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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.
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 🙂