Line a 9x9-inch (or an 8x8-inch dish) with parchment paper. 

To a microwave safe bowl, add the peanut butter, applesauce, honey, molasses and coconut oil. Heat on 50% for 30 seconds, take out and stir, and heat another 30 seconds. 

Then, stir in the oats, protein powder, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger and ground nutmeg until well combined. The mixture will seem dry at first but it should come together. If you used a thicker peanut butter (like Jiff) you may need a little more peanut butter, honey or oil to achieve the same wet/dry ratio. I used a drippy nut butter for these bars and the consistency was not dry or crumbly. 

Now fold in half of the chocolate chips. 

Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared dish and press down well. Add remaining chocolate chips on top and make sure everything is pressed together very well and firm. The firmer you press the mixture down, the firmer your bars will be. 

Refrigerate for an hour or until firm. Then cut into bars. Store in an airtight container.