This 4-ingredient protein granola bar recipe takes just 10 minutes to make and yields thick, chewy, and satisfying bars with 20 grams of protein each!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Customizable: Easily adapt the base recipe with various flavor combinations.
- High Protein: 20 grams of protein per bar makes them perfect for any time of day.
- No-Bake: Quick and easy with a perfect chewy texture.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only 4 key ingredients, each customizable.
Ingredients
- Rolled Oats: Also known as old-fashioned oats, they provide a chewy texture.
- Protein Powder: Vanilla or unflavored is preferred. Vanilla brown rice protein powder adds extra sweetness.
- Peanut Butter (or Alternative): Smooth and creamy, no added sugar. Choose no-salt peanut butter if your protein powder is high in sodium.
- Honey or Brown Rice Syrup: These sticky sweeteners bind the bars best.
- Chocolate Chips: Optional, but always a good idea!
How to Make Protein Granola Bars
- Prep: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
- Combine Dry: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats and protein powder.
- Combine Wet: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter and honey. Whisk until smooth.
- Mix: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and combine. Stir in chocolate chips (if using).
- Shape & Chill: Transfer the mixture to the pan and press until smooth. Refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing.
Recipe Tips
- Parchment Paper Overhang: Makes removing the bars from the pan easier.
- Nut Butter Swap: Use almond butter, cashew butter, or protein cookie butter.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini.
- Adjust Consistency: If the bars are too dry, add a splash of almond milk.
- Slice Smart: Use a warm, sharp knife for clean cuts.
- Protein Granola Base: Substitute rolled oats with an equal amount of protein granola.
Flavor Variations
- Dark Chocolate: Dip the bars in melted dark chocolate.
- Coconut Chocolate Chip: Add shredded coconut flakes and mini chocolate chips.
- Monster Cookie: Add mini M&Ms along with the chocolate chips.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle with vegan caramel and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cherry Almond: Add dried cherries and chopped almonds. Use almond butter for a more intense almond flavor.
- Cinnamon Raisin: Add cinnamon and raisins.
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Add white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep refrigerated, covered, for up to 4 weeks.
- Freeze: Individually wrap bars and store in a freezer bag for up to 6 months.
Protein Granola Bars (4 Ingredients!)
These protein granola bars are a thick, chewy, and satisfying no bake snack that packs in over 20 grams of protein! Made with just 4 ingredients, they are naturally sweetened and easily customizable!
Duration:
Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup protein powder * See notes
- 1 cup peanut butter smooth and creamy ** See notes
- 1/2 cup honey or brown rice syrup *** See notes
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
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Line an 8 x 8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine your rolled oats and protein powder and mix well. In a microwave safe bowl, add your peanut butter and honey and microwave in 20-second spurts until the peanut butter has softened. Whisk together until smooth and thick.
-
Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. If using chocolate chips, fold them through at the end.
-
Transfer the mixture into the lined pan and press down on top until smooth. Refrigerate the bars for at least an hour to firm up. Once firm, slice into 16 bars.
Notes
If your mixture is too thick, add a few tablespoons of water to loosen it.
* Vanilla or plain flavored protein powder. Brown rice protein powder, casein protein powder, and some whey protein powder blends are preferred.
** Almond butter or a nut-free alternative will also work.
*** You can use maple syrup but it won’t be held together as well.
TO STORE: High protein granola bars are best stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 weeks.
TO FREEZE: Place individually wrapped bars in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 147cal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 234mg | Fiber: 3g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg | NET CARBS: 11g