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My oatmeal protein bars are one of my family’s favorite healthy snacks. They come together in minutes with just four key ingredients. They are chewy and satisfying and pack 18 grams of protein each. Keep them as is, or change the mix-ins and flavors for something different.
Table of Contents
Why you need to make my oatmeal protein bars
I usually grab a homemade protein bar or a no-bake oatmeal bar when I’m hungry between meals. I’ve always wanted to combine the two, which is how these bars were born! They are thick, chewy, high in fiber, and pack 18 grams of protein each.
These oatmeal protein bars are super customizable. I tested them with different mix-ins and even drizzled them with various kinds of chocolate. Not only are they SO much cheaper than the store-bought bars, but they’re also filled with more wholesome, good-for-you ingredients that I feel happy sharing with my family.
If you love homemade bars, try my Snickers protein bars, coconut protein bars, or chocolate protein bars next.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“These are my go-to snack bars to make for my kids. Using oats makes them even heartier, and gives my kids so much energy and satiety so they don’t reach for candy or chips😋.” – Holland
Key Ingredients
- Rolled oats. AKA old-fashioned oats. I prefer to use them over quick oats for extra staying power. Use whichever you have on hand.
- Protein powder. I used vanilla brown rice protein powder, but casein protein powder works. Try to avoid whey protein, as that can result in sticky bars.
- Almond butter. For extra protein and a 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.
How to make oatmeal protein bars
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
Step 2- Mix everything until combined. If needed, add a drop of milk or water
Step 3- Transfer the protein bar batter to the prepared pan and press firmly into place. Refrigerate until firm.
Step 4- Slice the bars and drizzle with melted chocolate.
Recipe variations
- Swap the almond butter. Use any nut or seed butter of your choice. If I make a nut-free protein bar, my go-to is sunflower seed butter.
- Add mix-ins. For a little extra flavor, I like to fold in dried cherries, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut.
- If the bars appear too crumbly, add some 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
Video
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup protein powder
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup can substitute for agave nectar or brown rice syrup
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the protein powder, rolled oats, maple syrup, and almond butter and mix well. If the batter is too crumbly, add a little milk to thin it 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
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
Yes, homemade oatmeal-based protein bars like this 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 that these bars’ texture and protein content will vary.
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.