No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Simple and Tasty Treat

Ingredients

• 1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 1 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 2 cups vanilla protein powder (optional)
• 1 2 cups dark chocolate chips
• 1 4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder (if using), and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until everything is evenly coated.
5. Fold in the dark chocolate chips, gently mixing until they’re distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
7. Transfer the mixture into the lined dish, using the spatula to press it down firmly into an even layer.
8. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set.
9. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.