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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!
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
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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
- Flapjacks– A classic British oat bar made with golden syrup.
- Blueberry baked oatmeal– The perfect snack or breakfast on the go.
- Banana bars– Think of them as banana bread meets blondies.
- Chocolate oatmeal bars– One of my favorite no-bake chocolate snacks.
- Oatmeal raisin bars– Soft-baked oat bars with plump and juicy raisins.
Oatmeal Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup protein powder
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup can substitute for agave nectar or brown rice syrup
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips of choice Optional, to melt over the top
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.
Easy to make, very satisfying
What if I put more protein powder inside? Would be bad?
So little ingredients. It must be such a wucik dessert.
I added flaxseed!! So good!!
I alwqys make and eat basic oatmeal. I never tried using it as a bars!
Dang. So easy and so good. I added 1/2 c of chopped walnuts. I can’t believe I’ve been paying for refrigerated protein bars. Would probably still be great with about half the sweetness, too. They come out a tiny bit sweter than Perfect bars. I will try less maple syrup next time. Thank you!
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These are my absolute favorite!
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!
These are amazing. So easy to make. I leave mine in the freezer! Lovely…
How can I lower the sugar ps in this recipe?
Try sugar free syrup.
How many does this make please
8 servings.
Do you think the bars can last for like a month, if i don’t keep them in refrigerator?
Probably not an entire month!
cut them in to 8 then
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.
ANY food item that has less than 20 grams of protein PER SERVING, is nothing more than a candy bar!
You are welcome to your opinion.
cut them in to 8 then
Hello Arman! I noticed you took pictures to see what’s going on ‘on the inside’ of your latest bar recipes, so thank you for it 😉 However, I have another request, if possible, for the future: could you add a recipe converter plug-in or something like that for those of us who don’t measure in cups? that would be so useful to try more of your recipes and get the exact same results. Thanks a lot!
Hi Eva, I don’t weigh my ingredients or convert them, but you can use online tools to do that! enjoy!
These look great! Are you able to recommend a specific rice or casein powder to use for them please? I am in the uk.
Hi Frankie! Yes, Optimum Nutrition Casein is fantastic!
How many bars does this make? 🙂
Hi there! 6-8 bars! 🙂
Your recipe says divide half the oats and blend to a powder. What about the other half of the oats?
Could you make a No Cow bar from D’s Naturals copycat recipe? I love their bars!
What can I use instead of the protein powder in this recipe? Would almond flour or coconut flour be a good substitute?
Protein powder is key for this recipe 🙂 Enjoy another recipe without protein powder on here 🙂
Why dairy free milk? Can I use regular? Or even kefir milk? Thanks 🙂
Regular milk will be fine!
Can these actually be stored at room temp for 2 weeks? The plant milk doesn’t go bad?
Hi Aubrey! It doesn’t 🙂
I just made these using Orgain Chocolate Protein Powder and they’re comically awful! You weren’t kidding about using a good protein powder haha. I’ll try again with a better one 🙂
Oh gosh!!! Haha, I have had many bad protein powder incidents!
Mine just won’t set….been in the fridge for hours. I had no alternative so I used whey protein and cow’s milk. Is there a way to make it set using those ingredients?
Hi there- Whey protein won’t work 🙂
Thanks for the recipe! Could you tell me the nutritional facts of these bars? You might have stated it but since I’m a skim reader I might have missed it! 😛
You are so welcome- For sure! If you go to myfitnesspal and add the ingredients, it will provide it for you 🙂 Enjoy!
Do you think there could be comparable substitute for the oat flour? I have a lot of allergies, including oatmeal. Thanks!
Hi Hannah! You can try out my recipe for 3 ingredient paleo protein bars 🙂
What do you mean divide half???
Hi Randi! sorry, what are you referring to?
Thanks for the recipe. I made these with whey protein (all I had) and they came out sticky as you said they would.
I tried again with Six Star Casein protein and they turned out much better. The bars are a little sticky after refrigerating for 45 min. I love the flavor but wish I could get the consistency better. Any ideas how to get the bars harder?
Thanks. Steve
Hi Steve! I’ve tried six star before- I found with that brand, I needed more coconut flour- That would be the best solution 🙂
Hi Steve! I’d recommend upping the oats a tad and adding just enough milk 🙂
Thanks. I’ll try less milk so the dough is even denser.
