Fluffernutter Protein Bars

If you grew up obsessed with the peanut butter and marshmallow combo, these fluffernutter protein bars are about to become your new favorite snack. They’re no bake, nut-free, and made with simple ingredients — including protein powder for a satisfying boost that actually keeps you full. Vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened, they have all the nostalgic fluffernutter flavor but healthier and ready in no time!

SPONSORED BY SUNBUTTER

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I was not a PB&J girl as a kid (now? LOVE it), so whenever I needed a field trip lunch my mom would pack me a fluffernutter sandwich. And it was such a treat—fluffy marshmallow, creamy peanut butter, sometimes a few banana slices snuck in for an untraditional but delicious twist. I have only good memories of this delicious sandwich combination, so I reinvented it as a high-protein snack. These no-bake fluffernutter bars have a lot to offer. They are easy to make with just 9 ingredients. Each bar pack 12g protein from your favorite vanilla protein powder. And, despite the name, they are sneakily nut-free without sacrificing any flavor using SunButter instead of peanut butter!

What Are Fluffernutter Protein Bars?

The classic fluffernutter flavor combination is made up of marshmallow fluff and peanut butter. So besides the nut-free swap, how does this recipe recreate it in bar form? There are three layers: vanilla protein bar, marshmallow fluff topping, SunButter caramel swirl. If you are a fan of this nostalgic flavor combination, and happen to be a high-protein snacker, or have a nut-free household, or are big on snack meal prep—this recipe will hit the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• no bake
• nut-free
• 9 ingredients
• vegan and gluten-free
• customizable with your favorite protein powder
• require just 15 minute to make
• 12g protein per serving!

No-Bake Fluffernutter Bars Ingredients

• Vanilla protein powder. This is the main dry ingredient, so pick a protein powder that you love and that tastes good. This is my favorite plant based option and this is my favorite animal based option. I tested them with both and both worked/tasted great. There is no sweetener in the protein bar base, so make sure you are using a sweetened protein powder.
• Flax meal. Instead of the almond or oat flour you see in many protein bar recipes, I opted for ground flax seed instead. It adds extra fiber and helps bind the bars a bit too.
• Crispy rice cereal. I like a little CRUNCH in my protein bars, so I added some cereal to the mix. You can omit, or substitute a different cereal variety.
• Organic SunButter. The nut-free star of these fluffernutter protein bars, it adds so much creamy “nutty” flavor! I used the Organic variety, which is made with just organic roasted sunflower seeds, so I added a pinch of salt to the bars. If your variety is salted, you can skip it.
• Coconut oil. The extra little bit of moisture we need to avoid the dreaded dry “powdery” protein bar texture, and it helps them set firmly in the fridge too.
• Marshmallow fluff. You can use a vegan fluff if desired, or regular non-vegan if that isn’t important to you. Or you can even make your own.
• SunButter caramel sauce. To avoid too-sticky fingers, I added a swirly layer of SunButter caramel on top of the marshmallow fluff that helps hold in the sticky fluff and make them slice and stack cleanly. This is my favorite simple no-cook vegan caramel made with SunButter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.

How to Make Fluffernutter Protein Bars

Make the Protein Bar Base

The gluten-free protein bars themselves have just six ingredients, no added sugar, and come together quickly in one bowl. We start by tossing together the protein powder, flax meal, cereal, and salt (if using). Then add in the SunButter and coconut oil, and mix to form a thick cookie dough texture. Press this mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal later, and refrigerate while we prep the toppings.

Make The SunButter Caramel Sauce

I like to whisk together the nut-free caramel ingredients first, so it has a little bit of time to cool down while we spread on the marshmallow fluff. Combine everything for the caramel in a small bowl, microwave for about 30 seconds to melt it all together, and then whisk it till smooth. You can even pop this in the refrigerator for a few minutes if it seems too runny.

Add the Fluffernutter Toppings

Once the bars have had a chance to chill a little bit, you can easily spread a thin layer of marshmallow fluff across the entire top surface, using a lightly greased spatula. Then drizzle on the SunButter caramel, and use a dull knife for chopstick to gently swirl.

Refrigerate and Slice

The prep time on this fluffernutter protein bar recipe is only about 15 minutes of work, but they will need to chill for about four hours before you can slice and eat. After they are chilled, they should easily lift out of the pan using that parchment paper sling. Slicing them while they are cold works best, so the marshmallow fluff doesn’t get too messy. I like to let them thaw for five minutes or so before eating so the marshmallow fluff has a chance to soften.

Recipe FAQs

More Protein Bar Recipes You’ll Love

• Caramel Cookie Dough Protein Bars
• White Chocolate Raspberry Crispy Protein Bars
• Protein Rice Crispy Treats

If you try these Fluffernutter Protein Bars, let me know what you think by leaving a comment or rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for even more yummy recipes!

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