chocolate peanut butter protein bars

hi everyone! so i've experimented a few times this week with this recipe, and i've really only had one true fail.  the other attempts have all turned out tasting yummy, just in different ways.  if you're a coconut person, then you'd probably like the version with coconut oil best.  if not, just leave it out! today i'll share a simple version, but at the end of the post i'll make some notes about the different versions i've tried. 

chocolate peanut butter protein bars 

1 cup peanut butter (i use adams natural no stir peanut butter)

1/4 cup natural honey 

1 tsp vanilla 

1 and a hald tbs cocoa powder (unsweetened) 

1 cup oats 

1. start with your vanilla and honey.  pour them into your pan, and then heat slowly to medium low heat.

2. as the honey heats, it should become thin, and easy to combine with the vanilla. after your vanilla and honey are combined, add in your peanut butter. 

3. as the peanut butter heats, it will become thin and easily combine with the honey and vanilla mixture. next, add your coco powder. 

4. after adding the coco powder, your mixture will become a little thicker.  move the heat down to low, and stir for about a minute while you wait for the heat to go down. 

5. add your oats 1/2 a cup at a time.  after you add both half cups of oats, your mixture should be dry and a little crumbly.  

6. move from the pan into a small casserole dish (8X8 or 9X9 work well) and push down to flatten out. 

7. allow to sit out for at least an hour (two is better) before eating

8. after sitting, cut, and enjoy!! 

as you can see in the last three pictures, because this version has no oil, it is a little dry and crumbly.  if you want them to have more of a consistency of no bake cookies, add extra light olive oil for no added taste, or coconut oil for a slight coconut taste.  i think adding the coconut is my favorite! 

this recipe also works well if you add in a teaspoon of chia seeds, coconut oil, or substitute other nut butters for the peanut butter.  try out your own recipe and let me know how it works with #naturalieclean! 

enjoy!

natalie