Monster Cookie Protein Bark Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a guilt-free treat that’s as indulgent as it is energizing, Monster Cookie Protein Bark is about to become your new obsession. This bark takes all the cheerful, nostalgic flavors of the classic monster cookie—peanut butter, chocolate, oats, and candy-coated crunch—and reimagines them in a crave-worthy, protein-packed bite. Not only is it gluten-free, but it comes together in minutes with a handful of pantry staples, making it the ultimate homemade snack for busy afternoons, post-workout cravings, or sharing with friends. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Monster Cookie Protein Bark lies in how each simple ingredient pulls its weight—whether that’s adding creaminess, crunch, or a burst of color. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need, along with a little insider tip for each one!
- PB Fit Powder: A great way to get that classic peanut butter flavor and extra protein with fewer calories and less fat; perfect for bark that isn’t oily but still rich.
- Gluten Free Rolled Oats: These give a hearty texture and a satisfying chew—make sure they’re gluten-free if you want the whole bark to be suitable for everyone.
- Coconut Oil (for dough): Melted coconut oil brings everything together, adding richness and keeping the bark from getting dry.
- Honey: Naturally sweetens the bark and makes the dough stick together while giving warm, floral notes.
- Peanuts: For a salty, crunchy bite that balances out the sweet, try lightly toasting them for upgraded flavor.
- M&M’s: The star of the show—these add bursts of color, candy crunch, and a sweet surprise in every piece.
- Chocolate Chips: For the luscious chocolate drizzle topping; choose dark or semi-sweet for deeper flavor.
- Coconut Oil (for chocolate): Just a touch makes your melted chocolate smooth and glossy, perfect for pouring.
- Sea Salt: This finishing touch brings out all the flavors and tempers the sweetness—don’t skip it!
How to Make Monster Cookie Protein Bark
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough Base
Grab a big mixing bowl and blend together the PB Fit powder, gluten free rolled oats, melted coconut oil, and honey. Stir until you have a thick, slightly sticky dough that smells just like your favorite monster cookies—nutty, sweet, and all kinds of inviting. Make sure there are no pockets of powder and everything is nicely incorporated.
Step 2: Fold in the Fun Mix-Ins
Now comes the fun: gently fold in the peanuts and M&M’s. The trick is to keep the candy shell of the M&M’s intact, so just a few turns with a spatula should do it. Each bite of your Monster Cookie Protein Bark will have that perfect balance of peanut crunch and colorful candy magic.
Step 3: Spread It Out
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop your dough mixture onto the center, then use a spatula (or your hands!) to press it into an even layer. Aim for a thickness of around ½ inch; this will help the bark set up with a sturdy snap but still be easy to break apart.
Step 4: Melt and Pour the Chocolate
Add your chocolate chips and the extra tablespoon of coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 1 minute. Stir until silky smooth—if needed, heat in 15-second bursts until it’s fully melted. Now, slowly pour this melted chocolate mixture over the cookie dough base, using a spoon to spread it out to the edges.
Step 5: Finish with Sea Salt and Freeze
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle sea salt generously over the top. Pop the tray into the freezer and let it firm up completely—about 30 to 45 minutes is usually perfect. Once set, lift out the parchment and break the Monster Cookie Protein Bark into rustic, snackable pieces. Then? Dig in!
How to Serve Monster Cookie Protein Bark
Garnishes
Once your bark is broken apart, a few extra garnishes can make it feel truly special. Try sprinkling on extra crushed peanuts or a handful of mini chocolate chips for more texture and flair. If you want to go the extra mile, a light dusting of cocoa powder or even a little drizzle of melted white chocolate can add a gourmet touch. The sea salt should always be the last thing you add for that classic sweet-salty finish.
Side Dishes
Monster Cookie Protein Bark is the star of any snack table, but it’s lovely with small fruit platters (think strawberries or apple slices), a glass of cold milk, or even tucked alongside Greek yogurt for a creamy, satisfying breakfast. For a playful after-school treat, serve it with popcorn or a smoothie and you have an instant crowd-pleaser for little (or big!) snackers.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, stack pieces in clear bags tied with bright ribbon, or layer in a mason jar for the ultimate homemade snack present. Hosting a movie night? Set out a “bark bar” with different crunchy toppings so everyone can build their own combination. You can also chop the bark into tiny cubes and mix into trail mix or use it to top vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Monster Cookie Protein Bark stores beautifully for days without losing its snap! Place the bark in an airtight container lined with parchment to avoid sticking, and stash it in the fridge where it’ll stay fresh and chewy-crisp for up to a week. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long—coconut oil softens up quickly and can make the bark a bit too gooey.
Freezing
If you want to really make it last, the freezer is your friend. Arrange the bark in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid, then move the pieces into a zip-top bag. Frozen Monster Cookie Protein Bark will keep for 2–3 months—just let it thaw for a few minutes before eating so the flavors can shine, and the chocolate isn’t too hard to bite.
Reheating
There’s no need for traditional reheating, but if you like your bark a little softer, give a single piece a quick 5–10 second zap in the microwave. Just be careful: too long and the chocolate will melt! Otherwise, letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes is usually all you need for an ideal texture.
FAQs
Can I make Monster Cookie Protein Bark with a different nut butter powder?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter powder both work well, giving you creative ways to tweak the flavor. Just be sure to use an unsweetened variety so you can control the overall sweetness.
Is there a vegan version of Monster Cookie Protein Bark?
Yes! Simply swap honey for maple syrup or agave, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and make sure your candy mix-ins are vegan-friendly. The result is just as delicious and inclusive for everyone at your table.
Can I skip the M&M’s or add other candies?
Definitely. While the M&M’s add that fun, colorful monster cookie vibe, feel free to mix in your favorite candies, dried fruits, or even chopped toasted coconut for a signature bark all your own.
What can I do if my bark doesn’t hold together?
If your dough seems crumbly after mixing, try adding a touch more honey or melted coconut oil, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a sticky, cohesive consistency. Sometimes oats can vary in absorbency, especially gluten-free varieties.
How thick should I make the bark?
A half-inch thickness is the sweet spot: thick enough for a satisfying bite but not so dense that it’s hard to break apart. Feel free to go a bit thinner or thicker to suit your personal taste, but make sure the bark will fit easily in your freezer to set evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Monster Cookie Protein Bark is every bit as fun and delicious as it sounds—a cheerful, protein-packed treat you’ll proudly share with family and friends. It’s easy, adaptable, and endlessly snackable. Go ahead, give it a try and discover why this wholesome twist on a classic cookie favorite deserves a spot in your regular snack rotation. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
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Monster Cookie Protein Bark Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 pan of bark 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Monster Cookie Protein Bark recipe is a delightful treat that combines the goodness of protein-packed ingredients with the sweetness of chocolate and M&M’s. Easy to make and perfect for a quick energy boost!
Ingredients
PB Fit Powder
- 1/2 Cup
Gluten Free Rolled Oats
- 1/2 Cup
Coconut Oil, melted
- 1/3 Cup
Honey
- 1/2 Cup
Peanuts
- 1/3 Cup
M&M’s
- 1/3 Cup
Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 Cup
Coconut Oil
- 1 Tbsp
Sea Salt
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine PB fit powder, gluten-free rolled oats, melted coconut oil, and honey. Mix until cookie dough forms.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in peanuts and M&M’s.
- Spread Batter: Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined pan.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
- Assemble: Pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough batter. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Freeze: Place the pan in the freezer until the bark hardens.
- Enjoy: Break into pieces and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Monster Cookie Protein Bark, Protein Bark Recipe, Gluten Free Dessert, Energy Snack
