If you’ve been on the search for an easy, nutritious homemade protein bar recipe, then this is the ULTIMATE one! This No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars recipe tastes just like cookie dough and is so easy to put together. Adjustable, delicious, and made with only 5 ingredients, these oatmeal protein bars are the best for a post-workout snack or start to a busy day!
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Watch This No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars Recipe Video!
Are Oatmeal Protein Bars Healthy?
Absolutely. Not only do they give you a nice energy boost for the day, but they are also packed full of fiber, protein, and other healthy ingredients which help keep you fuller for longer.
Healthy Oatmeal Protein Bars can be made with a mix of nut butter, honey or brown rice syrup to naturally sweeten the bars, chocolate chips, whole nuts such as cashews, pecans, hazelnuts, nutritious seeds such as hemp seeds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds, and so much more. Adapt these oatmeal protein bars to make them you own!
Ingredients for Making No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars
Here’s what you’ll need for making homemade oatmeal no-bake protein bars!
Almond Butter – Feel free to use almond butter, natural peanut butter, cashew butter, or any type of mixed nut butter. The key is to use a creamy nut butter, preferably the no-stir kind and at room temperature!
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Honey – These bars are held together and naturally sweetened with honey. However, agave syrup or brown rice syrup work great, too! Brown rice syrup tends to be a stickier option that’s better for holding the bars together. But honey is often what most of us have on hand. Either option is perfect for these bars!
Rolled Oats – Rolled oats, or old-fashioned oats, add texture and wholesome carbs!
Protein Powder – Unflavored or vanilla protein powder add protein to these bars. Both plant-based protein (like pea protein) or whey protein work great! Not sure what to use? Here are The 5 Best Vegan Protein Powders (Honest Review)!
Chocolate Chips – Mini chocolate chips or regular chocolate chips are both great options. Personally, I love using dark chocolate chips!
Tips for Increasing Protein in Protein Bars
To increase the grams of protein in these protein bars, simply replace some of the rolled oats with more protein powder! I recommend trying 1/4 cup at a time to make sure the consistency of the protein bar “batter” is firm.
How to Make No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars
Here’s a quick overview for how to make this No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars recipe in 10 minutes or less!
- Mix together almond butter and honey in a large mixing bowl.
- Add in rolled oats and protein powder.
- Add chocolate chips and mix!
- Press into an 8×8″ or 9×9″ pan or baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for 1 hour, then cut into bars. Enjoy!
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Top Tips for Making Oatmeal Protein Bars
- To keep the bars from crumbling, ensure that the almond butter used is firm and doesn’t contain oil separation. No-stir almond butter is best!
- Storing the bars in the freezer or refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy them helps keep their structure.
- Adapt these bars with whatever dried fruit, seeds, and nuts, or nut butters you like!
- Any type of protein powder works great in this recipe.
- Easily make these oatmeal protein bars vegan by substituting brown rice syrup for the honey.
More Healthy Protein Snacks
- Blueberry Banana Protein Muffins
- Vanilla Cream Protein Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Cookies
- Easy Protein Waffles Recipe
- Blueberry Vanilla Protein Shake Recipe
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to give it a rating below and tag your photos @jar.of.lemons!
No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup almond butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup honey (or brown rice syrup)
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix the almond butter and honey in a large mixing bowl.
- Add in the rolled oats and mix.
- Add in the protein powder and chocolate chips.
- Mix until evenly combined.
- Press the mixture into an 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment paper.
- Place in the freezer for about 1 hour.
- Cut into rectangular bars or squares.
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- To keep the bars from crumbling, ensure that the almond butter used is firm and doesn’t contain oil separation. No-stir almond butter is best!
- Storing the bars in the freezer or refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy them helps keep their structure.
- Adapt these bars with whatever dried fruit, seeds, and nuts, or nut butters you like!
- Any type of protein powder works great in this recipe.
- Easily make these oatmeal protein bars vegan by substituting brown rice syrup for the honey.
Mary says:
I made these for my son who has tree nut allergies, as it’s almost impossible to find grocery store bars without nuts. I used chocolate protein powder and sunflower seed butter. Super easy and delicious!
Izzy says:
If I want to sub maple syrup for the honey, what quantity would you recommend? Or would you advise against it for structural reasons?
Christine McMichael replied:
I would probably go with agave syrup over maple syrup because the maple syrup won’t hold it together as well! Enjoy the recipe!
Sir Veyza says:
I made these with an older recipe you had posted a while back. I noticed you modified your measurements a bit with this iteration. Care to elaborate? For instance, you previously softened the almond butter and honey by using the microwave. But you don’t do that in this version. They came out great. I was just curious to why you changed it up a bit? Thanks!
Christine McMichael replied:
Hi there! Yes, absolutely. While I loved the older version as well, several readers messaged me that the bars were a bit crumbly. This version of the recipe holds together quite a bit better! While it can help to soften the almond butter and honey in the microwave for the sake of mixing the recipe, it seems to result in a softer protein bar. Great if you plan on storing them in the fridge, but a struggle if you plan to take them on the go. This version is a bit more versatile for both scenarios! 🙂
Hayley Dhanecha says:
Wow what an amazing recipe. Love that it’s no bake because this recipe saved a lot of time. So delicious, thank you!
Cathleen says:
I love how simple this recipe is to make. And I have all of the ingredients too!! Pinned for later, thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
Jacqueline Debono says:
Love the addition of chocolate chips in these protein bars. It makes them both a healthy snack and a delicious treat!
Tammy says:
You had me at no bake! These look so satisfying and wholesome. I love making my own snack bars and these are by far the easiest homemade I’ve come across. Love it!
silvia says:
These protein bars were so easy to make and when stored in the fridge they are crunchy and light. I used almond butter I made in my vitamix blender, it had the perfect consistency for them.
Lauren Michael Harris says:
It’s so fun to. make bars at home. These oatmeal bars definitely make a great snack – but also breakfast on-the-go!
Katie Crenshaw says:
Protein bars are so expensive at the store, so I decided to give this recipe a try. They were easy to make and turned out delicious. My husband loves them.
Megan says:
I love that they are easy and delicious. The kids love them too. Thanks for an amazing recipe.
Sharon says:
These oatmeal bars are so easy to whip up for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack after working out. Love them!