Protein Bar Recipe

Looking for a delicious, low carb protein bar recipe without protein powder? Look no further than this easy protein bar recipe! These bars are perfect for a quick and healthy snack, or as an addition to your regular breakfast or lunch menu. They’re also great for people on a ketogenic diet or those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. These no bake protein bars have no artificial ingredients added, they are chewy, satisfying, and easy to make.

A lot of store-bought protein bars are filled with artificial additives like too much sugar, corn syrup, and unhealthy preservatives, they are usually not as delicious and healthy as the homemade versions which are made with natural and simple ingredients. Again, homemade protein bars can help you to save money and you get to choose the right ingredients that are added to them by yourself.

However, If you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious snack that will keep you going throughout the day, try making your own protein bars. I will lead you through a step-by-step process on how to make your own bars using common ingredients that are easy to find around you. These bars are easy to make and can be customized to your personal preferences.

There are a lot of ways to make protein bars using different ingredients and you can easily customize them to your own taste. You don’t have to go about town searching for difficult ingredients, just make do with what you have on hand and you will be amazed at the result in the end.

You don’t even need to consider the oven in this recipe as these no-bake protein bars don’t require that, they’re also dairy-free, so they’re good for people who are vegan or gluten-free.

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 Cup of almonds
  • 1 Cup of dates
  • 1 Cup of peanut butter
  • 1/3 Cup of cranberries
  • 1/3 Cup of walnuts
  • 1/2 Cup of sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 Cup of pumpkin seeds
  • 5 Pieces of dried apricot, cut into pieces
  • 2 Tablespoons of honey
  • 1/4 Tsp of salt
Ingredients for protein bar recipe
Protein bars ingredients

Oats

Adding rolled oats to your protein bar recipe can make it a more filling and nutritious snack. Oats are naturally high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full longer, they’re also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help protect your body against damage. In addition, rolled oats are a good source of protein, and contain all the nine essential amino acids which are important for muscle growth and maintenance. Lastly, they provide structure and also give the bars a chewy texture.

Almonds

Almonds are high in healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, they are a great source of protein and minerals. If you’re looking for something that won’t contain too many calories, almonds are a good option. The best part is that you can use them in the protein bars recipe to add some extra flavor and nutrients.

Dates

Dates are a good source of dietary fiber, they add extra sweetness and flavor; however, make sure to use organic or natural dates if possible to avoid exposure to pesticides.

Peanut butter

Peanut butter is a great source of healthy fats and protein, it gives your bars a boost of nutrition. Plus, it tastes amazing and will add a little bit of sweetness to the bars.  If you don’t have any peanut butter on hand, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute.

Honey

Honey is a great addition to protein bars because it provides a sweet taste that complements the other flavors in the bar, it helps to bind the ingredients together. Additionally, honey has anti-microbial properties that help keep the bars shelf-stable and prevent them from becoming dried out too quickly.

Dried fruits

Dried fruits such as cranberries, and dried apricots are a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your protein bars. They’re also a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help to keep you feeling full after eating. Thus, combining them with other ingredients helps to create unique flavors and textures.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are great sources of protein and fiber, they are low in calories and can help you feel full longer. In addition, they provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. I used pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds in this protein bar recipe but you can use other nuts or seeds like chia seeds or flaxseeds, just to name a few in yours if you prefer. You can experiment with different flavors and add different toppings to create the perfect bars for yourself.

Vanilla extract

Vanilla is a great flavor for protein bars because it adds flavor and sweetness. If you don’t have vanilla on hand, you can substitute it with any other type of extracts like almond or peppermint or omit it completely.

Salt

Salt helps to bring out the flavors of all the other ingredients, without salt, your protein bars will be too bland and clump together; I suggest just a little bit of it will cause no harm. However, you can still make the bars without salt.

How to make the best protein bar recipe

Start by blending dates into a paste, add the dates to your blender with 3 tablespoons of water, and pulse a few times until smooth then set aside.

Bring almond seeds into a resealable bag, seal the opening of the bag properly, and use a rolling pin, to crush the seeds into semi-small pieces; be careful not to crush them into powder.

When done, add old-fashioned rolled oats to a nonstick pan and toast over medium heat. Stir and cook the oats for 5 minutes or until they are crisp. Once done, pour them out into a dish to cool down. Make sure to use whole oats as they provide more structure to the bars than quick oats. They are also high in fiber compared to oatmeal.

Oats protein bar recipe
Pour the oats into a flat dish to cool down

Place the same pan back on the heat, add all the crushed almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chopped apricot, and cranberries, and toast for 7 minutes or until they start to pop. This process is carried out on the stovetop; toasting the seeds gives them a nutty aroma and brings out their natural flavors as well.

Toasting the protein bars ingredients
Combine all seeds and toast

Add sunflower seeds toward the end and toast for a couple of minutes, once they are slightly golden brown and start to smell nutty, remove from heat and leave to cool down a little bit so you can handle it.

