Description
These easy no bake protein bars are a healthy, homemade snack packed with oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and your favorite protein powder. They come together in minutes, require no baking, and are endlessly customizable for any diet or flavor preference.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (200g)
- 1 cup protein powder (100g, vanilla or chocolate, whey or plant-based)
- 3/4 cup nut butter (180g, peanut, almond, or cashew; sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (120ml)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (20g, optional)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (40g, optional, dark chocolate preferred)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml, optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir to mix.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add nut butter and honey or maple syrup. Microwave for 20-30 seconds until just warm and pourable. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly combined. If too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk; if too wet, add more oats or protein powder.
- Let the mixture cool for 1-2 minutes, then gently fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into all corners using a spatula, clean hands, or the back of a spoon.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or in the freezer for 20-30 minutes, until firm.
- Lift the set block out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 12 bars or 16 squares.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
For gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free oats and protein powder. For vegan, use maple syrup or agave and plant-based protein. For nut-free, use sunflower seed butter. Press mixture firmly into the pan and chill thoroughly for best texture. Customize with add-ins like coconut flakes, dried fruit, or chopped nuts. Bars freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 10
Keywords: no bake protein bars, homemade protein bars, healthy snack bars, easy protein bar recipe, gluten-free protein bars, vegan protein bars, nut-free protein bars, meal prep snacks, post-workout snack, kid-friendly snacks