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These homemade protein bars are made with wholesome ingredients and naturally sweetened- they need just 4 ingredients! I love how each bar has over 21 grams of protein each!
Love high protein snacks? Try peanut butter protein balls, protein cookie dough, and protein granola bars.
![homemade protein bars.](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/homemade-protein-bars2.jpg)
I grew up eating Pure protein bars and Quest protein bars, but not anymore. Sick and tired of forking out tons of money for a store-bought protein bar, I opted to make my own and feel SO much better about it… and my wallet is thanking me too!
This protein bar recipe combines two of my favorite no bake snacks: protein balls and oatmeal energy balls. I love packing them in my bag for a quick and healthy snack between meals.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Made with just 4 simple ingredients, they take minutes to prepare. We try to make a batch at least once a week, so we always have some on hand. However, they taste so good, they rarely last that long.
- They use wholesome ingredients, like coconut flour, and are sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup.
- Each bar packs in over 21 grams of protein.
- They are great to enjoy between meals as they always keep hunger at bay!
Ingredients needed
- Protein Powder. Any protein powder works, including whey protein powder, casein protein powder, and pea protein powder. For flavored protein bars, why not try a flavored protein powder? Chocolate, peanut butter, and cinnamon roll are all fabulous flavors.
- Coconut Flour. This helps hold the protein bars together while ensuring they have a soft and doughy texture.
- Peanut Butter. Smooth and drippy peanut butter with no added sugar. You can also use almond butter.
- Maple Syrup. Sweeten the bars without adding refined sugar. I’ve also made these with honey and agave nectar which works well.
- Chocolate Chips. To cover the protein bars with! To keep these as plain peanut butter protein bars, you can omit the chocolate.
How to make homemade protein bars
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Mix the ingredients. Add all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until combined. Fold through the chocolate chips.
Step 2- Let the bars set. Transfer the mix into a lined pan and press down until smooth on top. Refrigerate for an hour.
Step 3- Slice. Using a slightly wet knife, slice into protein bars, then serve.
![protein bar recipe.](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/peanut-butter-protein-bars.jpg)
Recipe swaps and substitutions
This protein bar recipe is very forgiving and it’s easy to make them compliant to a plethora of diets out there with a few simple swaps.
- Cut the sugar. Replace the maple syrup with a sugar free maple syrup.
- Replace the coconut flour. Either oat flour or almond flour can be used instead. You may need to add a little extra flour to compensate for the extra moisture.
- Make them peanut-free. Almond butter or cashew butter are both great nut butters to use. You could make chocolate protein bars by using healthy Nutella.
- Make them nut-free. Tahini or sunflower seed butter have an almost identical texture to nut butter.
- Vegan and/or gluten free. Make vegan protein bars instead.
Storage instructions
To store: Homemade protein bars are best stored in the fridge in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to two weeks.
To freeze: Place the bars in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
![protein bars recipe.](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/homemade-protein-bars.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions
Homemade protein bars are great for weight management or a weight loss diet as they use wholesome and healthy ingredients and have around 150 calories.
Solely eating multiple protein bars can have negative side effects, especially if you have an intolerance to protein powder ingredients.
However, enjoying 1-2 protein bars per day as a snack can keep you satisfied and fuller for longer.
Most protein shake recipes have few carbs or fat in it, which won’t keep you as satisfied as a protein bar. Shakes are great after a workout, especially if you intend to eat a solid meal soon after.
More protein bar recipes to try
- Snickers protein bar
- Cookie dough protein bars
- Chocolate protein bars
- Coconut protein bars
- Protein crunch bars
![protein bar recipe.](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/protein-bars-recipe-378x378.jpg)
Homemade Protein Bars (4 Ingredients!)
Video
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 1/2 cups protein powder * See notes
- 2 cups peanut butter Can sub for any nut or seed butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups chocolate chips Optional
Instructions
- Line a deep pan with parchment paper and set aside. For thicker bars, use an 8 x 8-inch pan. For thinner bars, use any size bigger.
- In a large mixing bowl, add your dry ingredients and mix well.
- In a small mixing bowl, melt your peanut butter with sticky sweetener until combined. Add to dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
- Transfer protein bar batter into the lined baking dish and press firmly in place. Refrigerate or freeze until firm. Once firm, cut into bars and cover in optional chocolate and enjoy!
best homemade protein bars recipe ever!
Kids and I love these! I did spread a bit of melted chocolate chips on top, but we had some without and they were still delicious. I’m about to make my second batch now!
Love that, Tiffany!
Made these with whey protein (only protein powder I had on hand) and they still turned out really good! I melted dark chocolate to go on top and they are super tasty!
Made these with why protein (only protein powder I had on hand) and they still turned out really good! I melted dark chocolate to go on top and they are super tasty!
Make these protein bars all the time!
Hi! Love these bars.. they are a new favorite. just wondering how much each of the bar weighs.. thanks
Not sure- we don’t weigh them 🙂
I make these once a week- so good!
It is unclear how the bars are covered in chocolate both sides in the recipe
There’s a video! Looks like two spoons or forks are used to gently set the bar down in the melted chocolate and then more melted chocolate is spoon over the top of it.
Just whipped these up and they are SO good!
Just made these but coated them in milk chocolate- SO GOOD!!!!
These are my favorite protein bars. So easy to make and they taste like candy bars!
Will this work with the natural PB with no additives that separates in the jar sometimes? I know the consistency can mess with recipes so wondering if you have tried this way?
I’ve done that before 🙂
How good are these protein bars- I make them weekly and so good part of my weight loss journey!
Great recipe and so easy to make
Quick, easy, and fun to use up my protein powder!
These homemade protein bars are incredible!
These are so easy and so tasty.