Healthy No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Bars
Healthy no-bake peanut butter oatmeal protein bars are packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied. Using less than ten clean ingredients, the pickiest of eaters won’t even realize these homemade protein bars are healthy!
I was never really a protein bar eater until this past year.
I’m not sure if it’s because I started working in an office full-time or what, but at the rate at which I’ve been consuming protein bars, I knew a homemade peanut butter chocolate protein bar recipe needed to happen ASAP.
I’m all about saving money, so anytime I can make something from scratch and save some cash, I’m ALL about it.
You can read my favorite money-saving tips for healthy eating in this post all about how to eat healthy on a budget.
If you’re here for the BEST homemade healthy oatmeal protein bar recipe and love peanut butter… keep reading.
These healthy no-bake peanut butter oatmeal protein bars couldn’t be easier or more delicious!
I’ve shared my go-to oatmeal breakfast recipe with you all plenty of times, and these bars are essentially the no bake protein bar version of my everyday breakfast! With some chocolate added. 🙂
Is it healthy to eat a protein bar for breakfast?
Not only are these bars delicious, but they’re packed with all the components to keep you full and satisfied no matter when you choose to eat them!
Not a fan of bars? You can easily turn this recipe into homemade protein balls instead!
Are oatmeal protein bars good for you?
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve probably heard me refer to PFFP.
PFFP stands for protein, healthy fat, fiber, and phytonutrients. It’s how I structure all of my meals and my clients’ meals!
I expand on PFFP in great detail in my E-book, Redefining Wellness.
These no-bake peanut butter oatmeal protein bars use only 8 healthy ingredients:
Each ingredient has its own special health benefits which makes these oat bars a great snack (or meal) any time of day!
Check out my favorite brands on my shop page!
- Rolled Oats (Fiber)
- Chia Seeds (Fiber)
- Flax Seeds (Fiber)
- Peanut Butter (Healthy Fat)
- Honey (Natural Sweetener)
- Coconut Oil (Healthy Fat)
- Protein Powder (Protein)
- Chocolate Chips (optional)
This recipe can easily be made into peanut butter protein balls as well. Or you can just make these crunchy peanut butter balls to have as well!
How to make them into peanut butter oatmeal protein balls:
Simply form the dough into balls and drizzle with chocolate for some delicious homemade peanut butter protein balls.
Tips for Increasing Protein in Oatmeal Protein Bars
Simply replace some of the rolled oats with more protein powder!
Start with 1/4 cup at a time to make sure the batter is firm and a consistency you like.
I’ve been packing these no-bake protein pars in my lunch-box and taking them to work for an afternoon/lunch treat!
They’re a delicious treat to round out my meals while curing my sweet tooth without causing my blood sugar levels to go soaring and make me crash later on.
How do you store oat protein bars?
These peanut butter oatmeal protein bars are also a great breakfast option for on-the-go.
They store for up to two weeks in your refrigerator, so they’re great for meal prep, too!
Basically what I’m trying to say is you NEED these protein bars in your life. And you need them SOON.
More high protein oatmeal recipes to make:
- Protein Overnight Oats
- Egg White Oatmeal – High protein! (Microwave)
- Vegan Protein Balls
- Birthday Cake Protein Bars
Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram when you make them!
PIN ME FOR LATER
FAQs
Can I make these protein bars nut free?
Yes! Simply use sunflower seed butter to make these oat bars nut free.
You can also make these nut free protein bars or these nut free granola bars.
Are oatmeal bars vegan and dairy free?
These bars are vegan when using vegan butter and maple syrup in place of butter and honey.
You will also want to use dairy free chocolate chips.
Do I have to use the chocolate coating?
Nope! The chocolate on top is optional.
You can also fold in chocolate chips instead to make chocolate chip protein bars.
What ingredients should not be in protein bars?
I always look for sugar alcohols, high fructose corn syrup, and carrageenan.
Sugar alcohols and carrageenan are likely to cause digestive issues.
Healthy No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 Cups Rolled Oats
- 2 Tbsp Flaxeed Meal
- 2 Tbsp Chia Seeds
- 1/2 Cup Protein Powder I used vanilla plant based protein powder
- 3/4 Cup Peanut Butter The all natural “drippy” kind with no oils or sugar added
- 1.5-2 Tbsp Coconut Oil Depends on your peanut butter, some are more runny than others
- 1/2 Cup honey Can add more depending on desired sweetness
Chocolate Coating
- 1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients (oats through protein powder). Set aside.
- In a medium microwave safe bowl, add peanut butter, coconut oil, and honey. Microwave for 10-15 seconds, and stir until evenly combined. Add this to dry ingredients, stir gently until mixture is evenly combined. Mixture will be thick and heavy.
