With so many vegan protein bars available at the grocery store and online these days, you may be wondering why you should bother making your own. Isn’t it a lot of work? Surprisingly, no! These homemade protein bars take minutes to make, and they’re much more budget-friendly than the store-bought version. They have become a staple in my home, and I know you will love them, too!
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Protein Bars
Customizable. This recipe is a great base for creating your own unique protein bars. Add in your favourite mix-ins or switch up the flavour of the base by using different protein powders. No baking required. Since these are no-bake protein bars, you can make them easily without even turning on the oven! They just need an hour of chilling time in the fridge to be ready to eat. A healthier alternative. Many store-bought protein bars are loaded with artificial sugars, flavours, and all kinds of unpronounceable ingredients. By making your own protein bars at home, you’re in complete control of the ingredients.
Notes on Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
Old-fashioned rolled oats Natural nut butter – You can use any type you like, or use one of my recipes for homemade peanut butter, almond butter, or pecan butter. Medjool dates – Remove the pits before starting the recipe. Vegan protein powder – Any type you like or have on hand, flavoured or plain. Non-dairy milk – Again, whatever you have in the fridge is fine. If you use a flavoured non-dairy milk, make sure it pairs well with the flavour of your protein powder. Chia seeds – These add protein, fiber, and healthy fats to your protein bars. Maple syrup – Date syrup is another option. Vanilla extract Kosher salt Mini chocolate chips – Using mini chips instead of regular chips helps your bars hold together better.
How to Make Protein Bars
Combine the first 3 ingredients. Process the oats, nut butter, and dates in a food processor until they form a rough dough. Finish the protein bar mixture. Add the protein powder, milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Pulse to combine. Add the chocolate. Scoop the mixture into a bowl. Add the chocolate chips and fold them in. Chill. Spread the mixture into a square pan lined with parchment paper. Press into an even layer, cover, and refrigerate for an hour before slicing and serving or storing.
Tips for Success
Adjust the texture. If you prefer finer oats, you can process them alone until they form a powder before adding the nut butter and dates. This will result in a smoother texture. Choose your protein powder wisely. Different brands and types of vegan protein powders may affect the texture and taste of your bars. That being said, these bars are a good way to use protein powders that may not taste good alone because all the ingredients in the bars help to camouflage the taste of the powder. Press the bars into the pan. The more you press, the chewier your bars will be and the more they’ll stick together when you cut them.
Variations
Swap out the mini chocolate chips. You can swap out the chips for nuts or seeds to add extra protein. You can also replace them with dried fruit. Or, mix and match your add-ins–just be sure not to add more than 1/4 cup of add-ins all together. Leave out the vanilla extract. If you use vanilla protein powder, reduce or eliminate the vanilla extract. Add spices. Add cinnamon or pumpkin spice for cozy flavour. Give them a dip or drizzle. Pop the bars in the freezer so they’re very cold, then dip them in melted dark chocolate, or drizzle dark chocolate over the tops.
How to Store Homemade Protein Bars
Your homemade protein bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
Freezing is a great option if you want to make a large batch of protein bars and keep them longer. Slice them and wrap each bar separately in parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw for a few minutes at room temperature.
More High Protein Recipes
Protein Pancakes Recipe Vegan Fajita Bowls – 10 Min Prep, High Protein Protein Pudding High-Protein Overnight Oats Protein Cookie Dough
Enjoy friends! If you make this protein bar recipe, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!
