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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.
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 🙂