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These homemade oatmeal protein bars pack 8 grams of natural protein per serving without any protein powder or added sugar! Made with just 6 simple ingredients, they’re the perfect healthy snack that takes minutes to make and stores for weeks.
Confession: my weakness when it comes to packaged foods is my favorite protein bars. But after reading the ingredients list one day, I decided it was finally time for a homemade version of them! After many recipe tests this what I came up with, and I’m obsessed.
These homemade oatmeal protein bars have ~8 grams of protein per serving with no protein powder. The protein comes naturally from almond flour and roasted peanuts, and Medjool dates add sweetness. I love that the bars taste like oatmeal cookies but pack actual nutritional value. Alex and I try to make a batch as healthy snacks every week—even the kids ask for these instead of store-bought granola bars!
5 star reader review
“One word: YUMMMM. Ok these are really great. I’ll definitely make these often. And they’re HEFTY, super filling and provide energy for a decent chunk of time. 10/10 amazing! -Tanvee
Simple ingredients that pack a punch
For this recipe, I tried to create a copycat version of my favorite bars that was healthier and didn’t have chocolate chips. Because to be honest, a pet peeve of mine is that so many protein bars are loaded with chocolate chips when I just want something that’s not sugar-loaded for a snack. (Because I want to eat my chocolate for dessert as a dark chocolate bar!)
So after some tinkering, I found a way to recreate my favorite energy bar at home. You only need six ingredients:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats form the base of these bars. They also contribute fiber and complex carbohydrates.
- Almond flour is one of my secret weapons for adding protein without using powder.
- Roasted peanuts add the bulk of the protein and create a nice nutty flavor (similar to my store-bought bars). I like using roasted peanuts for the best flavor; salted or unsalted peanuts work similarly.
- Medjool dates are nature’s candy and the only sweetener in this recipe. These have the perfect soft, sticky texture that binds everything together: do not use any other type of date! Deglet noor do not work. Make sure your dates are fresh and pliable – if they’re dried out, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
- Vanilla extract and salt might seem minor, but they’re essential for flavor!
My tips for perfect protein bars
I’ve made these bars countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference:
- Check your dates before starting. Fresh Medjool dates should be soft and sticky. If yours are dried out, soak in warm water for 10 minutes and drain before using. This ensures they’ll blend smoothly and bind the mixture properly.
- When you’re food processing the dough, the mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be wet or sticky. The water amount in the recipe can vary depending on how moist your dates are. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more gradually if needed.
- Use a small glass or measuring cup to press and roll the mixture in the pan. This creates a smooth, even layer that cuts cleanly into bars.
A note on batch size
This recipe makes 8 square bars in a 9″ loaf pan. If you’d like to double the recipe, you can make a double recipe in a 9 x 9″ square pan.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Store these oatmeal protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. (Of course, they rarely last that long in my house!)
For meal prep, it’s easy to make a double batch. You can also freeze these bars for up to 3 months. I wrap them individually in parchment paper, then store in a freezer bag. They thaw quickly at room temperature, or you can eat them straight from the freezer for a firmer texture.
More homemade snack recipes to try
These oatmeal protein bars are the perfect easy snack idea! If you enjoy this idea, you’ll definitely want to try my peanut butter oatmeal balls or no bake energy bites for when you want something quick and fun. My oatmeal bars are another family favorite, and my homemade granola bars offer similar convenience with different flavors.
For handheld breakfasts, my magic breakfast cookies also work well for snacking. And if you’re looking for more ways to use Medjool dates, I have 15 easy Medjool date recipes that showcase this incredible natural sweetener.
Dietary notes
These oatmeal protein bars are vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Oatmeal Protein Bars
These homemade oatmeal protein bars pack 8 grams of natural protein per serving without any protein powder or added sugar! Made with just 6 simple ingredients, they’re the perfect healthy snack that takes minutes to make and stores for weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Raw
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup Old Fashioned rolled oats (see Notes)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup roasted peanuts (or roasted salted)
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a food processor, add 2 tablespoons water, and blend until the mixture comes together into a dough that sticks together when you squeeze it. You may need to add 1 to 2 more tablespoons of water depending on the texture of your dates to get the dough to hold together.
- Line a 9″ loaf pan with parchment paper extending across both sides. Press the mixture into the pan and pack it down with your fingers (I like to use a small glass to roll over the top). Refrigerate at least 30 minutes, then cut into 8 square bars. Bars store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
This recipe makes 8 square bars in a 9″ loaf pan. If you’d like to double the recipe, you can make a double recipe in a 9 x 9″ square pan.
Medjool dates are nature’s candy and the only sweetener in this recipe. These have the perfect soft, sticky texture that binds everything together: do not try this recipe with any other type of date! Deglet noor and others do not work. Make sure your dates are fresh and pliable – if they’re dried out, soak in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
I’ll be making these in a few days. What are your thoughts on using 2/3 cup ground peanut butter (100% peanuts, not the creamy type of peanut butter) instead of roasted peanuts?
Thanks.
I think peanut butter would probably work! I was originally going to use peanut butter but I didn’t want to use all of our nice peanut butter up (it is kind of expensive ha!). Our peanut butter recipe made in the food processor indicates 2 cups peanuts makes 1 cup PB, so I think approximately 1/2 cup PB would work — or 2/3 as you say! Let me know if it works!
These bars are really good. Mine weren’t square like your picture. I cut mine in smaller sizes. I like the peanut butter flavor.
One word: YUMMMM. Ok these are really great. Worth the labor, and even then, they didn’t take that long at all. I’ll definitely make these often. And they’re HEFTY, super filling and provide energy for a decent chunk of time. And I imagine we can customize these? Almonds, cashews, different butters, some cranberries? I love them as is though.
If one were so inclined, they could drizzle with or dunk in chocolate for a decadent energy bar. 10/10 amazing!
Yay SO glad you loved these!!! Thank you so much for trying them!
I don’t tend to buy peanuts. What do you think of skinning & slicing almonds & roasting them instead? The recipe looks interesting & I love your detailed notes.😍
You could definitely use almonds here — you would need to skim them either! You can use them as is. Let me know what you think!!!
Hi
Have you used other nuts for this recipe? We cannot eat peanuts.
Thanks,Jan
Absolutely! Cashews would be a great bet, but almonds and walnuts work too!