4.91 11 Published Aug 17, 2022, Updated Sep 04, 2024 These homemade protein bars taste better than store-bought, are made with healthier ingredients (like rolled oats, maple syrup and natural peanut butter) and are super easy to whip up. Plus, they’re totally customizable, so you can make your perfect protein bar at home!
Why You’ll Love These Protein Bars
Made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Super easy to whip up – all you need is about 10 minutes of prep time and 1 bowl! Perfect for a grab-and-go snack, breakfast or post-workout pick-me-up. Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly. Packed with protein! One bar has 14 grams.
Ingredients Needed
old fashioned rolled oats – make sure you grab gluten-free oats if needed. I use Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free rolled oats. vanilla protein powder – I used the Sun Warrior Vanilla Warrior Blend for this recipe, which worked great! It’s vegan, soy-free, sugar-free and doesn’t taste chalky at all! Another fave of mine is the Nuzest protein powder. I haven’t tried these bars with a whey protein, but I bet they’d still turn out delicious! sea salt – to bring all the flavors together. Leave this out if your peanut butter is salted. chia seeds – these little “super seeds” will fill the bars with added protein, omega 3 fatty acids and fiber. Both black and white chia seeds work for this recipe. natural creamy peanut butter – you want to use natural, drippy peanut butter not a thick peanut butter spread. I usually go for the store brand and read the label to make sure it has just one or two ingredients, the nuts and salt. Any natural creamy nut butter will work. maple syrup – one of my favorite natural sweeteners. Just be sure to use pure maple syrup, not the artificial kind labeled “pancake syrup” and made from corn syrup… NOT the same! vanilla extract – a delicious flavor enhancer. almond milk – you can substitute with your favorite nut milk or cow’s milk. Try making your own almond milk! chocolate chips – I recommend Lily’s dark chocolate chips because they have zero sugar added, but feel free to use your favorite brand of chocolate chips.
Substitutions & Notes
Allergic to peanut butter or aren’t a fan? Almond butter, cashew butter, tahini or sunflower seed butter are all great substitutes. Don’t have chia seeds on hand? Feel free to skip the chia seeds if you don’t have any on hand or you can swap them with another seed like flax seeds or hemp seeds. Want to use a different sweetener? Go for it! I prefer these protein bars with maple syrup, but feel free to use honey, agave or another liquid sweetener of choice. If you’re looking to lower the sugar content I bet using monk fruit maple syrup would also work! Want to skip the chocolate chips? You could mix in your favorite dried fruit or nut instead! I bet dried cranberries, blueberries, pepitas, almonds or sunflower seeds would all be delicious!
How to Make
Combine: Add oats, protein powder, salt, peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla to a large bowl and stir to combine. If needed, use your hands to mix, as it may be pretty thick. Add almond milk as needed and fold in chocolate chips. Chill: Press peanut butter mixture into a parchment-lined pan and place in the fridge for at least an hour. Cut: Remove bars from fridge and cut into 10 equal-sized bars. Enjoy!
How to Store
One of the best things about these bars is that they store really well! I love making a batch every couple of weeks so I have healthy, protein-packed snacks ready to go throughout the week. After the bars have set, store them in an airtight container (like a Stasher bag or glass container) in the refrigerator for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. I like to store them after being cut so they’re ready to grab and go! If you do freeze them, just thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Popular Protein Snacks
Easy Protein Shakes Easy Protein Bars Protein Pudding (3 Ways) Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars Protein Brownies Peanut Butter Protein Cookies Easy No Bake Protein Balls
Be sure to check out these high protein snacks as well as my full collection of healthy snack recipes here on EBF!
