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 elements, they’re the proper wholesome snack that takes minutes to make and shops for weeks.
Confession: my weak spot relating to packaged meals is my favourite protein bars. However after studying the elements listing someday, I made a decision it was lastly time for a do-it-yourself model of them! After many recipe checks 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 into my go-to! I 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 an alternative of store-bought granola bars!
Easy elements 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 trustworthy, 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 need to eat my chocolate for dessert as a darkish chocolate bar!)
So after some tinkering, I discovered a technique to recreate my favourite power bar at house. You solely want six elements:
- Old school rolled oats kind the bottom of those bars. In addition they contribute fiber and sophisticated carbohydrates.
- Almond flour is one in all 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 most effective taste; salted or unsalted peanuts work equally.
- Medjool dates are nature’s sweet and the one sweetener on this recipe. These have the proper comfortable, sticky texture that binds every thing collectively: don’t use another sort of date! Deglet noor don’t work. Ensure that your dates are recent 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 suggestions for excellent protein bars
I’ve made these bars numerous instances, and I’ve realized a couple of methods that make all of the distinction:
- Test your dates earlier than beginning. Contemporary Medjool dates needs to 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 progressively if wanted.
- Use a small glass or measuring cup to press and roll the combination within the pan. This creates a clean, even layer that cuts cleanly into bars.
A be aware on batch measurement
This recipe makes 8 sq. bars in a 9″ loaf pan. When you’d wish to double the recipe, you can also make a double recipe in a 9 x 9″ sq. pan.
Storage and make-ahead suggestions
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 simple to make a double batch. It’s also possible to freeze these bars for as much as 3 months. I wrap them individually in parchment paper, then retailer in a freezer bag. They thaw shortly at room temperature, or you’ll be able to eat them straight from the freezer for a firmer texture.
Extra do-it-yourself snack recipes to attempt
These oatmeal protein bars are the proper simple snack concept! When you take pleasure in this concept, you’ll undoubtedly need to attempt my peanut butter oatmeal balls or no bake power bites for whenever you need one thing fast and enjoyable. My oatmeal bars are one other household favourite, and my do-it-yourself granola bars provide related comfort with completely different flavors.
For handheld breakfasts, my magic breakfast cookies additionally work effectively for snacking. And should you’re on the lookout for extra methods to make use of Medjool dates, I’ve 15 simple Medjool date recipes that showcase this unimaginable 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 elements, they’re the proper wholesome snack that takes minutes to make and shops for weeks.
- Prep Time: quarter-hour
- Prepare dinner Time: 0 minutes
- Whole Time: quarter-hour
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Class: Snack
- Methodology: No Bake
- Delicacies: Uncooked
- Weight-reduction plan: Vegan
- 1 cup Previous Customary 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 elements in a meals processor, add 2 tablespoons water, and mix till the combination comes collectively right into a dough that sticks collectively whenever you squeeze it (you could 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 each 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 at the least half-hour, then minimize 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. When you’d wish to double the recipe, you can also 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 proper comfortable, sticky texture that binds every thing collectively: don’t do that recipe with another sort of date! Deglet noor and others don’t work. Ensure that your dates are recent and pliable – in the event that they’re dried out, soak in heat water for 10 minutes earlier than utilizing.
