How to make protein bars at home in 5 delicious flavors – with NO baking required!
Easy Homemade Protein Bars
Oil Free
Gluten Free
Vegan Options
Just FOUR ingredients!
If you’re still buying protein bars at the store, this quick and simple vegan protein bar recipe might completely change your life…
You’ll honestly never need to buy another packaged protein bar ever again!
Also try these Overnight Oats – 15 Recipes
Reasons To Make Your Own Protein Bars
– The best reason to make your own? YOU get full control of what protein bar ingredients to include.
Even if you use real sugar (no erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit), each bar has under 3 grams of sugar, with 12 grams of protein!
– The flavor possibilities are endless, and you can choose to make them soy free, dairy free, keto, paleo, low carb, nut free, or sugar free to fit your own personal dietary requirements.
– It’s both much cheaper and more environmentally-friendly to make your own protein bar recipe at home. Think of all the wrappers you’ll save.
Many so-called healthy protein bars on the market, even ones you can find at a health food store, are filled with processed ingredients such as corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, sucralose, sugar alcohols, GMO soy isolate, and so much added sugar and oil that it’s hard to believe they could possibly pass for a health food.
With this recipe, you get an entire pan of homemade protein bars for not much more than you would’ve paid for just one bar at Whole Foods.
Trending right now: Frappuccino Recipe – Add protein powder for a protein shake
Protein Bar Flavors
Chocolate Protein Bars: Replace 2 tbsp of the protein powder with cocoa powder. Stir a handful of mini chocolate chips into the dough. You can also use a chocolate flavored nut butter if desired.
Peanut Butter Protein Bars Recipe: Use peanut butter in the base recipe below. Feel free to dip in chocolate like I did, for a protein bar that tastes like a Reeses peanut butter cup!
Banana Bread Bars: Omit the maple syrup and use 1/4 cup overripe mashed banana instead. Add a pinch of cinnamon and frost with melted coconut butter if you wish.
Cookie Dough Protein Bar Recipe: Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter, and add 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract and 1/8 tsp baking soda (this gives it a cookie dough flavor). I especially like to use cashew butter in this version.
Protein Bars Without Protein Powder: Use the base recipe below, with 1 cup oat flour in place of the 3/4 cup protein powder, and increase the sweetener to 1/3 cup. Even a small oatmeal protein bar (1/16th of the total recipe) made with peanut butter will still have 7 grams of protein.
Do you have a favorite protein bar flavor?
Other versions for this recipe that I haven’t yet tried include cinnamon roll, cake batter, lemon cookie, fudge brownie, caramel, peppermint, pumpkin pie, cookies’n cream, coffee, vanilla, maple, s’more’s, blueberry, white chocolate, Nutella, and coconut.
You may also like: Keto Brownies – No Flour
What Kind Of Protein Powder?
At the grocery store, you can find bars made from all sorts of different protein powders, such as brown rice protein, pea protein, whey protein, pumpkin seed, egg whites, hemp protein, collagen, casein, and soy protein.
Popular brands include Perfect Bars, Clif Bars, Luna Bars, RXBAR, Quest Bars, Kind, Think, Pure, One, Gatorade protein bars… the list goes on and on.
In this recipe, I’ve found that unsweetened protein powder is best, because the bars are sweet enough on their own without adding extra sugar or artificial sweeteners from the powder.
However, if you have a specific brand of flavored protein powder that you love, feel free to experiment (possibly cutting back on the sweetener in the recipe?), and let me know how it goes if you do!
Depending on the type of protein powder you choose, each of the bars in this healthy protein bar recipe will have around 10-12 grams of protein, or over 20 grams of protein if you make them into larger (60-gram) bars.
Leftover peanut butter? Make Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
The Best Protein Bar Recipe
People eat protein bars for a variety of different reasons including muscle gain, weight loss, as a post workout portable snack or meal replacement, to curb hunger or help them feel full longer, as an easy way to add protein to their diet, or simply because they like the taste.
When I became a vegetarian in high school, I initially relied on energy bars as a convenient way to replace protein from meat.
Recently, I’ve started to make my own because I prefer bars made with sugar over erythritol or monk fruit and have been seeing fewer of those options available (or some that are available taste too sweet).
The best part about making your own protein bars is that you get to choose every single ingredient – Try one of the flavors above, or throw a handful of shredded coconut, chia seeds, or chopped dark chocolate into the dough to make your own custom flavor!
Above – watch the video how to make protein bars!
Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup peanut butter, or allergy-friendly sub
- 3/4 cup unsweetened protein powder of choice (90g)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave (or try these Keto Protein Bars)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 oz melted chocolate chips, optional
- See earlier in this post for five protein bar flavor ideas
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients except optional chips to form a dough. Either shape into bars with your hands or smooth into a lined 8×8 pan, refrigerate until chilled, then cut into bars. For the optional chocolate coating, spread the melted chocolate over the pan before chilling. (I usually stir 2 tsp oil into the melted chocolate for a smoother sauce, but it's not required.) Or you can dip the bars into the chocolate sauce individually and then chill to set. View Nutrition Facts
Notes
Have you made this recipe?
Tag @chocolatecoveredkatie on Instagram
More High Protein Recipes
Flourless Protein Blender Muffins
Rose Keller says
Hi Katie!
Can you tell me why you prefer teal sugar over erithytol or monk fruit? I’ve been wanting to do research on this and I’d love your input!
Thanks in advance!
Jason Sanford says
It’s mostly just a personal taste preference for Katie. She doesn’t mind the extra calories so would rather have sugar if she’s making something just for herself 🙂
Jason (media relations)
Leah says
What is the exact protein powder you recommend using for this recipe?
Jason Sanford says
Katie’s personal favorite if making the bars for herself is unsweetened hemp protein powder (https://amzn.to/2XKD4sH). But hemp is one of those “you love it or you hate it” flavors, so keep that in mind if you don’t like hemp-based products in general.
Eliza says
Os it possible to use Almond flour or Coco flour instead of oat flour if not using protein? What should be the quantity then? Also 1 cup?
Thanks!
Connie says
Thank you for sharing the protein powder info and for the recipe!
Deb says
I made this with my Lady Boss Lean protein powder and it turned out amazing! Thank you for the recipe.
Nina says
I love this recipe. Thank you.
Melissa R Taylor says
I say thanks for all these delicious recipes 😍
mary says
Thank you for the recipie! At least now I can make my own wo having a chocolate covering on every bar! What is a good nut butter that has a mild taste?
Mary
Jason Sanford says
Almond butter, cashew butter, pecan butter if you can find it, or even coconut butter (it’s not very coconutty, Katie says it tastes more like shortbread).
Gina says
Just made these, they look great! Can’t wait to try them once they are set. Does the nutrition info include the chocolate coating?
Melissa R Taylor says
The peanut butter bars are so creamy and deliciousI’d say nothing else tasted anything like that in my life so delicious try them ♥️
Helen Green says
These are a great idea. I made these simple with peanut butter, pumpkin spice mix, stevia and minimal cocoa butter (to ensure they set), then made small balls and rolled them in hemp for extra protein. Delish!!
CCK Media Team says
That sounds so good!
Adalyn says
This is the second time I’m making it because I ate the last piece. I Followed the recipe using almond butter and it turned out great. I sprayed pan with cooking spray the first time and am using the parchment paper this time around. The first time, I couldn’t cut “pretty” pieces so hopefully I’ll be able to make cleaner cuts the second time around. Great recipe! Thanks for sharing.
Renee Lienhard says
Thanks for sharing you used almond butter. I was wondering if the recipe would work with the same amount of almond butter.
Lucas lehrer says
Do you have to refrigerate these?
Annabelle says
Are these freezible?? And if not, how long do they store for? Thank yoh!
Adalyn says
I’ve made this recipe many times. I like the pan with wax paper so its easy to remove and cut into pieces. I add MCT oil to the melted chocolate. Adding a little oil to the chocolate makes the bars more appealing as it creates a “glossy” appearance.
Kirby says
OMG, I just made these to take on my long bike rides (I’m a cyclist) and wow. Just WOW. Feel like this is the protein bar I’ve been searching for but never found! I use Garden of Life Sport protein and mixed chocolate and vanilla flavors. Did the melted chocolate on top and then threw on some coconut flakes, sea salt, and almonds for some texture. These will be a staple in my meal prep for SURE.
Eloal says
Hi there
Thanks for the recipe.
Can I use Splenda instead of Honey?
Thanks
Meagan says
Hi there! I am wanting to make a variety of flavors for these protein bars but am a little confused by the base ingredient list! Am I to take out certain ingredients for each different recipe? For example, if I’m wanting to make the cookie dough, do I remove the maple syrup and the peanut butter?
Carlie says
Would love to see an answer to this question!
Ashlee says
How do I substitute Stevia in this recipe? Is it 1-1 with maple syrup?
Jordana says
How long do you refrigerate these for before eating?
April Snow says
I would like to know this as well so I can plan when I’ll have time to make them.
Judy Lee says
Hi can I know the total calories per bar? Love the recipe and it looks super fast and simple.