Pour all the seeds mixture into a large mixing bowl together with the toasted oats, also bring in the date paste. Add one cup of peanut butter to it, the peanut butter serves as a binder that holds everything together.

Low carb protein bar is made with 2 tablespoons of honey
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine

Add 2 tablespoons of honey or any other sweetener of your choice and a little bit of salt to blend the taste. If you like some flavor in there, add in ½ tsp of vanilla but that is not necessary. Instead of honey, you can use marple syrup or agave to sweeten your protein bars and if you like it a bit sweeter don’t hesistate to add more honey to taste; I just didn’t want mine to be too sweet that was why I used 2 tablespoons of honey.

Mix everything with your hands until well combined, you want to make sure the mixture comes together and is able to hold a good shape.

Mixing the different ingredients for the low carb protein bar
Mix until you can mold it into a ball

Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan lined with parchment paper and then shape it into a block while leveling the top with a cup. You want to make sure you press it really firmly down so that when you cut into it, it will still hold its shape and not fall apart.

Once you have it well compressed like a block, cover the top with a cling film and refrigerate for about 2 to 4 hours until it sets completely. However, you can freeze it for 1 hour, it will set really quickly that way. Do not rush this process, give the bar at least 1 hour to firm up before slicing, that way you won’t end up with crumbled protein bars which means a total waste of time.

Easy protein bars recipe
Press firmly with a spoon or cup to become compacted

Your protein bar has set; you can carefully slice it into smaller bars as desired and enjoy. And that was how easy it is to make homemade protein bars with little effort.

No bake protein bars recipe
Your no-bake protein bars are ready

This is the best protein bar recipe that is natural and contains high protein, making it a go-to snack for muscle building and weight loss.

Can peanut butter protein bar recipe help with weight loss?

Peanut butter protein bars are a great way to boost your energy and suppress your appetite. They’re also a great source of protein, which is important for weight loss. The bars are made with natural ingredients, so you can trust them to be healthy for you. So if you’re looking for an effective way to lose weight and improve your overall health, consider making a peanut butter protein bar recipe.

Is it cheaper to make your own protein bars?

Making your own protein bars at home is way cheaper and healthier than buying from the store, as the homemade version contains healthy and well-sorted out ingredients and is also prepared in a clean environment.

What makes a good and healthy protein bar?

The proportion of protein in protein bars is very essential, it is wise to choose a bar that has a high amount of protein and less amount of carbohydrate.
Some protein bars contain a lot of sugar and cholesterol, which can make them dangerous for people with diabetes or heart disease.

What ingredients should be in a protein bar?

Ingredients for protein bar recipe

Protein bars are made from a variety of ingredients, including almonds, oats, nut butter, seeds, dried fruits, chocolates, and protein powder.
They’re also packed with nutrients, including essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and each bar has its own unique flavor and texture depending on the ingredients used.

Do protein bars make you fat?

Many people are concerned that protein bars could make them fat. The truth is this, protein bars are made from a variety of ingredients, and their calorie and fat content vary depending on the ingredients used which means if you consume protein bars that are high in sugar and calories, you stand a chance of gaining weight. However, the quality of the protein you consume plays an important role in how much you’ll gain weight.
To make nutritious and healthy protein bars that won’t leave you feeling bloated and gaining weight, try this homemade version as they are delicious and were made from natural ingredients.

Is it OK to eat protein bars every day?

Eating protein bars every day may not be the best option as they are not perfect substitutes for real food, they should only be eaten in moderation and not every day and only as a part of a balanced diet. You can always opt for protein bars that contain the right amount of nutrients, especially those that are high in fiber which can help to keep you feeling full and prevent you from overeating.

When should you eat protein bars?

The best time to eat a protein bar is after you have completed your workout. This is because the bars will give you the energy you need to continue working out.

What happens if you eat protein bars but don’t work out?

If you eat a protein bar but don’t work out, your body will eventually break down the protein and create waste. This process is called “breakdown” and it can result in weight gain, fatigue, and discomfort. However, to stay healthy, it is important to include a healthy amount of protein in your diet and make sure you are working out at the same time.

Protein Bar Recipe

Looking for a delicious, low-carb protein bar recipe without protein powder? Look no further than this easy protein bar recipe! These bars are perfect for a quick and healthy snack, or as an addition to your regular breakfast or lunch menu. They're also great for people on a ketogenic diet or those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. These no-bake protein bars have no artificial ingredients added, they are chewy, satisfying, and easy to make.
Prep Time2 hours 20 minutes
Toasting time15 minutes
Total Time2 hours 35 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American, British
Keyword: Protein bar recipe
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 200kcal
Author: Joyce Etim Ibanga
Cost: 10

Equipment

  • 1 Glass mixing bowl
  • 9×13'' Baking dish

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup Almonds Crushed into small pieces
  • cup Cranberries
  • 1 cup Dates
  • ½ cup Sunflower seeds
  • ½ cup Pumpkin seeds
  • cup Walnuts
  • ¼ cup Dried apricot 5 pieces, cut into smaller pieces
  • 1 cup Peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp Honey
  • ¼ tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Vanilla optional

