No-bake peanut butter oatmeal protein bars recipe

As an alternative to expensive and sugar-filled granola bars, I prefer to make my own high protein bars. Here’s the one I take to work every day as a healthy, energizing, and filling snack to keep me going between teaching exercise classes. As a big plus, it’s quick and easy to make and it’s gluten free.

I’ve included a few options in this recipe. You can make them with or without added sweetener (personally, I don’t add any because lately I’ve cut back on that). You can make them with regular or dark chocolate chips for a yummy treat. Or instead of chocolate chips you could use raisins and cinnamon – that’s currently the way I usually make it. Also, I love using crunchy peanut butter in this recipe.

Give it a try and let me know how you like it.

No-bake peanut butter oatmeal protein bars recipe by Michelle Rogers

Ingredients 

• 2 cups quick oats
• 2 Tbsp flaxseed meal
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 4 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter 
• OPTIONAL: 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp dark chocolate chips (OR 1/4 c raisins & 1 tsp cinnamon)
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions 

1. Use a mixer to beat ingredients until well combined and it forms a thick dough.
2. Don’t over wet it, it should be thick. But if the mixture seems too dry, add a small amount of water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Press the mixture firmly into an 8×8 inch pan lined with wax paper.
4. Refrigerate for at least one hour (or freeze for quicker setting).
5. Once set, cut into squares.
6. Wrap individually or put in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Makes 9 squares. Each approximately 200 calories, 13 g protein, 17 g carbs, 10 g fat, 5 g fiber. (With raisins, natural peanut butter, and no honey or syrup added).

©Michelle Rogers, Inc.