CCK Media Team says
Hi! There are nutrition facts for each of Katie’s recipes under the ingredients/instructions for that recipe 🙂
Laura says
I’m so confused it says low calorie but when I made them it says about 247 calories per par …? This includes the chocolate though ?
Emily says
I just want everyone to know. These are awesome. They come together quick. They’re versatile. They are tasty. They’re part of my regular meal prep. And on the occasion I don’t make these, I’m sad about it. Lol. They even satisfy my sweet tooth. Ive used almond butter. I’ve added pretzels. Different protien powders, although my favorite is cinnamon cookie batter from 1stphorm. You need these.
Daisy says
I cant seem to get the peanut butter mixture to firm up. Did I do something wrong? Is there anything I could add to help it stay firm?
They taste amazing! Mine just ended up being quite messy
Abi says
Shame you haven’t put the nutrtional info on here?
CCK Media Team says
Hi Abi, there are full nutrition facts for all of Katie’s recipes linked in the recipe box for each recipe.
J says
Hi there! How long will these bars keep in the refrigerator? Can they be frozen for large batch meal prep purposes?
Selia says
What can I substitute the peanut butter for? And what’s the texture like?
This recipe definitely seems like a winner! I love chewy protein bars and have been looking for a good recipe, I’ll try this one soon! 🌻
Kallie says
I have tried a million protein bar recipes, and this is hands down the best and easiest recipe I’ve tried. So far, I have made them three times with different protein powder each time and it ALWAYS works out PERFECTLY no matter what ingredients I use!
LC says
Easy! Fast recipe. Tasty bars. I used chocolate flavoured whey protein powder so only did about a teaspoon of sugar free maple syrup to wet the mixture. They turned out great!
Mohammed says
HI about that protein bar you used in cashew and hamb seed and flex seed can you Pleas till me how much in grams or cubs and how much calories in the one bar and thank you
Drew Brabham says
tried these and they are super easy to make and taste better than reesie peanut butter cups!!
Gayle Dodge says
Hi Katie,
You mentioned that these protein bars could be made in different flavors, but you hadn’t tried some of the flavors yet. I wanted to try making a coffee flavored one. Can you tell me how to make those.
Thank you for your help.
Cheryl Dennis says
I have yet to try these but was curious if I could use maple syrup for the sugar? Thank you!
CCK Media Team says
Hi! We are confused because this recipe already calls for maple syrup 🙂
Risa says
These protein bars taste like luna bars! SO good!
Hallie says
Fantastic easy recipe. I used to eat Quest bars but am not a fan of splenda so was looking for an alternative and this healthy option fit the bill!
Bessie Henrity says
I used your homemade nutella recipe to make nutella chocolate protein bars and oh wow they are good!
Aleks says
Hi! Can the liquid sweetener (agave) be replaced in this recipe by sugar or non-calorific sweetener?
CCK Media Team says
Hi! This similar recipe can be made with regular sugar or a sugar free sweetener: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/keto-protein-bars/
Holly says
The protein bars were delicious, thank you for this recipe.
Peach says
I made chocolate protein bars and banana protein bars. Next time will try other flavors too. Loving the recipe.
Talia says
I’ve made these twice & they are frickin’ incredible! The only change I made was using the entire 500g jar of Fatso peanut or nut butter, rather than 1 1/2 cups, and added 3 tbsp of hemp hearts; the additions did increase the calorie count to 260. But omg!! I never knew protein bars could taste so darn good! They are now our go-to snack of choice!
Laura says
I made these bars . . .delicious and easy.
I individually wrapped them and put in refrigerator. How long will they last?
TY!
CCK Media Team says
Thank you so much for trying the recipe. They should last at least a week or two if they’re wrapped up. We have never had them around longer than that!
Tina says
Can I leave these bars on counter at room temperature or do they have to be refrigerated?
CCK Media Team says
If you use non-refrigerated peanut butter it is fine to store leftovers in a covered container on the counter. We usually use natural peanut butter so will refrigerate for freshness and so the chocolate (if we add chocolate) doesn’t melt 🙂
Becky says
Can this recipe be made into a chocolate covered, soy nut butter egg? I would love a healthier version to make for Easter
CCK Media Team says
Hi! Maybe something like this? https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/copycat-recipe-reeses-peanut-butter-eggs/
Karen says
I used a peanut butter and cocoa spread mixed with maple syrup and sprouted
brown rice, amaranth, quinoa, millet and pumpkin seed protein. It’s delicious!
Thanks Katie!
CCK Media Team says
Thank you so much for trying them!
