4.9 from 816 votes
5-Ingredient Protein Bars (no-bake!)
These 5-ingredient Protein Bars are super easy, packed with nutrition, and are the perfect pre/post workout fuel. They're reminiscent of store-bought energy bars, but are way more budget-friendly.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 258 kcal
Course:
Breakfast , Snacks
Cuisine:
American
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 whole rolled oats uncooked
- 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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Protein powder is to be measured according to standard measuring cups, not the scoops that come inside the tub of protein powder. If needed, check for certified gluten-free labeling.
- You can use vanilla or chocolate protein powder, but we recommend using unflavored, pure 100% whey protein powder, made without fake/artificial sugars and no funny aftertaste.
- Make it dairy-free: use whole almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
- Lactose-free cow's milk can be used, for those with lactose intolerance.
- Make it nut-free: use sunflower butter instead of a nut butter.
- For additional variations/substitution ideas, see original article.
- If you're planning to pack these bars to go, use add-ins rather than drizzling anything on top, to keep your bars easy to transport.
- If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating ❤️
Nutrition Information
Serving
1bar
Calories
258kcal
(13%)
Carbohydrates
24g
(8%)
Protein
14g
(28%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
6g
Cholesterol
16mg
(5%)
Sodium
112mg
(5%)
Potassium
243mg
(7%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
12g
(24%)
Vitamin A
41IU
(1%)
Vitamin C
0.01mg
(0%)
Calcium
76mg
(8%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 258
% 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.