“Pass Me Another, Please” Healthy Protein Bars
I know, I know–there are hundreds, thousands, maybe even tens of thousands of recipes for healthy protein bars like this one out there. Buuuut, I couldn’t help but share my very own, personal favorite version.
This particular recipe is of my own design, and there are many variations that can be used in it. Just follow along and make substitutions/modifications where desired or needed. And if you have any questions for me or want some suggestions, please feel free to leave me a comment or a message and I’m happy to help!
Also, at the end of the recipe, I will add some suggestions for common substitions and modifications, just in case you want some different ideas right off the bat.
Without any further ado, here she is:
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup oats (quick or regular–steel cut just don’t work)
- 2/3 cup Grape Nuts
- 3 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1-2 Tablespoons ground flax or chia seeds
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (whey protein, plant protein–dealers choice)
- 1/2 cup chopped or whole nuts (any type will do)
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup milk of choice
- 1/4-1/3 cup peanut butter (any seed/nut butter will do)
- 2 Tablespoons honey (raw is best) or pure maple syrup *if using maple syrup, you can decrease the amount to start and add more if desired, as maple syrup tends to be a bit sweeter.
- 1/4-1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted (optional)
Directions
- Set aside an 8 x 8 dish–no greasing necessary if using coconut oil.
- In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients (oats, grape nuts, cocoa powder, ground flax or chia seeds, protein powder, and nuts), and set aside:
- Heat coconut oil and milk in a saucepan over medium heat, and bring to a simmer while stirring constantly:
- Once simmering, remove from heat and add your honey or maple syrup and peanut butter or nut/seed butter of choice. Stir until fully combined:
- Once your sweetener and nut or seed butter is incorporated, slowly add your dry ingredients and stir completely:
- If you opt for melted chocolate over the top of your bars, now’s the time to pop the chocolate chips in the microwave to get them melted. In a microwave safe bowl, heat up the chocolate chips for 25 seconds at a time, stirring between each segment, until the desired consistency is reached:
- Finally, press the mixture into your prepared pan and spread the melted chocolate chips over the top; then pop into the fridge for about an hour.
*If you live in a warm climate, storing these in the refridgerator may be your best bet.
Bam–there it is! My version of a delicious, homemade, and healthy protein bar. As promised, I’ve included some common ingredient swaps below, so don’t forget to check them out and see if any of them pique your interest.
Substitutions
Oats/Grape Nuts
You might consider swapping out puffed rice, granola, or any other cereal of choice.
Ground flax/chia seeds
Any small seed can be swapped out here. You might want to try sunflower seeds, pumpkins seeds, sesame seeds, or you can even try using a grain alternative like almond flour.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is pretty difficult to sub out in this recipe since it’s really good for keeping the bars stable once refrigerated. However, if you’re worried about a coco-nutty flavor, try using refined coconut oil as it doesn’t have the strong flavor the unrefined oil has.
Milk of choice
Some really great milk alternatives include coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, macademia milk, or rice milk; just name a few.
Peanut butter
Try almond butter, sunflower butter, cashew butter, pumpkin seed butter, or any other nut or seed butter you may come across.
Protein powder
Chocolate and vanilla are my two go-to flavors for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with any flavor that sounds amazing to you! You also have the freedom to use a plant-based protein or a whey protein. They will all work great!
Flavor alternatives
- Omit the peanut butter and swap it for 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- Omit: peanut butter, cocoa, and melted chocolate chips. Substitute: vanilla protein powder. Use unsweetened apple sauce for the peanut butter and add a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to make apples ‘n’ cinnamon protein bar.
Want to learn more about why protein is such an important nutrient for the body? Read here for a little extra knowledge!
Disclaimer: This recipe contains nuts and may contain other allergens. Please beware of your dietary restrictions and consult your physician if you have any questions regarding any potential limitations.
