Low Fat Peanut Butter Protein Cereal Bars Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill to Harden: Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the bars to harden and set properly.
- 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
