Six ingredients, no bake, packed with protein and fiber... need I say more? These no bake protein bars are the perfect snack to have on hand to keep you powered through your errands, yoga classes, or Netflix marathons (because we all know that takes COMMITMENT).
The ultimate gluten free protein bar
Snack time is one of my favourite times of the day. However I don't settle for just any old type of snack, I need a snack that will keep me FULL until my next meal. I've never understood how someone can just grab a handful of almonds and say they're full for the next 4 hours... no I need a real snack! That means that my snacks need to have a combination of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats and these no bake protein bars give me all of that in one!
What do I look for in a vegan protein bar recipe?
As a nutrition student one of the questions I get asked the most is "what energy bars do you recommend?." To be honest, I've probably tried every protein bar on the market. The problem is I've always found that they are either packed with sugar, or packed with sugar alcohol. Both of which are things I'd rather not have in my snack. I want a bar that will keep me full, and give me lasting energy made from ingredients I can actually understand.
When that hunger strikes what I really want in a snack that will provide me with carbohydrates, good fats and protein while also tasting great! I always want my energy bars to have a source of fibre containing carbohydrates (such as oats) to help manage blood sugar spikes and ensure I stay full for a few hours at least! Unfortunately that's hard to find in many of the energy bars on the market today.
That is why I took matters into my own hands to create the perfect no bake protein bars! Just make a batch of these, keep them in the fridge or freezer and you're set for the week! If you're more of an energy ball person you also need to try my oatmeal cookie energy balls!
What Ingredients do I need for these no bake protein bars?
Peanut butter- The glue that holds these no bake protein bars together. I typically use natural peanut butter (look for one with the only ingredients being peanuts and salt). I just find I like how it tastes better! However any peanut butter or more neutral-tasting nut butter will work! I also love that it adds a source of healthy fats making these the perfect snack!
Coconut oil- This helps give the dough a little more moisture. If you don't have coconut oil on hand you can substitute it for an extra tablespoon of peanut butter.
Protein powder- This helps give these protein bars the protein aspect haha! I like using my favourite protein (I love the vanilla flavour in these!). If you don't have protein powder on hand you can substitute this for additional oat flour!
Maple syrup- For some natural sweetness! I have only ever used maple syrup for this recipe. If you do try to substitute with honey or any other liquid sweeter let me know how it goes in the comments! You can also use sugar free maple syrup like this one!
Oat flour- I love using oat flour in these for some added whole grains and fibre! It really helps make them the perfect snack and gives that long lasting energy I look for in a energy bar. To make my oat flour I just blend an equal amount of oats in a high powered blender or food processor.
Chocolate- totally optional (but HIGHLY recommended because chocolate makes everything better in my opinion). To keep these plant-based try these dairy-free chocolate chips!
What about a healthy smores protein bar recipe?
Feel free to make these as is (without any of the mix-ins for a super easy 5 ingredient no bake protein bar. If you're feeling adventurous (and have a sweet tooth like me) make sure you try the s'mores variation of these bars. I promise you the few extra ingredients is WORTH IT. These literally taste like summer in all the best ways.
I love seeing you make my recipes! If you make these gluten free dairy free protein bars be sure to tag me on Instagram @nourishedbynic or leave a comment here letting me know how it was 🙂
📖 Recipe
No-Bake Protein Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted
- ¼ cup flavoured protein of choice (I like choosing sweeter flavours but any work!)
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 handful chocolate chips optional
Chocolate Drizzle
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
For the S'MORES variation
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup mini marshmalllows
- ¼ cup crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients (you may need to use hands to ensure all ingredients are mixed!)
- Once combined, press protein mixture into a rectangular loaf pan
- Drizzle with melted chocolate (or coat!)
- Freeze until chocolate hardens
- Cut into 10 equal sized bars and store in the freezer
Chocolate Drizzle
- in a small bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil and place bowl in the microwave in 30 second increments,until fully melted stirring in between
For the S'MORES variation
- mix in the chocolate chips, graham crackers and marshmallows before pressing into the rectangular pan. If desired, add a few more toppings on top of the melted chocolate prior to freezing!
