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 in relation to packaged meals is my favourite protein bars. However after studying the elements record sooner or later, I made a decision it was lastly time for a do-it-yourself model of them! After many recipe assessments 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 change 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 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 wish to eat my chocolate for dessert as a darkish chocolate bar!)
So after some tinkering, I discovered a approach to recreate my favourite vitality bar at dwelling. You solely want six elements:
- Old style rolled oats type the bottom of those bars. Additionally they contribute fiber and sophisticated carbohydrates.
- Almond flour is one among my secret weapons for including protein with out utilizing powder.
- Roasted peanuts add the majority of the protein and create a pleasant nutty taste (much 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 the whole lot collectively: don’t use some other kind of date! Deglet noor don’t work. Be certain 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 may appear minor, however they’re important for taste!
My suggestions 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:
- Verify your dates earlier than beginning. Recent Medjool dates ought 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.
- Once 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 clean, even layer that cuts cleanly into bars.
A word on batch dimension
This recipe makes 8 sq. bars in a 9″ loaf pan. In the event you’d wish 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. (In fact, they hardly ever final that lengthy in my home!)
For meal prep, it’s simple to make a double batch. You too can 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’ll be able to 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! In the event you get pleasure from this concept, you’ll positively wish to strive my peanut butter oatmeal balls or no bake vitality 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 supply comparable comfort with completely different flavors.
For handheld breakfasts, my magic breakfast cookies additionally work nicely for snacking. And if you happen to’re in search of 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
- Technique: No Bake
- Delicacies: Uncooked
- Weight loss plan: Vegan
- 1 cup Previous Normal 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 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 each 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 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. In the event 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 proper comfortable, sticky texture that binds the whole lot collectively: don’t do this recipe with some other kind of date! Deglet noor and others don’t work. Be certain 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.
