These super healthy protein bars taste like a chewy no-bake oatmeal cookie, covered in smooth dark chocolate!
If you’re looking for a new favorite protein bar recipe, this could be the one.
With just 6 ingredients, the oatmeal bars are easy to make at home, and they give you endless flavor options for customization.
Chocolate brownie? Mocha coconut? Peanut butter cookie dough? Almond butter chocolate chip? Have fun turning this base protein bar recipe into any flavor you wish!
Also try these Overnight Oats – 15 recipes
To make the bars, simply stir all of the ingredients except the chocolate together in a mixing bowl.
Transfer to an 8-inch pan that’s been lined with parchment paper or wax paper, then place a second sheet of the paper on top to spread the mixture into the pan until it evenly fits into the bottom of the pan.
Melt the chocolate, either in the microwave or on the stove. (If you’ve never melted chocolate before, it’s a good idea to google how to melt chocolate so it doesn’t burn.)
I like to stir in 2-3 teaspoons of oil (such as sunflower, vegetable, or coconut) for a much smoother sauce that is easier to coat the bars, but this is not required.
Either spread the melted chocolate on top of the pan and refrigerate or freeze until the oatmeal mixture is firm, then cut into bars, OR freeze the filled pan before adding the chocolate topping, cut into bars once firm, and then dip each bar into the chocolate and chill until the coating is set.
Trending Now: Chia Pudding Recipe
Feel free to use your favorite protein powder or try the recipe out a few times with different protein powders to see which one you like best.
The bars can be made with peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower butter, coconut butter, or even regular butter or a vegan butter spread for a nut free protein bar.
The bars were inspired by this Protein Bar Recipe.
Chocolate Oatmeal Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup quick or rolled oats (for low carb, try these Keto Protein Bars)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter, peanut butter, or allergy friendly sub
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave
- 2/3 cup protein powder of choice – have fun with different flavors (70g)
- 4 oz melted chocolate chips or bars
Instructions
- Stir first 5 ingredients well. Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch pan lined with parchment or wax paper. Place a second sheet of paper on top and use it to smush down and spread the mixture until it fills the bottom of the pan evenly. Carefully melt the chocolate. (I like to stir 2-3 tsp oil into the melted chocolate for a smoother sauce that's easier to coat, but it's not required.) You can either spread the melted chocolate on top of the pan, refrigerate or freeze until firm, then cut into bars OR freeze the pan before adding chocolate, cut into bars once firm, then dip each bar in the coating and chill to set. View Nutrition Bars
Notes
Have you made this recipe?
Tag @chocolatecoveredkatie on Instagram
More No Bake Chocolate Treats
Audrey says
I would love to try! Just to know: is the chocolate coating 100% necessary so that the bars hold together? (I am always in for more chocolate, but I am considering making these for the whole family before a car trip, and don’t want to clean melted chocolate fingerprints all over the car afterwards 🙂 ) I solemnly promise I would compensate by adding crushed 100% cacao chocolate chips or cocoa butter chips to the batter mix!
CCK Media Team says
It’s not 🙂
Here’s the recipe without chocolate (it’s from back in 2014 🙂 https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/protein-granola-bars/)
Danielle says
Is there a sub for the protein powder? I assume it needs something powdery for the right consistency but I don’t like using protein powder. It’s ok for me if it lowers the protein content. Thx!
CCK Media Team says
We haven’t ever tried, but you can definitely experiment with something like oat flour. Or make one of these instead:
https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/no-bake-bars-chocolate-oatmeal/
https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/chocolate-oatmeal-fudge-bars/
RLtk says
OMG! These bars were as good as if I was eating a chocolate candy bar. I used almond butter, as one family member is allergic to PB and I used 60% chocolate chips for the chocolate topping. Definitely satisfied my chocolate craving.
CCK Media Team says
Thank you so much for trying them!
Anoud says
Just tried this with chunky peanut butter and semi sweet chocolate chips tastes just like a snickers bar! Only healthier of course 😄
Spring says
Delicious! A 1”x1” slice came to 53 calories. (Batch made 42). I used Naked brand unflavored plain whey powder and they were plenty sweet with just the honey called for in the recipe. Just dumped chocolate chips in the batter rather than dipping. Next time will get better quality chips. A great and inexpensive substitute for an expensive chocolate peanut butter honey protein bar I’m a fan o. Tastes just like theirs.
Kat Richman says
These are fantastic! Super easy and totally yummy! I used Vega orange-ginger protein powder and added a little pumpkin pie spice. I microwaved the honey and peanut butter a bit to make it easier to stir in with the oats and protein powder. …I was also in a rush so instead of coating with chocolate, I squished in chocolate chips on top before freezing. I like it with an added sprinkle of salt on top too ;). These will be a new go to after school snack for sure! Thank you Katie!!
Sam says
Hello, please….
How long does it keep in the fridge?
I want to make this recipe in bulk for meal prep.
CCK Media Team says
Hi, these are fine to leave for a few weeks in the fridge.