Monster Cookie Protein Bark Recipe
This Monster Cookie Protein Bark is a good monster cookie twist you didn’t know you needed — packed with simple ingredients and that classic peanut butter-chocolate mix we all love. It’s a healthy sweets recipe that still satisfies your cravings for those nostalgic sweet treats. With a balance of oats, nut butter, honey, and a little protein boost, it’s perfect for snacking, lunchboxes, or a fun family dessert.
If your life is anything like mine- days full of endless chores, babies needing you, school to be done, food to be made- then you know how crucial it is to have simple, nourishing snacks ready to go. This no-bake protein bark has become a favorite in our home. They are so simple to throw together, they use great for you ingredients and best of all, kids love them. I use sugar free chocolate chips (we love Lily's!) unsweetened peanut butter from Costco, and I even found a dye-free M&M alternative, which keeps this mamas mind at ease while still feeling like a treat. This is a small recipe that I usually double, but one recipe makes approximately 8 pieces of bark if broken evenly, and for 8 pieces it packs 7 grams of protein per piece!
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Minimal Effort: No baking required, and you don't even need a mixer.
- Perfect post-workout treat: This isn't just for kids, this bark has protein for muscle repair, healthy fats for sustained energy and carbs to replenish energy!
- Easily Adaptable: You can switch out the peanut butter for almond, cashew, sunflower oil if your dealing with allergies or just want to switch it up.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unflavored protein powder (I use Just Ingredients)
- ½ up rolled oats
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup of honey (or maple syrup)
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup M&M's (dye free ones linked here)
Chocolate Topping:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine protein powder, oats, coconut oil, honey, and peanut butter. Stir until well blended.
- Press mixture onto a piece of parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Stir until smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate over the pressed mixture and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle M&M’s on top.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or until firm. Slice and enjoy.
FAQ
Can I use flavored protein powder?
Absolutely! Vanilla protein powder adds extra sweetness and flavor.
Can I substitute the peanut butter?
Yes! You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Texture may vary slightly, so adjust as needed.
Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Store in a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just let them sit out for a few minutes before enjoying.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and double-check your protein powder is dairy-free.
How long do they last in the fridge?
About 1–2 weeks, the best way to store them is in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Can I leave out the M&M’s or chocolate topping?
Totally! They add crunch and fun, but feel free to customize with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or leave the topping off for a cleaner snack.
How can I make the bars a little smoother in texture?
If you prefer a smoother texture, try blending the oats in a food processor before mixing — it gives the base a softer, more uniform consistency. You can also slightly warm the peanut butter and honey before stirring to help everything mix seamlessly.
Why is this called a monster cookie recipe?
It’s everything you love in a monster cookie — peanut butter, oats, chocolate, and M&Ms — turned into a no-bake, high-protein bark. It satisfies a sweet tooth but still feels like a nourishing treat for you and your kids.
How much protein is in each serving of this bark?
Each piece of this monster cookie protein bark packs around 7 g protein, depending on the exact ingredients and size of your slices.
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Monster Cookie Protein Bark Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 Microwave safe bowl
Ingredients
- ½ cup unflavored protein powder
- ½ up rolled oats
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter
- ¼ cup of honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup M&M's
Chocolate Topping:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine protein powder, oats, coconut oil, honey, and peanut butter. Stir until well blended.
- Press mixture onto a piece of parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Stir until smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate over the pressed mixture and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle M&M’s on top.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or until firm. Slice or break and enjoy.
Very easy to make and delicious. My kids loved it