Instructions

  • Start by blending dates into a paste, add the dates to your blender with 3 tablespoons of water, and pulse a few times until smooth then set aside.
  • Bring almond seeds into a resealable bag, seal the opening of the bag properly, and use a rolling pin, to crush the seeds into semi-small pieces, just be careful not to crush them into powder.
  • When done, add old-fashioned rolled oats to a nonstick pan and toast over medium heat. Stir and cook the oats for 5 minutes or until they are crisp. Once done, pour them out into a dish to cool down. ( Make sure to use whole oats as they provide more structure to the bars than quick oats).
    Oats protein bar recipe
  • Place the same pan back on the heat, add all the crushed almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chopped apricots, and cranberries, and toast for 7 minutes or until they start to pop.
    High protein bar recipe made with different nuts dried fruits and seeds
  • Add sunflower seeds toward the end and toast for a couple of minutes, once they are slightly golden brown and start to smell nutty, remove from heat and leave to cool down a little bit so you can handle it.
  • Pour all the seeds mixture into a large mixing bowl together with the toasted oats, also bring in the date paste. Add one cup of peanut butter to it; the peanut butter serves as a binder that holds everything together.
    Low carb protein bar is made with 2 tablespoons of honey
  • Add 2 tablespoons of honey or any other sweetener of your choice and a little bit of salt to help blend the taste. If you like some flavor in there, add in ½ tsp of vanilla but that is not necessary.
  • Mix everything with your hands until well combined, you want to make sure the mixture comes together and is able to hold a good shape when you press it together.
    Mixing the different ingredients for the low carb protein bar
  • Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan lined with parchment paper and then shape it into a block while leveling the top with a cup or spoon. You want to make sure you press it really firmly down so that when you cut into it will still hold its shape and not fall apart.
    Easy protein bars recipe
  • Once you have it well compressed like a block, cover the top with a cling film and refrigerate for about 2 to 4 hours until it sets completely. However, you can freeze it for 1 hour, it will set really quickly that way. Do not rush this process, give the bar at least 1 hour to firm up before slicing, that way you won't end up with crumbled protein bars which means a total waste of time.
    No bake protein bars recipe
  • Your protein bar has set, you can carefully slice it into smaller bars as desired and enjoy. And that was how easy it is to make homemade protein bars with little effort.
    Best protein bars recipe - no bake homemade protein bars

Video

Notes

How to store the bars: Protein bars can be stored at room temperature, but they will last longer if they are refrigerated. If you must keep your bars on the shelf or counter, make sure to store them in a moisture-free environment that way they will stay longer for you.
How to freeze the bar: Protein bars can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks and can also be frozen for up to 3 months if well stored; all you need to do is to place the bars in a freezer-safe container or bag, lay a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking and stack the bars one after the other. When ready to eat, thaw them ahead of time on the counter first. Have it in mind that if the bars are not stored well, they will start to break down and form a sticky texture
Substitute for peanut butter: Instead of using peanut butter, almond butter, tahini, sunflower butter, and cashew butter are great substitutes.
The daily recommendation of protein bars: Protein bars are a convenient way to get your daily protein requirement. It is important to note that consuming too many protein bars can lead to overconsumption and negative effects on your health. However, the recommended amount of protein for adults is 20-35 grams per day, and a bar typically contains around 20 grams of protein. That means one to 2 protein bars will provide enough protein for the day.

It is important to refrigerate it first so that they firm up and remain fresh. This will help keep the protein bars from becoming hard and gummy after being in the fridge for a while.

Other sources of high protein for your protein bars: Protein powder like casein protein, and brown rice protein can be used in protein bar recipes as long as you follow the recipe correctly, but you want to make sure that the powder you are using is high quality, as low-quality products can contain fillers that will add unwanted calories and carbs. Additionally, whey protein is a type of protein found in milk, it can be used in protein bars recipes too, however, it’s important to note that it can change the consistency and flavor of your protein bar.

Variations and substitutes

There are many other ingredients you can add to your protein bar recipes such as dried fruits (raisins and blueberries) or chocolates.

Instead of making the peanut butter protein bar recipe, you can substitute it with almond butter, sunflower butter, or cashew butter.

If you want it to be less chunky, you can use oatmeal instead of whole oats; and you can also pulse other nuts in the food processor before mixing everything together.

Nutrition

Protein bars are a good source of micronutrients, such as vitamins B, potassium, and calcium, they are nutrition bars that are rich in protein but have a low proportion of carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins, and are formulated to provide people like athletes and exercise enthusiasts with the required amount of protein and energy. You can also call them energy bars, or nutrition bars depending on what you are familiar with. Homemade protein bars are also great for weight loss and bodybuilding, depending on your reason for consuming them.

Importance and use

High protein bars are a great way to increase your protein intake without having to resort to animal products. They can be used as snacks, pre-workout supplements, post-workout snacks, or even meal replacements. High protein bar recipes are useful for weight loss, muscle building, and improved cognition.

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