Oatmeal Protein Bars

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5 from 207 votes
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These oatmeal protein bars are made with 4 key ingredients and come together in minutes. The results are chewy, satisfying bars perfect for a grab-and-go snack or to keep the hunger pangs at bay!

oat protein bars.

When I’m hungry in between meals, I always grab a protein bar. So, I make sure to always keep the house stocked. 

Lately, I’ve been making a lot of coconut protein bars, peanut butter protein balls, and oat bars. Not only are they SO much cheaper than the storebought bars, but they’re also filled with more wholesome, good-for-you ingredients that I feel happy sharing with my family. 

Table of Contents
  1. Why this recipe works
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make oatmeal protein bars
  4. Recipe tips and variations
  5. Storage instructions
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. More healthy snack recipes with oats to try
  8. Oatmeal Protein Bars (Recipe Card)

Why this recipe works

  • Minimal prep time. Like my snickers protein bars, these oatmeal bars come together in just 10 minutes. The hardest part will be waiting for them to firm up in the fridge, but I promise, your patience will be worth it!
  • Customizable. As with any good protein bar recipe, there are endless ways to customize these bars, and I’ll be sure to give you plenty of suggestions later on. 
  • Healthy. Fiber-rich oats and 10 grams of protein per bar, all for less than 150 calories!
  • Perfect for sharing. With no gluten, dairy, or refined sugar, these bars are diet-approved and safe for everyone to enjoy.

For more healthy oat bar recipes, try my strawberry oatmeal bars or no-bake oatmeal bars.

Ingredients needed

Homemade protein bars are more straightforward than storebought bars, so odds are you already have most of the ingredients you’ll need.

  • Rolled oats. AKA old-fashioned oats. Use certified gluten-free oats to make gluten-free protein bars.  
  • Protein powder. I used vanilla brown rice protein powder, but casein protein powder will also work. 
  • Almond butter. For extra protein and rich, nutty flavor. Make your own or use a creamy store-bought almond butter. 
  • Maple syrup. Maple syrup is my sticky sweetener of choice, but you could use agave nectar, honey, or brown rice syrup. 
  • Chocolate chips. Optional, but I like to melt and drizzle them over the top of the bars. 

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How to make oatmeal protein bars

Step 1- Prep work. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. 

Step 2- Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the protein powder and rolled oats. 

Step 3- Add wet ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl or stovetop, melt the almond butter and maple syrup. Mix to combine, then pour the almond butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix to combine.

Step 4- Shape and refrigerate. Transfer the protein bar batter to the prepared pan and press firmly into place. Refrigerate until firm. 

Step 5- Add chocolate. While the bars are in the fridge, melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle the bars with the melted chocolate, let the chocolate harden, then slice into bars. 

no bake oatmeal protein bars.

Recipe tips and variations

  • Swap the almond butter. Use any nut or seed butter of your choice. If I’m making a nut-free protein bar, my go-to is sunflower seed butter. 
  • Add mix-ins. I like to fold in dried cherries, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for a little extra flavor. 
  • Add milk. If the batter appears too crumbly, add non-dairy milk one tablespoon at a time until you have a cohesive batter. 
  • Fold in the chocolate. When I don’t feel like dirtying an extra dish, I’ll skip melting the chocolate and fold in the chocolate chips instead. 
  • Make oatmeal protein balls. Instead of shaping the bar batter into a square pan, roll them out into equal-sized balls using slightly wet hands or a cookie scoop (like we do with classic protein balls).

Storage instructions

To store: I recommend keeping leftover protein bars in the fridge so they stay fresher for longer. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. 

To freeze: Leftover bars can be stored in a freezer-safe container frozen for up to 6 months. Let the bars thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying.

oatmeal protein bars.

Frequently asked questions

Are oatmeal protein bars healthy?

Yes, homemade oatmeal-based protein bars like this one are made with fiber-packed oats and wholesome ingredients, making them a healthy and well-rounded snack. 

Can I make these without protein powder?

Yes, if you’d rather omit the protein powder, you can use equal portions of coconut flour or oat flour. Just keep in mind the texture and protein content of these bars will vary. 

More healthy snack recipes with oats to try

Easy homemade no bake gluten free vegan protein bar recipe

Oatmeal Protein Bars

5 from 207 votes
These oatmeal protein bars are made with 4 key ingredients and come together in minutes. The results are chewy, satisfying bars perfect for a grab-and-go snack or to keep the hunger pangs at bay!
Servings: 16 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine your protein powder and rolled oats and mix well.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl or stovetop, heat up your almond butter with your syrup and heat until warm. Whisk together.
  • Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix very well, until combined. If the batter is too crumbly, add a little milk to thin out.
  • Transfer the protein bar batter into the lined pan and press firmly into place. Refrigerate until firm, and slice into bars. Drizzle with optional chocolate, if desired.

Notes

TO STORE. I recommend keeping leftover protein bars in the fridge so they stay fresher for longer. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. 
TO FREEZE. Leftover bars can be stored in a freezer-safe container frozen for up to 6 months. Let the bars thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 143kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 10gFat: 7gPotassium: 5mgFiber: 4gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 3.3mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.2mgNET CARBS: 9g
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Great recipe! We’d gotten lazy with giving our kids sugary pastries for breakfast, and I was looking for new, quick breakfast ideas that would provide some protein in the mornings. This recipe is relatively quick, uses few ingredients, and everyone loves them. I followed the recipe as is. Thank you!

  2. Wow these bars are the best! So yummy! My 14-year old wanted a protein bar for his post exercise routine. The store bought ones have tons of chemicals, high fructose corn syrup, etc. I absolutely loved these. He doesn’t like oats so much, so o swaped the oats for rice crisps(no sugar) and he absolutely loved them. I used tep scoops of great lakes colagen as it is tasteless. He loved them! Thank you so much for this recipe. Btw I also added a pinch of hymalyan sea salt to bring out the flavor.

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