20 Healthy PB2 Recipes That Will Change Your Life (Without Ruining Your Diet!)

Chances are you love peanut butter. I know I do.

But what sucks about peanut butter?

Yep, you know it…all the damn fat and hence calories, which means you never get to eat as much as you’d like without screwing up your diet.

Enter PB2…a peanut butter alternative so good you’ll swear it’s a life hack.

In case you’re not aware, PB2 is a powdered form of peanut butter that has almost all of the fat removed. You mix it with a little bit of water and it turns back into a peanut butter-like paste, which is quite tasty, and very low calorie (just over 20 calories per tablespoon).

It comes in two flavors: traditional and chocolate, and while both are good, I’m partial to the latter because I’m just a sucker for anything chocolate.

Traditional Flavor

Chocolate Flavor

There are plenty of obvious uses for PB2–apple wedges, banana protein pancakes, toast and English muffins, and more–but as you’ll see, there’s a whole lot more you can do with it.

Except when the peanut oil is the main fat in a recipe, PB2 makes a great replacement in peanut butter cookies, shakes, and other sweet treats. It can also be used in savory dishes, particularly in Thai food.

So, enough chit chat. Let’s get to the recipes!

Table of Contents

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PB2 Bites with Coconut & Chocolate

Picture courtesy of Joyful Kitchen

For a quick snack that’s portable – even out on the hiking trail – you’ll want to make these peanut butter oatmeal balls.

With flaked coconut, chia seeds, and chocolate chips, they’re as good as trail mix bars only made mini. But that’s not even the best part. These are no-bake snacks that taste like peanut butter oatmeal cookies.

Serves 8 / Makes 24

Ingredients

2/3 cup PB2 (reconstituted with 1/3 cup water)

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup flaked coconut

1/3 cup ground flaxseed

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

3 Tbsp. agave nectar

1 Tbsp. chia seeds

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 181

Protein: 6 grams

Carbs: 22 grams

Fat: 8 grams

 

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Carrot Raisin Muffins

Picture courtesy of The Dieting Chef

Not all recipes with PB2 have to be peanut buttery. For these muffins, the powdered peanut butter is in the background, helping the flavor of carrot cake shine through.

And while PB2 is a novel way to cut the flour in a recipe, there’s another surprising substitute: cannellini beans. But you’d never know when you take a bite of these carrot muffins, which are even more reminiscent of cake when topped with toasted pecans.

Serves 18

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups white whole-wheat flour

1/3 cup wheat germ

1/3 cup PB2

1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. salt

1/3 cup raisins, finely chopped

1 1/2 cups carrots, grated

1 1/2 cups (1 can) cannellini beans

1/3 cup water

3 large egg whites

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 Tbsp. canola oil

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 110

Protein: 5 grams

Carbs: 20 grams

Fat: 1 gram

 

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High-Protein Peanut Butter Cups

Picture courtesy of Dashing Dish

Unless you’re one of the weird peanut butter haters, no doubt there’s a nostalgic child in you that craves peanut butter cups. But unfortunately for adults, it’s too easy to overload and pack on the pounds.

Instead of the regular Reese’s variety, trick your taste buds with these candies made from PB2 and chocolate protein powder.

Serves 7 / Makes 14

Ingredients

1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/4 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 scoops Legion WHEY+ chocolate protein isolate

3 Tbsp. coconut sugar (or sweetener of choice), divided

1/4 cup PB2

2 to 3 Tbsp. water

Pinch of salt

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 34

Protein: 5 grams

Carbs: 4 grams

Fat: 1 gram

 

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PB2 Flourless Chocolate Brownies

Picture courtesy of SkinnyTaste

What can make moist, fudgy brownies even better? PB2. There’s a whole cup in this recipe, which is one of the secrets to making these brownies flourless. It also allows them to have none of the traditional fats, like oil and butter, or replacements, like applesauce and non-fat yogurt.

Basically, there’s nothing in these peanut butter brownies to feel bad about eating – just as long as you share so you’re not left alone with the whole pan.