Caitlin says
I’m very confused. I worked out with all of my ingredients the calories in each bar depending on if I cut 8 and the calories are nowhere near what the nutritional information says it is. The main culprit is the peanut butter and unless you are using powdered PB, there is no way to get a reasonable amount of calories. I’m using plant protein, which is lower calorie than most and sugar free dark chocolate in these calculations. Something is off.
Kianj says
The nutritional value is based on it being cut into 16 pieces.
Shirley says
I would love to make these work so I can stop buying Builder Bars for my grandson.
Sebastian says
This is great. I think I also start making protein bars myself rather than buying them.
Theresa says
has anyone tried this using dates as the sweetener?
Ashwini says
I will definitely try this thank you!
Patricia says
Hello could someone please tell me the approx measurement of each bar when they are ready to be cut? Thank you
Sylvia says
This might be the best thing I’ve found on the internet this year. Easy, healthy, protein packed, vegan. What more could you want? Most importantly? Made them today and they taste great!
Tina says
After several hours in the refrigerator mine are still the consistency of brownie batter. I used natural peanut butter and a chocolate protein powder that is already sweet, so I didn’t use any maple syrup or add the melted chocolate chips to the top. I don’t see how that could make it less firm. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance!
Jan Rottier says
Hi, I haven’t made these yet but could I add oatmeal to this recipe?
Thank you
Jessie says
I’m nobody, just a passerby on the internet, but I think I can probably answer that for you. Yes, but treat it like overnight oatmeal and give the moisture from everything time to “cook” the oats. You might want to add a little extra peanut butter too, because the oats will absorb some of that oil and leave you with very crumbly bars. Can’t say for sure that would work, but I’m fairly experienced with making protein bars, and that’s what I would do. Sticking to Katie’s measurements above, I wouldn’t add more than a half cup of oats, maybe a 3/4 cup, but for sure no more than that.
Denise says
These are the most amazing treats in the world. I’ve had some extensive dental surgery this summer, and these have literally kept me going – easy to make, easy to eat, and easy to love. This is my go-to recipe every Sunday as I prepare lunches for the upcoming work week! Thank you, Kate!
Jen says
Love these! So easy to make
Theresa says
Thank you Katie! I needed a protein bar for my teens to quickly gobble down before they run out the door for sports (they have 15 minutes to change into sports gear and eat a quick snack, from the time they arrive home from school and the time we need to head out to crew). This saved the day! We made a trial batch today, and they LOVED it.
We used Naked Vanilla Whey Protein and made your Reeces PB version. Both kids were shocked, “This is a protein snack?” Thank you Katie for helping me feed my kids a healthier option.
Maven says
These protein bars were delicious!
Che says
Why is my protein bars so soft? Do i need to put it in freezer?
Laura says
Mine were super soft as well – I put them in the freezer and they’re better for sure.
Lauren says
Love love the taste, but how the heck did you get 16 servings? Yours look so thick and I had to spread mine out so thin just to get 10 bars!!! What did I do wrong???? I don’t want them to be a million calories lol but I want a thick “protein” bar!!!!
Rachel Harmon says
How long do these keep?
Jessie says
Katie, you’ve done it again! My preschooler is going through a stage where she barely eats anything, and only has a small handful of things she’ll eat. Now her little brother is picking up on her habits, so I’ve been trying to go stealthy healthy, and your recipes always deliver. But man, this one was a hit. My daughter took one bite and asked, “Can I lick the fork when I’m done?”
Shauna says
Delicious!! Kinda like a Reese’s PB cup! I only had chocolate protein powder so used that and omitted the maple syrup. It definitely didn’t harden up like a bar. So have to eat with a spoon!
philip keith says
Been making these for a while now, better tasting than the store bars, i find keeping in the freezer best.
Going to add banana today
DD20 says
Perfect recipe! My family devours them.
Rob says
Amazing recipe! Thank you, these taste better than any protein bar I’ve ever bought. Just one question, I know the nutritional facts are posted, but can you tell us what the serving size is? Perhaps in grams? I know the recipe says it makes 10-16 bars, but wanted to get an exact serving size if possible! THANK YOU!
Rob says
Amazing recipe! Thank you, these taste better than any protein bar I’ve ever bought. Just one question, I know the nutritional facts are posted, but can you tell us what the serving size is? Perhaps in grams? I know the recipe says it makes 10-16 bars, but wanted to get an exact serving size if possible
CCK Media Team says
Thank you so much for making them! We have never measured the finished bars in grams, but I guess you could just add all the gram amounts of all the ingredients you use and then divide by the number of bars you want to make 🙂