I used dark chocolate semi-sweet chips which made it taste awesome
Looks good ….
Roughly how many bars does the following make?
(1 cup quick oats, divided
3 scoops flavoured protein powder of choice (30 gram scoops)*
1/2-1 cup dairy free milk of choice**)
Thanks.
Hmm… I made abut 6 bars for myself because I like having around 1/2 scoop of protein powder as a mini snack but if I’m hungry I can easily divide the mixture into 2 using those specific measurements!
Dear Arman, such an easy treat to whip up. I love it! I’m going to need these to get through the day. Take care my friend, Catherine
Thanks so much, Catherine! 🙂
Thanks for finally talking about >3 Ingredient No Bake Protein Bars <Loved it!
These look delicious! You recommend brown rice protein – does it have to be vegan? Thanks!
As long as it isn’t a whey protein, your good to go Rebecca 🙂
I have just the perfect amount of these ingredients to use up before heading back home to Ohio. Will be enjoying these before the day is over…you are amazing! Thanks ever so much.
Yes! Please do, so simple and so delicious!
Oh wow.. Looks like I know what I’ll be making this weekend!
You’re welcome to come over for a fresh batch 😉
I am so making these! Thanks for sharing!
Please do- They are delicious Trish!
Looks great.. gonna try this. I guess i’ll use honey or maple syrup. 🙂
Go for it, Nisha! Ps- I might have some exciting news soon- Keep your fingers crossed 😉
Yum!! These look so tasty and easy to make! You def need quick oats as opposed to old-fashioned, yes?
Hey buddy! I’d recommend quick oats as they stick better but old fashioned, just add more liquid 🙂
Chocolate chips are never optional. Duh.
I know. Sorry brother, I have sinned.
I love chocolate and would definitely try this recipe, delicious!!
For me food is the motivating factor and other two not required
Thanks Kenya! They are delicious! And food is motivating for me too 😉
What you said about smoothies making you want to gag makes me all sorts of sad considering I drink around 2 or 3 a day. I’m calling off our friendship 😛
I know, what was I thinking back then….
These protein bars are exactly what I need to carry with me everywhere. I am really bad about taking lunch with me, so, this would be perfect snack to have. Not to mention, they look super delicious.
Thank you so much- They are portable which makes it so convenient!
Can’t believe how easy and healthy these are! Of course I’d probably add too many of the goodies to keep them that way 🙂 Love it!
Hahaha that is what happened the first time…I couldn’t even form them into bars!
Pinned for the world to enjoy! 😀 Wow….
Thanks!
These look really good, Arman! I love anything with chocolate chips, and I love that these are made with just 3 ingredients!
Thanks Kelly! So easy!
Yum!! I’m all about adding chocolate to bars. I think you can get inspiration anywhere and everywhere, and nope, I’ve never had a personal trainer. Do YouTube videos count? 😉
Youtube definitely counts…Except Jillian Michaels. She scares me.
I can’t get over how simple these are, not to mention delicious! Can’t wait to try these out. I think these will give anyone motivation to work out 😉
Hahaha. Not going to lie, I think about food 50% of my workout.
Ew to both personal trainers and protein shakes. Ok…I sometimes add vanilla protein powder to oats or something because the almond milk I have is plain and not vanilla. I don’t think I could ever drink it with plain water 🙁 My recipes come from simple laziness. I like things to be quick and tasty. I have no problem taking help from the store and making an amazing sandwich. Sandwich ideas are what I search most frequently on Pinterest. I have made a version of these three ingredient bars before with complete success. Thanks for the idea!
No worries- Hope you enjoy it!
Dear Arman, I know my daughter would really love these! I am going to have to share this with her. It is so easy to make too which I love. Have a wonderful day, Catherine
No worries at all, Catherine. Although…I will trade you for fish and chips…or red velvet 😉
MAKING RIGHT NOW! yes I am. I told Jason I’d make him some breakfast bars and then THESE are here, so – yep, they are currently setting up in the fridge. THANK YOOOOUUUU
You’re welcome my friend. I’m waiting for bloody portobello mushrooms to go down in price to start hacking at your recipes. At the moment, they are close to $5 each. EACH.