Serves 12

Ingredients

1 large egg

1 large egg white

1 cup PB2

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp. water

1/2 cup raw honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 cup chocolate chips

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 131

Protein: 6 grams

Carbs: 26 grams

Fat: 6 grams

 

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Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt

Picture courtesy of The Casual Craftlete

No matter how delicious the flavors sound, you’re better off looking past all the yogurt varieties except for plain Greek. That way you control the amount of added sugar and, at the same time, avoid artificial colors and other unexpected ingredients.

A quick way to flavor your bowl of yogurt is by stirring in something delicious, and you don’t just have to go for sweeteners. PB2 yogurt is a perfect combo, especially to serve with fresh fruit or berry preserves.

Serves 1

Ingredients

3/4 cup (6.6 oz.) plain 0% fat Greek yogurt

1 Tbsp. PB2

1 1/2 tsp. pure honey

1/2 apple (or banana), sliced

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 197

Protein: 20 grams

Carbs: 29 grams

Fat: 1 gram

 

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PB2 Chocolate Cake for One

Picture courtesy of Desserts with Benefits

Sometimes late at night it’s hard to get to bed without a little late-night dessert. Here’s a cake you can bake in the microwave for a quick fix.

It’s not exactly Greek yogurt with berries, but it also isn’t like the empty calories of a frosted chocolate cake. Consider this one a happy medium – something you’ll start to keep the ingredients on hand for when those midnight cravings hit.

Serves 1

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed

1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 Tbsp. honey (or 4 packets stevia)

1/8 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. oat flour

1/2 scoop Legion WHEY+ chocolate protein isolate

1/4 cup Chocolate PB2

1 tsp. baking powder

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 310

Protein: 24 grams

Carbs: 46 grams

Fat: 5 grams

 

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Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

Picture courtesy of Amy’s Healthy Baking

It’s hard to resist peanuts and pretzels, but if you snack on just those two things, it’s easy to eat more white flour and peanut fat than you realize.

These bars deliver big on the flavor; however, they use PB2, soy crisps, and protein powder to turn an indulgence into a healthy energy bar. And rather than being baked in the oven, they’re made with a method more like Rice Krispies bars.

Serves 10

Ingredients

5 cups soy crisps

6 Tbsp. soy protein powder

6 Tbsp. PB2

1/2 cup water

6 Tbsp. agave syrup

2 Tbsp. peanuts, roughly chopped

6 mini pretzel twists, roughly chopped

2 Tbsp. peanut butter chips, halved

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 190

Protein: 9 grams

Carbs: 20 grams

Fat: 9 grams

 

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PB2 Banana Cookies

Picture courtesy of Feel Great in 8

These healthy cookies require just three ingredients to make: bananas, oats, and PB2.  But if you have some tasty mix-ins in the cupboard, you’ll be happy you tossed them into the batter.

With dried fruit and a dash of cinnamon, these can quickly become an awesome upgrade of oatmeal raisin cookies. Other additions that would be delicious include shredded coconut, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or of course chocolate chips.

Serves 12

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned)

2 Tbsp. PB2

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 47

Protein: 2 grams

Carbs: 10 grams

Fat: 1 gram

 

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PB2 Oatcakes

Picture courtesy of The Oatmeal Artist

Although you might think you’re seeing pancakes, don’t expect them to be as light and fluffy.

These peanut butter oatcakes actually have no flour or eggs. With zucchini, PB2, and rolled oats instead, they end up with a thicker texture. But you’ll be happy to trade standard pancake batter for this healthy breakfast, which contains more protein than fat or sugar.

Serves 1

Ingredients

1/4 cup milk

1/4 tsp. apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup PB2

1/2 cup zucchini

2 tsp. pure maple syrup

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. baking powder

Pinch of salt

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 328

Protein: 18 grams

Carbs: 53 grams

Fat: 7 grams

 

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Reese’s Chia Crockpot Oatmeal

Picture courtesy of G-Free RD

There are a lot of complex carbs in this oatmeal, but as sweet as it is, all that Reese’s peanut butter cup flavor only packs 8 grams of sugar. Yep, this is a super healthy breakfast in disguise thanks to rolled oats, almond milk, and PB2.

Like any good oatmeal, this one has tons of complex carbs to start your day. And to power your brain and keep you full until noon, there are two tablespoons of chia seeds with polyunsaturated fats.

