Healthy Protein Bars with Oats, Nut Butter, and Flaxseed Recipe
Introduction
These homemade protein bars are a delicious and nutritious snack perfect for busy days or post-workout fuel. Packed with oats, peanut butter, and protein powder, they offer a balanced blend of energy and flavor that’s easy to customize.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (135 g)
- 3/4 cup peanut butter, or favorite nut butter or sunflower butter (180 g)
- 1 banana, mashed (120 g)
- 1/3 cup honey, agave, or real maple syrup (110 g)
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup ground flax seed (55 g)
- 1 cup protein powder* (120 g)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)
- 3/4 cup mix-in options: chopped dates, dried fruit (blueberries, cranberries, or raisins), mini chocolate chips, unsweetened coconut flakes, nuts
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until well combined. The mixture should be fairly soft and not dry or crumbly. If it feels too dry, add a splash of water or milk, or an extra drizzle of honey to reach the right consistency.
- Step 2: Press the mixture very firmly into an 8×8 inch pan, using your hands or the back of a spoon to compact it evenly.
- Step 3: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set before cutting them into individual portions.
Tips & Variations
- Try swapping peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.
- Add a handful of mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a sweet twist.
- If you prefer vegan bars, use agave instead of honey and a plant-based protein powder.
- For extra crunch, fold in chopped nuts or seeds before pressing the mixture into the pan.
Storage
Store the protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw bars in the fridge or at room temperature before eating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of protein powder?
Yes, you can use whey, plant-based, or any protein powder you prefer. Just keep in mind that texture and taste might vary slightly depending on the powder.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely. Substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini, and skip any nut mix-ins to keep the recipe nut-free.
Print
Healthy Protein Bars with Oats, Nut Butter, and Flaxseed Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade protein bars are a nutritious and delicious snack, combining rolled oats, peanut butter, banana, honey, and protein powder for sustained energy. Packed with wholesome ingredients and customizable mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chips, they’re perfect for a quick breakfast, post-workout boost, or healthy snack anytime.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (135 g)
- 3/4 cup peanut butter (or favorite nut butter or sunflower butter) (180 g)
- 1 banana, mashed (120 g)
- 1/3 cup honey (or agave or real maple syrup) (110 g)
- Pinch salt
- ½ cup ground flax seed (55 g)
- 1 cup protein powder* (120 g)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)
Mix-in Options
- 3/4 cup chopped dates, dried fruit (blueberries, cranberries, or raisins), mini chocolate chips, unsweetened coconut flakes, nuts
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix all the ingredients—rolled oats, peanut butter, mashed banana, honey, salt, ground flax seed, protein powder, vanilla extract, and your choice of mix-ins—until the mixture is well combined. The consistency should be fairly soft and not dry or crumbly. If it feels too dry, add a small splash of water, milk, or an extra drizzle of honey to achieve the right texture.
- Press Into Pan: Firmly press the mixture into an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper or lightly greased for easier removal. Press very firmly to ensure the bars hold together well and don’t crumble after setting.
- Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set properly. This step helps them firm up enough to slice neatly into individual servings.
- Slice and Store: Once set, remove the bars from the pan and cut into your desired sizes. Store the protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for different flavors.
- If you don’t have protein powder, use powdered milk or skip it altogether but expect lower protein content.
- To keep bars vegan, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
- Add a splash of plant-based milk if the mixture is too stiff while mixing.
- Experiment with mix-ins to customize the bars to your taste, including nuts, seeds, or different dried fruits.
- These bars do not require baking or cooking, making preparation quick and simple.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: protein bars, homemade protein bars, healthy snack, no-bake protein bars, energy bars, peanut butter bars
