Low Fat Peanut Butter Protein Cereal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Low Fat Peanut Butter Protein Cereal Bars are a perfect on-the-go snack packed with protein and flavor. Combining crunchy cereals with peanut butter powder, they offer a satisfying treat without the heaviness of traditional bars.

Ingredients

• ½ cup Instant (or Rolled) Oats (45g)
• ½ cup Puffed Brown Rice Cereal (9g)
• ½ cup Cheerios (14g)
• ½ scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (15g, 2-3 Tbsp)
• ½ cup Peanut Butter Powder (64g)
• 6 Tbsp Almond Milk
• 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup (Sugar-free recommended)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out later. Alternatively, use molds or a tray.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the oats, puffed brown rice cereal, Cheerios, and vanilla protein powder.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together the peanut butter powder and almond milk until completely smooth and free of lumps.
4. Step 4: Pour the peanut butter mixture and maple syrup into the cereal mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together until you get a thick, tough mixture that holds together well.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Spread and press it down firmly to create an even, smooth surface.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the pan for about 15 minutes to allow the bars to harden and set.
7. Step 7: Once firm, lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into 8 equal bars with a sharp knife.

Tips & Variations

• For added sweetness, drizzle a little honey or melted dark chocolate on top before refrigerating.
• Swap almond milk for any dairy or plant-based milk you prefer.
• Use gluten-free oats and cereals to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Try adding a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be individually wrapped and frozen for up to one month. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly for a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of peanut butter powder?

Natural peanut butter has a higher fat content and different moisture levels, which may affect the texture and firmness. Using peanut butter powder helps keep the bars low fat and hold together well.

What can I use if I don’t have vanilla protein powder?

You can substitute with plain or flavored protein powder of your choice, or omit it entirely; just note that the protein content will be reduced, and the texture might be slightly different.

Low Fat Peanut Butter Protein Cereal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 97 reviews

These low-fat peanut butter protein cereal bars are a delicious and nutritious snack perfect for on-the-go energy boosts. Combining the wholesome goodness of oats, puffed brown rice, and Cheerios with vanilla protein powder and powdered peanut butter, these bars deliver a satisfying crunch and a rich peanut flavor without the extra fat. Sweetened with a touch of maple syrup and bound together with almond milk, they are easy to prepare, no-bake, and refrigerated to set into convenient, grab-and-go bars.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• ½ cup Instant (or Rolled) Oats (45g)
• ½ cup Puffed Brown Rice Cereal (9g)
• ½ cup Cheerios (14g)
• ½ scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (15g, 2–3 Tbsp)
• ½ cup Peanut Butter Powder (64g)

Wet Ingredients

• 6 Tbsp Almond Milk
• 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup (Sugar-free recommended)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Alternatively, use molds or a tray if preferred.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, puffed brown rice cereal, Cheerios, and vanilla protein powder. Stir well to evenly distribute all the dry components.
3. Combine Peanut Butter Mix: In a small bowl, stir together the peanut butter powder and almond milk. Mix until the mixture is completely smooth without lumps.
4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Pour the peanut butter mixture and maple syrup into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, fold all the ingredients together carefully. This step may require some effort as the mixture will become tough and sticky but ensure it holds together well.
5. Transfer & Press: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly and press down firmly to smooth the surface and compact the bars.
6. Chill to Harden: Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the bars to harden and set properly.
7. Slice and Serve: Once firm, lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place the block on a cutting board and slice into 8 equal bars with a sharp knife. Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness.

Notes

• Using instant oats helps the bars stick together better but rolled oats work fine if pressed firmly.
• Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave nectar depending on dietary preference.
• These bars are best stored refrigerated to maintain firmness and freshness for up to 5 days.
• Protein powder can be swapped for your preferred flavor, but vanilla complements peanut butter best.
• For a vegan version, ensure your protein powder and maple syrup are plant-based.

Keywords: peanut butter protein bars, low fat cereal bars, no bake protein snacks, healthy snack bars, homemade protein bars