These home made 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 proper wholesome snack that takes minutes to make and shops for weeks.
Confession: my weak spot in relation to packaged meals is my favourite protein bars. However after studying the substances listing in the future, I made a decision it was lastly time for a home made model of them! After many recipe assessments this what I got here up with, and I’m obsessed.
These home made 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 develop into 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 youngsters 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 need to eat my chocolate for dessert as a darkish chocolate bar!)
So after some tinkering, I discovered a option to recreate my favourite power bar at dwelling. You solely want six substances:
- Old style rolled oats type the bottom of those bars. In addition they contribute fiber and sophisticated carbohydrates.
- Almond flour is one in every 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 proper tender, sticky texture that binds every part collectively: don’t use some other sort of date! Deglet noor don’t work. Be sure that 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 suggestions for good protein bars
I’ve made these bars numerous instances, and I’ve realized just a few methods that make all of the distinction:
- Examine your dates earlier than beginning. Contemporary Medjool dates needs to be tender 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.
- While 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 fluctuate relying on how moist your dates are. Begin with 2 tablespoons and add extra regularly 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 notice on batch dimension
This recipe makes 8 sq. bars in a 9″ loaf pan. In the event you’d prefer 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. (In fact, they hardly ever final that lengthy in my home!)
For meal prep, it’s straightforward to make a double batch. You may as well 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 home made snack recipes to strive
These oatmeal protein bars are the proper straightforward snack thought! In the event you take pleasure in this concept, you’ll undoubtedly need to strive my peanut butter oatmeal balls or no bake power bites for once you need one thing fast and enjoyable. My oatmeal bars are one other household favourite, and my home made granola bars supply related comfort with totally different flavors.
For handheld breakfasts, my magic breakfast cookies additionally work properly for snacking. And should you’re on the lookout for extra methods to make use of Medjool dates, I’ve 15 straightforward 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.
Print
Oatmeal Protein Bars
These home made 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 proper wholesome snack that takes minutes to make and shops for weeks.
- Prep Time: quarter-hour
- Cook dinner Time: 0 minutes
- Complete Time: quarter-hour
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Class: Snack
- Technique: No Bake
- Delicacies: Uncooked
- Weight loss program: Vegan
- 1 cup Previous Usual 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 once 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 very least half-hour, then reduce 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 the event you’d prefer 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 tender, sticky texture that binds every part collectively: don’t do this recipe with some other sort of date! Deglet noor and others don’t work. Be sure that your dates are contemporary and pliable – in the event that they’re dried out, soak in heat water for 10 minutes earlier than utilizing.
