5-Ingredient Protein Bars (no-bake!)
User Reviews
4.9
5-Ingredient Protein Bars (no-bake!)
Description
The recipe starts by gently warming milk, peanut butter, and maple syrup or honey until combined. Plain or unflavored whey protein powder, rolled oats, and optional cinnamon or add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit are stirred in to create a thick mixture. If the mixture becomes too stiff to stir, small amounts of milk can be added gradually to maintain workability without becoming watery.
The mixture is pressed firmly into a greased pan to create an even layer and chilled until fully set. Once cool, it is cut into bars. Drizzling with melted chocolate is optional for added flavor and appearance, but bars are sturdy enough for packing as-is when mix-ins are included instead.
The bars offer a portable, protein-rich snack or light meal component, useful for replenishing energy during the day. Adjusting add-ins and sweeteners allows customization of flavor and texture.
This recipe recommends using standard measuring cups for protein powder rather than scoops from tubs to ensure accurate portion size. Options for dairy-free or nut-free substitutions include plant milks and sunflower butter respectively.
Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup peanut butter chunky
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey, plus extra to taste
- 1 cup whey protein powder plain, unflavored recommended*
- 2 cups rolled oats uncooked, whole
- 1 tsp cinnamon optional
- optional add-ins 1 cup: chocolate chips, raisins, dried blueberries, chopped dates, or melted chocolate for topping
Instructions
- In a medium heavy pot, combine milk, peanut butter, and maple syrup/honey over low heat. Stir just until all ingredients are well combined and warmed through. Remove from heat.
- Add protein powder, oats, and optional cinnamon or add-ins. Stir to combine well. Taste and add more maple syrup or honey if desired. If mixture is too thick to stir, add 1 tsp milk at a time just until it's stir-able; mixture should still be thick and not at all watery.
- Lightly grease an 8x8 pan. Press evenly into pan, using firm pressure to compress mixture into desired bar thickness. Tip: use wet or lightly greased hands to prevent sticking.
- Allow bars to cool completely. Once cool, cut into squares. If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate and let cool completely. Wrap in airtight container and store at moderate room temp for several days, or chilled in fridge for a week.
Notes
- Measure protein powder with standard measuring cups, not the scoop included in tubs, for accuracy.
- Unflavored whey protein powder without artificial ingredients is recommended to avoid aftertaste.
- Dairy-free versions can use almond, coconut, soy, or oat milk, and nut-free versions can use sunflower butter instead of peanut butter.
- When packing bars for transport, include mix-ins inside rather than drizzling toppings to keep the bars easier to handle.
- You can use vanilla or chocolate protein powder as alternatives to plain, but flavor and sweetness may adjust accordingly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 258 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1bar | |
| Calories | 258kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 16mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 112mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 243mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 41IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.01mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 76mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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