These homemade protein bars are made with wholesome ingredients and naturally sweetened- they need just 4 ingredients! Packed with over 21 grams of protein and no baking required.
Need snack time inspiration? Here’s a protein-packed snack that is always a massive hit in our house: protein bars!
I grew up eating Pure protein bars and Quest protein bars but not anymore.
Sick and tired of forking out tons of money for store-bought ones, I opted to make my own and feel SO much better about it… and my wallet is thanking me too!
Table of Contents
Best homemade protein bars recipe
This protein bar recipe combines two of our other high protein snacks: protein balls and oatmeal energy balls. I love packing them in my bag for a quick and healthy snack between meals, and you’ll often find them in my car, too!
- Made with just 4 ingredients, they take minutes to prepare. We try to make a batch at least once a week, so we always have some on hand. However, they taste so good, they rarely last that long.
- They use wholesome ingredients, like coconut flour, and are sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup.
- Each bar packs in over 21 grams of protein.
- They are great to enjoy between meals as they always keep hunger at bay!
Homemade protein bars are simple creatures: they use pantry staple ingredients with the addition of protein powder. Here is what you’ll need:
- Protein Powder. Any protein powder works, including whey protein, casein protein, and brown rice protein.
Ingredient tip
For flavored protein bars, why not try a flavored protein powder? Chocolate, peanut butter, and cinnamon roll are all fabulous flavors.
- Coconut Flour. This helps hold the protein bars together while ensuring they have a soft and doughy texture.
- Peanut Butter. Smooth and drippy peanut butter, with no added sugar. You can also use almond butter.
- Maple Syrup. Sweetens the bars without adding refined sugar.
- Chocolate Chips. To cover the protein bars with! To keep these as plain peanut butter protein bars, you can omit the chocolate.
How to make homemade protein bars
Step 1- Mix the ingredients
Add all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until combined. Fold through the chocolate chips.
Step 2- Let the bars set
Transfer the mix into a lined pan and press down until smooth on top. Refrigerate for an hour.
Step 3- Slice
Using a slightly wet knife, slice into protein bars, then serve.
Dietary swaps and substitutions
This protein bar recipe is very forgiving and it’s easy to make them compliant to a plethora of diets out there with a few simple swaps.
- Cut the sugar. Replace the maple syrup with a sugar free maple syrup.
- Replace the coconut flour. Either oat or almond flour can be used instead. You may need to add a little extra flour to compensate for the extra moisture.
- Make them peanut-free. Almond butter or cashew butter are both great nut butters to use. You could make chocolate protein bars by using healthy Nutella.
- Make them nut-free. Tahini or sunflower seed butter have an almost identical texture to nut butter.
- Vegan and/or gluten free. Make vegan protein bars instead.
Storage instructions
To store: Homemade protein bars are best stored in the refrigerator, covered. They will keep well for up to two weeks.
To freeze: Place the bars in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
More protein bar recipes to try
Frequently Asked Questions
Homemade protein bars are great for weight management or a weight loss diet as they use wholesome and healthy ingredients and have around 150 calories.
Solely eating multiple protein bars can have negative side effects, especially if you have an intolerance to protein powder ingredients.
However, enjoying 1-2 protein bars per day as a snack can keep you satisfied and fuller for longer.
Most protein shake recipes have few carbs or fat in it, which won’t keep you as satisfied as a protein bar. Shakes are great after a workout, especially if you intend to eat a solid meal soon after.
Homemade Protein Bars (4 Ingredients!)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 3/4 cup protein powder * See notes
- 2 cups peanut butter Can sub for any nut or seed butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups chocolate chips Optional
Instructions
- Line a deep pan with parchment paper and set aside. For thicker bars, use an 8 x 8-inch pan. For thinner bars, use any size bigger.
- In a large mixing bowl, add your dry ingredients and mix well.
- In a small mixing bowl, melt your peanut butter with sticky sweetener until combined. Add to dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
- Transfer protein bar batter into the lined baking dish and press firmly in place. Refrigerate or freeze until firm. Once firm, cut into bars and cover in optional chocolate and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.
These protein bars look so delicious and just perfect as a post-workout treat in the go! Will definitely try them soon 🙂
This is my kind of protein!
Can you use powdered peanut butter or peanut flour instead of the protein flour?
I haven’t tried, but I would rather sub out the coconut flour instead of the peanut butter.
I was just asking about keto-friendly protein bars a few days ago! Will be checking out your other posts
I could totally go for these instead of a candy bar! I’m going to give them a try! Thanks.
Can ÿou substitute another sweetener for the maple syrup?
Honey works!
I can´t believe these are made with just 4 ingredients! this is a superb recipe, I´m giving this a try, I have always been a huge fan of Reese’s peanut butter cups, bravo
Thank you, Albert!
these look great! only thing is i’m allergic to coconut. yeah, i know. saddest thing ever. could i sub almond flour for the coconut?
Hi there! Sure- Just double the amount 🙂
Is the two scoops of protein powder equivalent to 2 servings? I have orgain protein and 1 serving is 2 scoops. Thanks!
A scoop should be 32-34 grams 🙂
These look delicious!! I don’t have coconut flour…can you sub whole wheat flower?
Hi, you’d be better off using almond or oat, but double or triple the amount, coconut flour is like a sponge and absorbs it all.
What flavor protein powder do you use?
I love using vanilla, as it isn’t overpowering 🙂
Hi Arman, trying to make these but my dough is still crumbly.. I used Vega protein and coconut flour. followed the recipe for everything else. Even added a bit of almond milk to make it come together. What’s happening ! *cry* *cry*
Hi, did you add the maple syrup?
What’s the weight for 1 bar? These look very interesting to me….backing down my carbs on my next hike (I have left overs from a bulk order that I don’t want to throw out) but then the hike I’m doing this summer I’d like to do keto- both for health reasons, and also probably 7-8 day carries each way. Ever used pea protein powder for these?
Hi there, I haven’t weighed them so unsure! Pea protein could work, feel free to experiment and see!
Hi, can you tell me the approx weiweWei W cups of chocolate? I had a batch of lily’s come in the mail melted and havehhavehave h them in recipes that need me but need the weight for it. Appreciated
I wasn’t sure i had enough chocolate chips that weren’t meltedm but I did! It’s 350g if anyone needs the info
Cheers, Derek!
I didn’t use any chocolate. These protein bars are Delicious, so easy to make, easy to keep in sealed container fridge or freezer and quick to thaw. Friends/family are asking for this recipe 😋
Hi you mention coconut flour but in the video you used oat flour?
Hi, the video is a different, related recipe 🙂