These No-Bake Protein Bars are a homemade version of your favorite store-bought peanut butter protein bar, without all the crazy ingredients. They’re the perfect snack after a tough workout.
**Originally published in 2014.**
Hi Friends!
These no-bake peanut butter protein bars have been a favorite in our house for almost 10 years now. I first started making them as holiday gifts for friends at the gym and over the years I’ve continued to make them for friends and family whenever they are requested.
Healthy No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars
There are tons of store-bought protein bars out there but they can be expensive and some of them have unnecessary ingredients. These are made with simple ingredients you might already have on hand! Here’s what you’ll need for these bars:
Oat flour – you can buy this or make your own by simply grinding oats in a food processor or blender.Protein powder- you can use any flavor. I most commonly use vanilla but have also made them with chocolate. My favorite protein powder is Promix.Rice Chex cereal – this adds some texture. You could also use Rice Krispies or another similar cerealChia seeds – add a boost of omegas and a little more proteinPeanut butter – our favorite is Crazy Richard’sMilk – you can use cow’s milk or plant-based milkHoney – for sweetness and to help them stick together
I love making these because they’re easy to put together and keep well in the fridge so you can easily have them on for a post-workout snack or for days when you’re fighting that afternoon slump.
Want more protein snack ideas? Try these:
Easy Egg WrapsSilken Tofu Berry SmoothieSweet Potato Protein PancakesTuna Quinoa CakesBanana Protein Pancakes
No-Bake Protein Bar Recipe
Here’s how you make them:
No-Bake Protein Bars
A homemade, no-bake version of your favorite store-bought peanut butter protein bar, without all the crazy ingredients
Author: Lindsay L
Yield: 12
Ingredients
1.5 cups oat flour (simply grind oats in a food processor)
1.5 cups vanilla protein powder
1.5 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 Tbsp chia seeds
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup milk
1/3 – 1/2 cup honey, depending on sweetness preference
2–4 Tbsp water, if necessary
3 Tbsp chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, protein powder, cereal and chia seeds.
In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, milk and honey.
Microwave wet ingredients if peanut butter is not liquidy.
Add liquid mixture into dry ingredients and stir to combine.
Add water if necessary to make sure all dry ingredients are moistened. (Mixture will be crumbly.)
Use parchment paper to press the mixture into a 9×9 pan.
Freeze for 20 minutes.
Cut into 12 bars. Top with melted chocolate chips if desired.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
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Homemade No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars
Feel free to customize to your liking:
Sub your favorite nut butter for the peanut butterTry Rice Krispies or another crunchy cereal instead of Chex.Eat them plain or just drizzle with chocolate instead of covering the whole top.Use unflavored protein powder instead of vanilla, but you may need to increase the honey and decrease the milk.
Added bonus? You can wrap a batch of these up in some pretty paper and ribbons and give them to a friend as a present at Christmas, their birthday, etc! Want more food gift ideas? Check out my Homemade Edible Christmas Gifts.
Want more no-bake protein bar and ball recipes? Here are some ideas – some don’t require protein powder – plus another protein bar recipe that does require baking.
Peanut Butter Hemp Energy Balls
These Peanut Butter Hemp Energy Balls are packed with fiber and protein for a healthy, kid-friendly snack made without protein powder
My Go-To Energy Ball Recipe
My Go-To Energy Ball Recipe is perfect for kids, nursing moms, athletes and anyone looking for a healthy snack. They’re full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats and easy to prep ahead of time to keep your freezer stocked.
Sweet Potato Protein Bars
These gluten-free, grain-free protein bars make the perfect post-workout snack.
Almond Butter Protein Balls
An easy, no-bake snack idea that’s easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
Easy No Bake Protein Bars
Hope you like them! Be sure to store them in the fridge – or the freezer if you like them a little colder!
These protein bars make a great addition to your weekly food prep session so you have healthy snacks readily available during the week. If you liked this post, you’ll love my Mastering Food Prep e-course where I teach you everything you need to know about prepping food for the week ahead to make your life easier.
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–