Awesome! I love how simple these are, but they look so good!
Thank you Steph!
Agreed! It’s also hard for me to pin point my sources of inspiration. They come from..well everywhere! I just started a Pin board for no bake snacks, and I think your recipes will account for majority of the recipes pinned haha. Here’s another one to add 😉
Hahahahaha Min, that made me laugh. In a good way. You’re a gem.
3 Ingredients, no bake and protein?! HOW ARE YOU SO AMAZING?! I clearly need to eat about 10 of these right now.
So you should probably overnight them to me. Thanks!
YES. and I’ll be waiting at night time for my almond joy treat 😉
I love how easy these are to make, Arman! Of course, the only protein powder I have in the house is whey, so I’ll have to put on my thinking cap and find a way to prevent the stickiness. Hmm, I don’t suppose dipping them in chocolate ganache would be beneficial to the healthin essence of them. 😉
Thanks Becca! I think subbing chocolate ganache would be absolutely genius. In fact, I demand you do it!
I always get asked where I get my inspiration from as well, and it’s not an easy question to answer. My recipes usually come from me eating something unhealthy and wanting me make a healthy version of it.
Same! That is why I love healthifying recipes!
Legggiiiit I went and made these bars before even commenting! I’ve been trying to add more protein to my snacks since my lunches seem to be lacking – these look perfect. I added some cocoa powder & peanuts to the batch and it tastes good so far (well as good as anything protein powder infused can taste ;))! Just sent you a photo….merci for this super easy recipe!
SO GLAD you tried it out. Hahaha the silly sandpit colour.
i have a new protein powder that this would be PERFECT for !
Good protein powder is key! i tried this Australian brand and it was so bad. It turned my bars to a damn sandpit!
So simple… I haven’t done this already WHY!? I’m usually put off a lot of DIY protein bars because 1) I don’t have any nuts or dried fruits to hand or 2) I don’t want to waste my precious nut butters on anything that prevents me from dipping stuff into it. So, yay!
YES! That was the think- Why waste precious nut butters which you can’t even taste!
I am all about the no bake stuff, in my world that is the way to go. Ever since I accidently rented an apartment with no oven (I’m smart like that 😉 ) no bake stuff is something that always appeals. I’ve never had a personal trainer, at my last gym they tried to suck me in and I was like I’m a yogi guys, regimes are so not my thing haha. Having said that I think different stuff works for different people and I know some people love having a personal trainer 🙂
Hahaha Jessica my oven broke and hence everything is no bake…but I don’t mind that because no bake = easy.
I have inadvertently done this before, as in waited too long before finishing putting ingredients together to find that certain things had… set…. Like super duper overnight oats, I guess?
YES hahahaha. You funny bunny, you.
PS- Expect a message in the next couple of days.
This is my standard recipe for protein bars as well – yours look decidedly more yummy than mine though!
Thanks Jen! So simple and delicious!
Do you think store bought oat flour would work as well? Thanks for the great recipes 🙂
Definitely- In fact, it would be better! You’re very welcome! 🙂
Water + powder of any sort never appealed to me, so I would much rather have protein powder in bar form like this.
I absolutely love how you get inspiration from so many different places. McDonald’s, Harry Potter, other blogs, childhood— you’ve got it all! Come to NYC again so we can go be inspired by the Halal Guys food truck.
You know we are actually doing that this year? Mark it in your diary. May. Done.
I would love eating these during my high mileage training times or actually whenever! These look delicious!
Thanks so much, Sandra!
Think ea protein would work?
I’ve never tried EA protein- Sorry Heather! I’d recommend you try it out with minimal liquids first to ensure it doesn’t get too sticky 🙂
I definitely prefer to munch on something rather than drink a protein shake. These bars are SO simple, and would be perfect for a post run snack!
Motivation for me comes from different places. Sometimes one thing will be more motivating than other things depending on what is going on in my life at the time.
I have never had a personal trainer, and I probably never will. I workout alone 99% of the time, and I think I would get anxious if someone was telling me to run faster, or correct my form…
So good for a post run treat! You and me both- I get so anxious with someone monitoring me!
These look so easy and yummy!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Neeny x
You’re welcome Neeny!