Soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened—these homemade protein-packed granola bars are made with just 4 ingredients and come together in minutes!
🥄 Recipe Card
Servings: 8 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Dietary Tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free (if using certified GF oats)
✅ Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- ½ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 30g, ~7g protein per bar)
Optional add-ins: mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, chia seeds, flaxseed, shredded coconut
🔪 Instructions
- Mix base: In a large bowl, combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave 30 seconds until warm and easy to stir.
- Add oats + protein powder: Stir until fully coated and sticky. Fold in any extras if desired.
- Shape into bars: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment. Press mixture firmly and evenly into the pan (use the back of a spoon to smooth).
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Cut & serve: Slice into 8 bars. Store in fridge for best texture.
💡 Quick Notes
- Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices after chilling.
- Press mixture down firmly—this helps the bars hold their shape.
- If using chocolate chips, fold them in after the peanut butter/honey mixture cools slightly so they don’t melt.
✨ Introduction
Store-bought granola bars are often full of sugar, oils, and fillers. These Healthy Homemade Granola Bars are the opposite: minimal ingredients, no baking required, and packed with protein to keep you full. Perfect for meal prep, school snacks, or a quick post-workout bite.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Warm peanut butter + honey.
Step 2: Mix in oats + protein powder.
Step 3: Press into a pan.
Step 4: Chill, slice, enjoy!
🧀 Ingredient Substitutions
- Nut Butter: Almond or cashew butter works just as well.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan.
- Protein Powder: Any flavor you like—chocolate, vanilla, or unflavored.
- Oats: Quick oats give softer bars; rolled oats = chewier.
🍴 Variations & Serving Ideas
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over chilled bars.
- Trail Mix Bars: Add nuts, seeds, and dried cranberries.
- Coconut Crunch: Stir in shredded coconut + a sprinkle of sea salt.
Serving Idea: Pair with Greek yogurt and fruit for a balanced breakfast.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per bar, approx.)
Calories: 210 | Protein: 7g | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 10g
Allergens: Nuts, dairy (depending on protein powder).
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make these without protein powder?
A: Yes—just add ¼ cup extra oats.
Q: Can I bake them instead of chilling?
A: These are no-bake, but baking at 325°F for 12–15 min makes them firmer and toasty.
Q: How do I make them less sticky?
A: Add more oats or chill longer.
💭 Personal Note
These bars are a lifesaver when I need a quick snack before heading out the door. They take only 15 minutes to prep and taste so much better than packaged ones. Plus, I love switching up the add-ins depending on what’s in my pantry.
