No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
A rich, chewy dark chocolate protein bar packed with puffed rice crispies and creamy peanut butter. Simple to batch-prep ahead for a satisfying, low-fuss snack.
Prep
15 min
Cook
0 min
Total
45 min
Makes
8 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Enily + Lila
Enily created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
A steadier afternoon
Give your day a solid food foundation
Being properly fed cannot solve a hard day, but a substantial meal can remove hunger and an energy dip from the list of things you are juggling.
Notice: mood + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
0 min
Total
45 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Saucepan · Mixing bowl · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Keep these stored in the fridge or freezer, as natural peanut butter bars soften at room temperature.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 9 steps complete
Next: Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking…
- 01
Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking…
Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Combine 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups (42g) unsweetened puffed rice cereal, 1 cup (120g) hemp protein powder, and 0.25 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir with a spatula until evenly mixed.
Look for: evenly mixed
Tap card to mark done - 03
Gently warm 0
In a medium microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan over low heat, gently warm 0.5 cup (128g) creamy natural peanut butter and 0.33 cup (112g) pure maple syrup for 30 to 45 seconds until smooth and easy to pour.
Look for: smooth and easy to pour
Tap card to mark done - 04
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over…
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Mix thoroughly with a firm spatula until…
Mix thoroughly with a firm spatula until a thick, uniform dough forms and no dry protein powder remains visible.
Look for: a thick, uniform dough forms and no dry protein powder remains visible
Tap card to mark done - 06
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking…
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly into an even, compact layer using the back of a measuring cup or spatula.
Tap card to mark done - 07
Place the pan in the freezer for…
Place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes to set until firm to the touch.
Look for: firm to the touch
Tap card to mark done - 08
Lift the block out using the parchment…
Lift the block out using the parchment paper overhang and slice evenly into 8 bars on a cutting board.
Tap card to mark done - 09
Store the bars in an airtight container…
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 1 month.
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