The World’s Easiest Peanut Butter Bar Recipe

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And dare we say tastiest? Either way, they’re perfect for a post-workout protein hit, an afternoon snack or on-the-go breakfast

Peanut Butter Bar
(Image credit: Whole Earth)

When it comes to that 3pm slump, even the healthiest of eaters are tempted by a sugary hit. Sure, why not? We’re not puritanical here at Coach. But maybe try this natural sugary hit – shared with Coach by Whole Earth foods – which packs in nuts, fruit and peanut butter.

You probably know by now that peanut butter’s got lots of health benefits thanks to its protein, unsaturated fats, fibre, magnesium and zinc, but with this recipe Whole Earth takes that to another level by using its new hi-oleic peanut butter. While we don’t know how to pronounce oleic, we do know that hi-oleic peanuts are grown naturally and have about 30% more monounsaturated fats than more commonly available types.

Does that mean hi-oleic peanut butter is better for you? Yes, according to cholesterol charity Heart UK, which has added Whole Earth’s peanut butter to its eight-strong list of approved foods that form part of a “heart-healthy diet”. In the reassuring, if dull, language of science, Heart UK says hi-oleic peanut butter “contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels”.

Peanut butter bar next to a jar of Whole Earth peanut butter

(Image credit: Whole Earth)

Try making a batch and pop them in the freezer (or fridge if you like ’em soft) to bring out whenever you need one.

Once you tire of these treats, expand your snack repertoire with the best protein flapjacks recipe, this macadamia, pumpkin seed and fudge protein bar recipe and this energy balls recipe for a home-made alternative to energy bars.

Peanut Butter Bar Recipe

Method

  • Line a 20cm square baking tin with parchment paper.
  • Place the oats, ground almonds and cinnamon in a food processor and process until the oats are finely ground.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and process until fully combined.
  • Slightly dampen your hands to prevent too much sticking, then mould the mixture into your tin and press it down.
  • Place into the freezer for a couple of hours to allow it to firm up before slicing it into bars.
  • Store the pieces in the freezer, or the fridge if you prefer them to be a little softer.

Ingredients (makes 16 bars)

  • 100g gluten-free oats
  • 50g ground almonds
  • 1tsp ground cinnamon
  • 200g Whole Earth hi-oleic crunchy peanut butter
  • 2 ripe bananas, peeled and chopped
  • 2tsp vanilla extract
Jonathan Shannon
Jonathan Shannon
Former editor

Jonathan Shannon was the editor of the Coach website from 2016 to 2024, developing a wide-ranging experience of health and fitness. Jonathan took up running while editing Coach and used the training plans on the site to run a sub-40min 10K, 1hr 28min half marathon and 3hr 6min marathon. He’s an advocate of cycling to work and is Coach’s e-bike reviewer, and not just because he lives up a bit of a hill. He also reviews fitness trackers and other workout gear.