- Press mixture into prepared pan, using hands to press evenly into all corners. Place pan in refrigerator for about 45 minutes to set (or 20 minutes in freezer).
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave for 10-second intervals. Once completely melted, pour chocolate on bars, spread evenly, and allow to set, about 15 minutes in your fridge.
- Store No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Bars in an airtight container in a fridge up to 2 weeks, or store in the freezer for a longer period of time. Enjoy!
Since my husband and I have started on a health kick, we have been looking for something to satisfy our sweet tooth. This recipe has saved the day! I have been making it every Sunday for months. We eat a small piece every day and it lasts us the week. The only changes I make is that I grind up the oats to make oat flour and add a sprinkle of salt on top of the chocolate. I also add in some hemp seeds. Thanks for a great recipe. We will be making this for a long time!
Absolutely my favorite protein bar recipe! My kids and I are loving these! Can you please share the nutritional info?
Super good and easy to make, with the cost of groceries skyrocketing and a teenage athlete in the home needed to find cheaper ways to get him nutrient rich food… he thought they were great!!
Thank you so much!! Really glad you and the family could enjoy them!
So great!! Very easy. Love this healthy treat!
These are so addicting! I’ve made two batches every week since I discovered this recipe. We’ve tried different batches with additions like pretzels, pepita’s, hemp seeds, sunflower kernels, chopped peanuts, and also made it with almond butter and chopped almonds. It’s been delicious every time! The changes I consistently make are using 1/4 c. honey and 1/4 c.100% maple syrup and 1 Tbsp. of ground chia seed and 1 Tbsp. of hemp seed. Everyone I have shared with wants the recipe! Love these!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Sharon! It means the world to hear you are enjoying my recipe! I love the sounds of all of those variations. Definitely want to try pretzels and hemp seeds in my next batch 🙂
I’ve been making these for a few years, healthy pandemic era snack. I am a single older man, with a need for a quick sweet that won’t raise my cholesterol and provides energy and protein. Also lends itself to altering the ingredients to one’s taste. This time I used chocolate protein power and dried cranberries. Being a cook I refuse to buy manufactured items like protein bars when I can make my own. Thanks for recipe.
I’m so glad to hear you’ve enjoyed this recipe! I always prefer homemade when possible 🙂 Thanks for the kind words and review!
Love that idea David! I’m trying that flavor combo next!
These would be great for busy morning. s
Absolutely! Love a grab and go breakfast 🙂
Where is the nutritional info like fiber, carb count, calories, etc.? maybe I missed it – really necessary to include it for those of us who are seriously watching our weight.
Hi! I don’t include the nutritional information on my recipes at this time, but there are lots of calorie calculators online and you can input the ingredients there and divide by serving size 🙂
I made this recipe. I used a bread pan instead of the 8 x 8 pan. They were good. But I would like the nutritional values for this recipe.
Amazing recipe, not really that healthy but its a great recipe for a “healthy cookie”.
Happy I came across these. I just finished Nurisystem for 3 months, and I’d like to continue to lose more weight and in my search for a high fiber healthy breakfast Google brought me to this recipe. Made it today and had one as a dessert treat, could not believe how great it tasted. Now I have breakfast + a snack for the next week.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and Guilt-free. These are the perfect solution to needing a sweet-bite. My three daughters asked that these continually be present in our fridge! Trust me – make these now!
Thank you so much for the awesome review and I’m even more glad you and your daughters loved them! I’m sure having these on hand will be super helpful to you since it sounds like you have your hands full!! Thanks again 🙂
Love this recipe. I have made some adjustments based on ingredients I have and it comes it delish every time. (Tried it with almond butter once and loved it)
It looks delicious. This is great. I will do it for sure tomorrow.
Great! Can’t wait to hear how you like them!
They are delicious, but mine sort off fell apart when cutting … Is there anything I can do against that?
Hi! I haven’t had that issue but my guess would be they didn’t get refrigerated long enough. Maybe let them cool a bit longer before cutting into them next time. Hope that helps 🙂
What are the nutritional values of these?
I’m not sure but feel free to add the ingredients into a calorie generator online if you’d like 🙂
I came up with approximately 200 calories per bar.
Hi Elizabeth,
I am new to your blog and have a question about a few substitutions. Can I swap maple syrup for the honey and can I sub part or all of the peanut butter for Tahini (simply because I have some Tahini to use up and I love the flavor!)?
Thank you!
Hi Julie! Welcome! I have only made the bars as listed, but I don’t see why those swaps wouldn’t work 🙂 Let me know how they turn out if you do give it a try. It sounds delicious!
This looks like an easy and healthy snack option. Can’t wait to try it out!
Exactly! So easy and delish. Hope you enjoy!
These sound amazing !! I’ll be definitely trying them!! Pinning the recipe too!
Yay! Thank you so much, Amy! I hope you love them 🙂