Description
These no-bake protein ball bars are quick, healthy, and endlessly customizable—perfect for busy families, fitness fans, and anyone needing a portable snack. Packed with oats, nut butter, protein powder, and your favorite mix-ins, they’re chewy, satisfying, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (180g)
- 1 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder (120g)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (125g) (or almond/cashew/sunflower seed butter)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (100ml)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (20g)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (40g) (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (35g) (or chopped dried apricots)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (14g)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Toppings: drizzle of melted dark chocolate, chopped nuts, or unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease if not using parchment.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, sea salt, and chocolate chips or dried fruit. For softer bars, pulse oats in a food processor for 5 seconds.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, gently heat nut butter and honey (about 20 seconds). Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until evenly combined and no dry pockets remain. If mixture is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy).
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into all corners using a spatula or clean hands. For a flat surface, place a second piece of parchment on top and press with a glass.
- Sprinkle on your choice of toppings (nuts, seeds, coconut) and gently press them in. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice. For faster chilling, freeze for 30 minutes.
- Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 10 even bars with a sharp knife, wiping blade between cuts.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Stack with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Notes
For vegan bars, use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup. For nut-free, use sunflower seed butter and skip nuts in toppings. Pulse oats for softer bars or leave whole for more chew. If bars are crumbly, add more nut butter; if too sticky, add more oats. Bars slice best when fully chilled. Customize with your favorite mix-ins, but keep add-ins to about 1/2 cup total for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (about 60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 9
Keywords: protein bars, healthy snack, no bake, on the go, meal prep, gluten free, nut free, vegan, energy bars, kids snack