Serves 8

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups rolled oats

1 cup chia seeds

3 cups filtered water

1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk

2 Tbsp. PB2 chocolate

2 Tbsp. PB2

1 Tbsp. stevia (or other sweetener)

3 Tbsp. raw cacao powder

1 Tbsp. agave nectar

1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 401

Protein: 13 grams

Carbs: 38 grams

Fat: 24 grams

 

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Lighter Tofu Pad Thai

Picture courtesy of Shrinking Kitchen

Get prepared before your next craving for Thai food hits so that you don’t find yourself reaching for the phone (or Seamless) to order takeout. Instead, prepare a healthier version at home with PB2, tofu, and fresh veggies like broccoli and snap peas.

The best part of making it yourself? Swap out any produce you typically pick around with something that you’ll be searching through the noodles for like buried treasure. If you need more protein, swap the tofu for chicken and you’re good to go!

Serves 4

Ingredients

Peanut Sauce:

6 Tbsp. PB2

8 oz. low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 Tbsp. sriracha

1 1/2 Tbsp. honey

1 1/2 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp. freshly grated ginger

2 tsp. cornstarch

Stir Fry:

4 oz. whole wheat spaghetti

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

8 oz. extra-firm tofu, patted dry and cubed

2 tsp. cornstarch

2 cups broccoli slaw

1 red pepper, sliced

1 cup sugar snap peas

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 224

Protein: 14 grams

Carbs: 29 grams

Fat: 8 grams

 

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PB2 Banana Bread

Picture courtesy of Hey There Sunshine

What’s not to love about banana bread? It’s easy to throw together, make the whole house smell amazing, and – with this recipe – is one way to enjoy a pastry for breakfast without any guilt.

To make it even better, slather on some melted butter or coconut oil.

Serves 8

Ingredients

2.5 cups Flour

1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

3.5 tsp Baking Powder

1.2 tsp Salt

3 Large Overripe Bananas (mashed)

1/4 cup packed Brown Sugar

1/4 cup Sugar

1/4 Cup Greek Yogurt

1 Tbsp. Canola Oil

2 Eggs

1/2 cup PB2

1/2 cup Water

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 237

Protein: 8 grams

Carbs: 45 grams

Fat: 3 gram

 

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PB2 on Popcorn

Picture courtesy of A Cozy Kitchen

When your stomach starts rumbling before or after dinner, popcorn can fill you up without lots of extra calories. But the additive flavors and oils may make it more of a guilty pleasure than a pat-on-the-back snack.

Instead of getting the pre-packaged microwavable popcorn with vegetable oils and even hydrogenated oils, you can control the ingredients – and the nutritional bang for the buck.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. coconut oil

1/2 tsp. salt (or less)

2 Tbsp. PB2

1/3 cup popcorn kernels

1 Tbsp. powdered sugar

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 103

Protein: 3 grams

Carbs: 7 grams

Fat: 8 grams

 

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Coconut Peanut Curry Chicken

Picture courtesy of Cara’s Cravings

There are a lot of uses for PB2 that go beyond baking. It also works really well in savory sauces, like this Thai peanut curry. And you don’t need anything beyond basic kitchen skills and a Crock Pot to cook this curry.

In the morning, stir together chicken, PB2, coconut milk, and spices in the slow cooker, and by dinnertime, you’ll be rewarded with a homemade chicken curry.

Serves 4

Ingredients

10 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tsp. minced fresh ginger

1 Tbsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp. ground coriander

1 jalapeno, minced

1 cup light coconut milk

1/2 tsp. coconut extract

4 Tbsp. PB2

Juice of 1/2 lime

1 large scallion, chopped

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 292

Protein: 27 grams

Carbs: 9 grams

Fat: 18 grams

 

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Dark Chocolate PB2 Latte

Picture courtesy of Stuft Mama

This recipe uses the peanut-only version of PB2, but you could use the chocolate PB2 flavor instead, adjusting the cocoa powder accordingly.

Not a coffee fan? If you love the look of this latte but aren’t thrilled about the caffeine, know you can enjoy a PB2 hot cocoa instead. Follow the same recipe below, only leaving out the brewed espresso.

