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 components, they’re the proper wholesome snack that takes minutes to make and shops for weeks.
Confession: my weak point in relation to packaged meals is my favourite protein bars. However after studying the components checklist sooner or later, 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 grow 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 youngsters ask for these as a substitute of store-bought granola bars!
Easy components 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 wish to eat my chocolate for dessert as a darkish chocolate bar!)
So after some tinkering, I discovered a technique to recreate my favourite vitality bar at house. You solely want six components:
- Old school rolled oats type the bottom of those bars. Additionally they contribute fiber and complicated 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 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 delicate, sticky texture that binds every little thing collectively: don’t use another kind of date! Deglet noor don’t work. Ensure 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 may appear minor, however they’re important for taste!
My suggestions for good 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 ought to be delicate 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.
- Whenever 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 step by step 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. If you happen to’d prefer to double the recipe, you may 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. 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 shortly at room temperature, or you possibly can eat them straight from the freezer for a firmer texture.
Extra do-it-yourself snack recipes to strive
These oatmeal protein bars are the proper simple snack concept! If you happen to get pleasure from this concept, you’ll undoubtedly wish to strive my peanut butter oatmeal balls or no bake vitality bites for once you need one thing fast and enjoyable. My oatmeal bars are one other household favourite, and my do-it-yourself granola bars supply related comfort with completely different flavors.
For handheld breakfasts, my magic breakfast cookies additionally work nicely for snacking. And when you’re in search of extra methods to make use of Medjool dates, I’ve 15 simple 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 components, 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
- Methodology: No Bake
- Delicacies: Uncooked
- Food plan: Vegan
- 1 cup Previous Original rolled oats (see Notes)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup roasted peanuts (or roasted salted)
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Place all components 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 1 to 2 extra tablespoons of water relying on the feel of your dates to get the dough to carry collectively.
- Line a 9″ loaf pan with parchment paper extending throughout either side. Press the combination into the pan and pack it down along with your fingers (I like to make use of a small glass to roll excessive). Refrigerate a minimum of 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. If you happen to’d prefer 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 proper delicate, sticky texture that binds every little thing collectively: don’t do that recipe with another kind of date! Deglet noor and others don’t work. Ensure your dates are contemporary and pliable – in the event that they’re dried out, soak in heat water for 10 minutes earlier than utilizing.