      

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    Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers Reply:
    March 9th, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    haha i know! but, sadly, i am still counting these as “sweets.” i’m not that delusional. :)

      

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  48. 48
    Amy at TheSceneFromMe, on March 9th, 2011 at 9:20 pm Said:

    What store do you find your carba-nada noodles is?
    I’d love to find them and try them out.

      

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    Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers Reply:
    March 9th, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    i buy them online from netrition.com.

      

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  49. 49
    Jessica, on March 9th, 2011 at 9:53 pm Said:

    About how many would you say this recipe makes?

      

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  50. 50
    Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef, on March 9th, 2011 at 10:25 pm Said:

    those protein bars look fabulous. i can’t wait to try them!

      

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  51. 51
    Ashley, on March 9th, 2011 at 10:45 pm Said:

    I had asked if you considered these sweets before I realized you already answered YES to someone else!

    I also wanted to tell you I was inspired by you to try making a protein pancake! I have been tweeking one of the “tone it up girls” recipes for the last week and I finally have perfected it for my taste buds! I wanted to thank you because if it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have ever gone about this! SOOO YUMMY! I can’t wait for breakfast tomorrow.

      

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  52. 52
    Amber K, on March 10th, 2011 at 11:38 am Said:

    They look delicious! Definitely would have to eat a small piece though. Just looking at the ingredients makes me feel bloated ;)

      

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  53. 53
    Charlotte (weekendssosweet.com), on March 10th, 2011 at 1:02 pm Said:

    YUM!
    They used to sell homemade bars like this at my college cafeteria and I have been missing them since graduation 5 years ago! hahaha. Thank you!!!

      

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  54. 54
    Panera and Peanut Butter! « chocolatepbcups, on March 10th, 2011 at 3:39 pm Said:
  55. 55
    Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner, on March 11th, 2011 at 1:23 am Said:

    Those Peanut Butter Protein Bars sound DELICIOUS!!! :D

    xoxo
    Kathleen

      

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  56. 56
    Peanut Butter Protein Bars | Happy or Hungry, on March 14th, 2011 at 3:31 pm Said:
  57. 57
    Tara, on March 15th, 2011 at 11:28 am Said:

    I made you pb protein bars last night. Loved them next time need to use hands to really get the pb into the cereal.

      

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  58. 58
    Peanut Butter Bars « Healthy Coconut, on July 2nd, 2011 at 12:03 pm Said:
  59. 59
    Lea @ healthy coconut, on July 2nd, 2011 at 12:07 pm Said:

    Made your PB bars and they were delicious. Love the crunch and texture.

    I also like the fact that they held up and tasted the same after being frozen.

      

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  60. 60
    Natalie, on July 25th, 2011 at 1:27 pm Said:

    Can you use all natural peanut butter? Also, have you ever tried adding protein powder? Thanks for the recipe!!

      

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  61. 61
    A little ahead of myself | little food court, on July 26th, 2011 at 7:35 pm Said:
  62. 62
    You gotta try these! « Eat NB Fit, on August 4th, 2011 at 12:46 pm Said:
  63. 63
    Veggie Roll Ups « chocolatepbcups, on August 7th, 2011 at 4:55 pm Said:
  64. 64
    Novedex, on August 27th, 2011 at 6:10 am Said:

    Hi, Neat post. There is an issue with your web site in internet explorer, would check this? IE still is the marketplace leader and a good part of other folks will omit your excellent writing because of this problem.

      

    [Reply]

  65. 65
    Julie, on September 10th, 2011 at 8:35 pm Said:

    Made the protein bars. Yum! Thank yew!

      

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  66. 66
    Peanut Butter Protein Bars « sugar coated, on September 13th, 2011 at 5:22 pm Said:
  67. 67
    Bailey, on September 13th, 2011 at 5:33 pm Said:

    made these last night and they are amazing! I left the brown sugar out and they are still delicious! Now I just have to try not to eat them all in one day, thanks for the great recipe :)

      

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  68. 68
    DIY HPHF Bars | Itz Linz, on February 21st, 2012 at 8:50 am Said:

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