Serves 1

Ingredients

1 shot brewed espresso

1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk

2 packets stevia (or other sweetener to taste)

2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

2 Tbsp. PB2

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 122

Protein: 9 grams

Carbs: 15 grams

Fat: 7 grams

 

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PB2 Protein Blondies

Picture courtesy of Truly Jess

Want to make a guilt-free baked good? Start with PB2, and go from there. That cuts out a lot of fat without sacrificing any flavor.

Then, this recipe replaces the flour with whey protein powder to reduce the calories and boost the protein. In fact, there’s more protein in here than anything else! But if you want to really enhance the flavor, take a few minutes to brown the butter to bring out rich notes of caramel.

Serves 8

Ingredients

2 scoops WHEY+ vanilla protein isolate

8 Tbsp. PB2

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

1/4 cup unsweetened chocolate almond milk

1 tsp. almond extract

1 large egg

2 Tbsp. egg whites

12 drops stevia (or sweetener to taste)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 80

Protein: 10 grams

Carbs: 3 grams

Fat: 4 grams

 

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Kale, Banana & PB2 Smoothie

Picture courtesy of Kristen Ione

This green smoothie might look bitter, but thankfully kale is not the standout in this mixture. There’s a banana to add a touch of natural cream and sugar, plus a splash of milk to counter the kale.

But the star of this smoothie is PB2. It’s an awesome ingredient for smoothies and protein shakes, adding even more peanutty flavor than full-fat peanut butter, so you can drink up for your health and enjoy every single sip.

Serves 1

Ingredients

1 ripe banana

1/4 cup milk

1 handful kale

1 Tbsp. PB2

1 tsp. chia seeds

1 cup ice

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 184

Protein: 7 grams

Carbs: 37 grams

Fat: 3 grams

 

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Peanut Butter Yogurt-Coated Grapes

Picture courtesy of My Skinny Sweet Tooth

To make peanut butter and jelly healthier, you’re better off without the grape jelly. It’s not the fruit that’s the problem, but all the added sugar.

Instead, forget the spread – and the bread too while you’re at it. You can get that same PB&J flavor from whole grapes and PB2 instead. To make this 100-calorie snack, stir the powdered peanut butter into yogurt, and cover the grapes with the mixture. Freeze on a baking sheet for an hour to finish.

Serves 5

Ingredients

60 large grapes (just shy of 1 lb.)

1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

2 Tbsp. PB2

1 Tbsp. pure honey (optional)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 100

Protein: 6 grams

Carbs: 20 grams

Fat: 1 gram

 

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Thai Peanut Mahi Mahi

Picture courtesy of A Sparkle of Genius

Peanuts in all forms are a staple in Asian cuisine, so why not use peanut flour? If you’re craving Thai, PB2 is the perfect way to infuse a simple fish fillet with peanut flavor. Then add whatever spices you prefer, depending on whether you want to make this a hot dish or not.

This recipe is portioned out for one, and it makes a great solo dinner with steamed or stir-fried veggies. But it’s also easy to double or quadruple it to fit however many people you have to serve.

Serves 1

Ingredients

1 (4 oz.) Mahi Mahi fillet

1 tsp. coconut oil

1 Tbsp. PB2

Salt (or other seasoning) to taste

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 151

Protein: 21 grams

Carbs: 3 grams

Fat: 6 grams

 

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Sweet Potato PB Protein Bars

Picture courtesy of The Happy Health Freak

There’s more than one way to make a PB2 protein bar.

These taste like sweet potato pie with peanut butter to enhance the flavor. Since they’re starchy, the sweet potato can act as the flour in these soft baked bars. And protein powder replaces the rest. Aside from that, the ingredients are similar to other baked goods with eggs, milk, baking powder, and butter.

Serves 8

Ingredients

2 scoops plant-based vanilla protein powder

1/2 cup PB2

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. salt

1/3 cup mashed sweet potato

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

1 tsp. almond extract (or vanilla extract)

1 large egg

1 egg white

10–15 drops liquid stevia

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 108

Protein: 9 grams

Carbs: 1 grams

Fat: 9 grams

 

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What did you think of these healthy PB2 recipes? Have anything else to share? Let me know in the comments below!