PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BARS





PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BARS
Quite an addictive protein bar.  It is certainly cheaper to make our own.  I bought a huge tub (71/2 lbs) of Isopure® whey protein isolate which costs about $129.00 over here and with a GNC discount card, it came to around $105.  I don’t use huge amounts of whey protein, so this should last me 1 1/2 years.  These protein bars can be quite addictive - add the chocolate chips and you won't be able to resist them!  Nowadays I buy my protein powder (usually vanilla) online from Walmart - good deal and tastes good, too.

1/cup natural crunchy peanut butter (125 mL)
2 tbsp heavy cream, OR evap. milk (125 mL)
2 tbsp powdered erythritol (30 mL)
Liquid sweetener to equal 1/cup sugar (125 mL)
1/cup vanilla whey protein powder, (75 mL)
  divided

In saucepan, heat peanut butter, cream, OR evaporated milk, powdered erythritol and liquid sweetener over medium heat.  Stir and once it looks molten (if it doesn't, add a tsp of light-tasting olive oil at a time and mix it in) and well mixed, remove from heat.  Stir in 1/4 cup (60 mL) vanilla whey protein powder.  Place in refrigerator to cool 20 minutes. 

On cutting board, sprinkle 1 tbsp (15 mL) vanilla whey protein powder.  Bring out cooled dough and place on cutting board.  Roll in vanilla whey protein powder.  Form a rectangle of desired size and cut into 4 protein bars.  Refrigerate.

Variation:  Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Bars:  Stir 1/4 cup (60 mL) sugarless chocolate chips into protein bar dough after refrigerating 20 minutes (you don’t want to melt the chocolate).  (5.4 g net carbs)

Helpful Hints:  Although I say to refrigerate the protein bars, I actually prefer these at room temperature.  Carefully wrapped (can place in a hard eyeglass case), they would make a great protein bar snack to put in one’s purse.  When you’re in the Shopping Mall and crave a cappuccino and something sweet, take out your protein bar and enjoy along with your cappuccino.

Remember the quality of your whey protein powder will affect all your baking products.  Do not choose whey protein concentrate, but rather choose whey protein isolate.

Yield:  4 protein bars
1 protein bar
210.6 calories
12.1 g protein
15.9 g fat
4.9 g net carbs


For other great Low-Carb, Gluten-Free recipes by the team & me:
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