We can always get down on some homemade protein snacks. I usually make a batch at the beginning of the week for an easy snack to have on hand. These no-bake oatmeal raisin bars are a spin on a classic.
They remind me of classic chewy bars from your childhood and oatmeal raisin cookie bars, but they are better for you. These oatmeal protein bars are made with rolled oats, protein powder, cashew butter, raisins, cinnamon, and just a tablespoon of honey. No flour or baking is required! They are chewy, a little sweet, and filling.
I love adding protein powders to homemade bars, energy balls, muffins, and desserts as it’s a great way to balance out the macros. Most people could use a little more protein in their diets and I find protein powder is an easy way to do it!
On top of that, making protein bars at home is much better than store-bought versions. You have exact control over the ingredients and they are much cheaper!
Why we love these oatmeal raisin bars
- no baking, mixer, or food processor is required – all you need is one bowl and a baking pan!
- simple whole food ingredients – you probably already have most of the ingredients at home.
- macro-balanced – we added protein and some healthy fats to balance out the carbs to support stable blood sugar and prevent any blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Ingredients
- rolled oats
- vanilla whey protein powder
- raisins
- cashew butter – look for cashew butter with just cashews and salt. It needs to be creamy!
- milk
- honey
- cinnamon
- salt
How to make oatmeal raisin bars
- Line an 8×8 glass baking pan (or something similar) with parchment paper. This makes for easy removal.
- Mix together ingredients. To a large bowl, add all your ingredients and stir well to combine. The batter should be sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little more oats or protein powder. If it’s too dry, add a little more milk.
- Form into bars. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place them in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up. Cut into 8 equal-sized bars.
- Enjoy!
Gluten-free oatmeal bars
Rolled oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can be one of the most cross-contaminated products. To ensure this recipe is gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free.
Can I use another protein powder?
This recipe is great because either whey protein powder or plant-based protein powder will work. You will have to adjust the recipe ever so slightly, but both outcomes are delicious.
- whey protein – use 1/2 cup protein powder (60 grams) and 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon milk. I used this whey protein.
- plant-based protein – use 1/2 cup protein powder (about 50 grams) and 1/4 cup + 3-4 tablespoons milk. I like this plant-based protein.
- collagen – I have not tried this recipe with collagen and I’m not sure it will work since collagen dissolves so easily. The protein powder helps absorb some of the liquid in the recipe.
Storage
- fridge – store in the refrigerator for up to a week in a tightly sealed container to keep the air out. If exposed to the air for too long, they will dry out some.
- freezer – freeze for up to 6 months. I suggest freezing individually and then defrosting the night before you want to eat.
Substitutions and additions
These oatmeal raisin protein bars are so simple. Feel free to change them up to fit your needs.
- oats – rolled oats and quick-cooking oats can be used interchangeably. Rolled oats will provide more of a chewy texture while quick oats are more chopped up, but both will work. You cannot use steel-cut oats in this recipe though. They are a lot coarser and the results will not be the same. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- cashew butter – peanut butter or almond butter will work. Try tahini or sunflower seed butter to keep them nut-free. Make sure you are using an all-natural and drippy/runny nut butter so it can easily be stirred into the recipe.
- raisins – swap another kind of dried fruit like cranberries or blueberries.
- protein powder – I like vanilla flavored as it adds some sweetness. Whey or plant-based works for this protein bar recipe. See the section above for how to make tweaks when using one or the other. If you don’t want to use protein powder, you can use more oats (about 1/2 cup).
- milk – dairy or non-dairy milk will work.
- honey – any liquid sweetener will work (maple syrup, agave…). You can also leave it out if you don’t want any sweetener.
Here are some additions you can add:
- chocolate chips – mini chocolate chips would work great in these!
- shredded coconut – mixed in or sprinkled on top.
- vanilla extract – for some touch more of vanilla flavor.
More healthy snack recipes
- homemade perfect bars (peanut butter chocolate chip)
- brownie baked oatmeal
- apple cinnamon oatmeal protein cookies
- chocolate peanut butter protein balls
- blender cottage cheese muffins
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Oatmeal Raisin Bars
ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (150 grams)
- 1/2 packed vanilla whey protein powder (60 grams)*
- 1/2 cup cashew butter (128 grams)
- 1/2 cup raisins (80 grams)
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon milk (or more if using another protein powder – see notes)*
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
instructions
- Line an 8×8 glass baking pan (or something similar) with parchment paper. This makes for easy removal.
- Mix together ingredients. To a large bowl, add the oats, protein powder, cashew butter, raisins, milk, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to combine. The batter should be sticky. If it's too wet, add a little more oats or protein powder. If it's too dry, add a little more milk.
- Form into bars. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place them in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up. Cut into 8 equal-sized bars.
- Enjoy! Store in the fridge for up to a week.
notes
- whey protein – use 1/2 cup protein powder (60 grams) and 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon milk. I like this whey protein.
- plant-based protein – use 1/2 cup protein powder (about 50 grams) and 1/4 cup + 3-4 tablespoons milk. I like this plant-based protein.
Margot Zydyk says
These are awesome! I think they taste just like a chewy oatmeal raisin cookie. I also used plant based protein and they turned out great. I did have to use a bit more milk to get a more wet consistency but it was a super easy recipe to make. I’ve also been adding some of the bar to greek yogurt for some extra protein and it might be my new go to topper! Will be making again for sure.
Kelly says
Sounds like the perfect combo with the yogurt! Glad they turned out and thanks for trying them Margot!
Candise J Dallas says
i made this 2 times and love it I have added sunflower and chi seeds to this recipe! over all great stuff
Kelly says
Love those additions! Thanks for trying them Candise!
Kris says
Loved these!! They came out great.
Kelly says
Happy to hear that and glad you enjoyed!
Kris says
Loved these! They came out great.
Kelly says
Thanks Kris!
Katie says
Another great recipe! Super easy to substitute ingredients – I used dried blueberries instead of raisins, and egg white powder with a tbs of maple syrup (In addition to the honey) since I didn’t have vanilla protein powder. Worked perfectly!!
Kelly says
Oh, I love the blueberry sub! Glad they came out and good to know about using another protein powder! Thanks Katie!
Gabbi Barnett says
These are so good! I’m not a fan of protein powder, but I had some egg white protein powder and used that. Since it is unflavored I also added 2 more tablespoons of honey. My husband, 2 year old and I all love them!
Kelly says
Glad to know other proteins work so well! Thanks for trying and glad everyone liked them!
Colleen Frens says
My kids and I love these! We used chocolate protein because that’s what we have. These are fun for the kids to make – just measure, pour, and stir. And they are a great substitution for store-bought granola bars!
Kelly says
Oh I love the use of chocolate protein! Thanks for trying them Colleen and glad everyone enjoyed!
Dan says
Love PB have to try them any healthy too
Kelly says
Hope you enjoy!