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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.
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