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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.
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.