These do-it-yourself oatmeal protein bars pack 8 grams of pure protein per serving with none protein powder or added sugar! Made with simply 6 easy substances, they’re the right wholesome snack that takes minutes to make and shops for weeks.
Confession: my weak point on the subject of packaged meals is my favourite protein bars. However after studying the substances record someday, I made a decision it was lastly time for a do-it-yourself model of them! After many recipe exams this what I got here up with, and I’m obsessed.
These do-it-yourself oatmeal protein bars have ~8 grams of protein per serving with no protein powder. The protein comes naturally from almond flour and roasted peanuts, and Medjool dates add sweetness. After testing numerous variations, this recipe has turn out to be my go-to! I really like that the bars style like oatmeal cookies however pack precise dietary worth. Alex and I attempt to make a batch as wholesome snacks each week—even the children ask for these as a substitute of store-bought granola bars!
Easy substances that pack a punch
For this recipe, I attempted to create a copycat model of my favourite bars that was more healthy and didn’t have chocolate chips. As a result of to be sincere, a pet peeve of mine is that so many protein bars are loaded with chocolate chips after I simply need one thing that’s not sugar-loaded for a snack. (As a result of I wish to eat my chocolate for dessert as a darkish chocolate bar!)
So after some tinkering, I discovered a option to recreate my favourite vitality bar at house. You solely want six substances:
- Old school rolled oats type the bottom of those bars. Additionally they contribute fiber and sophisticated carbohydrates.
- Almond flour is considered one of my secret weapons for including protein with out utilizing powder.
- Roasted peanuts add the majority of the protein and create a pleasant nutty taste (just like my store-bought bars). I like utilizing roasted peanuts for the very best taste; salted or unsalted peanuts work equally.
- Medjool dates are nature’s sweet and the one sweetener on this recipe. These have the right comfortable, sticky texture that binds the whole lot collectively: don’t use another sort of date! Deglet noor don’t work. Make certain your dates are contemporary and pliable – in the event that they’re dried out, soak them in heat water for 10 minutes earlier than utilizing.
- Vanilla extract and salt might sound minor, however they’re important for taste!
My ideas for good protein bars
I’ve made these bars numerous occasions, and I’ve discovered a number of tips that make all of the distinction:
- Examine your dates earlier than beginning. Contemporary Medjool dates must be comfortable and sticky. If yours are dried out, soak in heat water for 10 minutes and drain earlier than utilizing. This ensures they’ll mix easily and bind the combination correctly.
- If you’re meals processing the dough, the combination ought to maintain collectively when squeezed however not be moist or sticky. The water quantity within the recipe can range relying on how moist your dates are. Begin with 2 tablespoons and add extra steadily if wanted.
- Use a small glass or measuring cup to press and roll the combination within the pan. This creates a easy, even layer that cuts cleanly into bars.
A notice on batch dimension
This recipe makes 8 sq. bars in a 9″ loaf pan. In case you’d wish to double the recipe, you may make a double recipe in a 9 x 9″ sq. pan.
Storage and make-ahead ideas
Retailer these oatmeal protein bars in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 2 weeks. (After all, they hardly ever final that lengthy in my home!)
For meal prep, it’s straightforward to make a double batch. You can even freeze these bars for as much as 3 months. I wrap them individually in parchment paper, then retailer in a freezer bag. They thaw rapidly at room temperature, or you possibly can eat them straight from the freezer for a firmer texture.
Extra do-it-yourself snack recipes to attempt
These oatmeal protein bars are the right straightforward snack thought! In case you take pleasure in this concept, you’ll positively wish to attempt my peanut butter oatmeal balls or no bake vitality bites for if you need one thing fast and enjoyable. My oatmeal bars are one other household favourite, and my do-it-yourself granola bars provide comparable comfort with totally different flavors.
For handheld breakfasts, my magic breakfast cookies additionally work nicely for snacking. And when you’re on the lookout for extra methods to make use of Medjool dates, I’ve 15 straightforward Medjool date recipes that showcase this unbelievable pure sweetener.
Dietary notes
These oatmeal protein bars are vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Oatmeal Protein Bars
These do-it-yourself oatmeal protein bars pack 8 grams of pure protein per serving with none protein powder or added sugar! Made with simply 6 easy substances, they’re the right wholesome snack that takes minutes to make and shops for weeks.
- Prep Time: quarter-hour
- Prepare dinner Time: 0 minutes
- Complete Time: quarter-hour
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Class: Snack
- Technique: No Bake
- Delicacies: Uncooked
- Weight loss plan: Vegan
- 1 cup Previous Original rolled oats (see Notes)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup roasted peanuts (or roasted salted)
- 12 Medjool dates
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Place all substances in a meals processor, add 2 tablespoons water, and mix till the combination comes collectively right into a dough that sticks collectively if you squeeze it (you might want so as to add an additional tablespoon or so of water relying on the feel of your dates).
- Line a 9″ loaf pan with parchment paper extending throughout either side. Press the combination into the pan and pack it down together with your fingers (I like to make use of a small glass to roll excessive). Refrigerate no less than half-hour, then lower into 8 sq. bars. Bars retailer refrigerated for as much as 2 weeks.
Notes
This recipe makes 8 sq. bars in a 9″ loaf pan. In case you’d wish to double the recipe, you may make a double recipe in a 9 x 9″ sq. pan.
Medjool dates are nature’s sweet and the one sweetener on this recipe. These have the right comfortable, sticky texture that binds the whole lot collectively: don’t do that recipe with another sort of date! Deglet noor and others don’t work. Make certain your dates are contemporary and pliable – in the event that they’re dried out, soak in heat water for 10 minutes earlier than utilizing.
