Easy Homemade Protein Bars
These easy homemade protein bars are quick to make, packed with protein, and perfect for on-the-go snacking. They combine toasted nuts, natural sweetness, and a creamy texture for a delicious and nutritious treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup natural almond butter
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder
- ½ cup small-curd cottage cheese
- ½ cup chopped mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, lightly toasted)
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Warm the almond butter and honey together in a medium saucepan over low heat until smooth and well combined, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, protein powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. Toss to mix evenly.
- Add cottage cheese and vanilla extract to the dry mixture and stir gently to combine. The mixture will look crumbly.
- Pour the warm almond butter and honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until fully incorporated and sticky.
- Fold in the toasted mixed nuts and chocolate chips gently.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Transfer the mixture to the pan and press firmly and evenly to compact.
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours until bars are firm to the touch.
- Remove the set block using the parchment overhang and slice into 10-12 bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Toast nuts lightly in a dry pan for 3-5 minutes to enhance flavor. Mix ingredients gently to avoid dry, crumbly bars. Press mixture firmly but do not overwork to keep bars chewy. Chilling overnight improves flavor and firmness. Store bars refrigerated to maintain shape and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200220
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 1215
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