Protein Ball Bars: Easy 10-Minute DIY Healthy Snack on the Go Recipe
These Protein Ball Bars are an easy, no-bake snack perfect for a healthy on-the-go treat, combining oats, protein powder, nut butter, and optional mix-ins for a customizable energy boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (180g)
- 1 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder (120g)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (125g) (or almond/cashew/sunflower seed butter)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (100ml)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (20g)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (40g) (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (35g) (or chopped dried apricots)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (14g)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Toppings: drizzle of melted dark chocolate, chopped nuts, or unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease if not using parchment.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, sea salt, and chocolate chips or dried fruit. For softer bars, pulse oats in a food processor for 5 seconds.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, gently heat nut butter and honey (about 20 seconds). Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until evenly combined and no dry pockets remain. If mixture is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy).
- Press into Pan: Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into all corners using a spatula or clean hands. For a flat surface, place a second piece of parchment on top and press with a glass.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle on your choice of toppings (nuts, seeds, coconut) and gently press them in. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Chill Bars: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice. For faster chilling, freeze for 30 minutes.
- Cut Bars: Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 10 even bars with a sharp knife, wiping blade between cuts.
- Store Bars: Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Stack with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Notes
- For softer bars, pulse oats in a food processor for 5 seconds.
- If mixture is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy).
- For faster chilling, freeze bars for 30 minutes instead of refrigerating 1 hour.
- Store bars stacked with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.