15 of the best homemade protein bar recipes! From whey, vegan, and a bunch of different flavors, these healthy protein bars are easy to whip up and make a great grab-and-go snack.
We always have some protein snacks on hand during the week. I love adding protein powder to homemade bars, energy balls, muffins, and desserts. It’s such an easy way to boost the protein content and help make them more filling.
I know protein bars can sometimes get a bad rap – mostly for having a lot of sugar or weird ingredients. But if done right, they can be a great addition to any diet. Plus making them at home is so much cheaper than buying store-bought ones, especially good-quality ones. And you know exactly what goes into them!
While I’m not huge on eating protein bars all the time, I love having some on hand for busy weeks to help me reach my protein goal and keep me fueled. And my husband eats them frequently as they make a great way to add some easy, healthy calories to his diet.
Today we are rounding up 15 homemade protein bar recipes to help inspire you. Broken down by protein options, you are sure to find one you love!
Why we love homemade protein bar recipes
- easy to make – most only call for a handful of ingredients you probably already have at home.
- no weird additives or preservatives
- customizable to your liking – the flavor possibilities are endless!
- SO MUCH cheaper than store-bought protein bars!
Are protein bars good for you?
Protein bars can be a healthy addition to your diet. Most have a good combination of protein, carbs, and fat. They are also an easy and delicious macro-balanced snack. The protein and fat make them satiating, carbs give you energy, and protein is beneficial for building muscle. That being said, they can be calorie dense for such a small snack, so if monitoring your calorie intake, be mindful of how many you consume.
Are protein bars good for weight loss?
Protein bars can be good for weight loss because they help you increase your protein intake, which is important to build muscle, maintain muscle mass, and having a better body composition. That being said, some protein bars are low-volume foods since they are so small and calorie dense, being full of carbs and fat. This could leave you feeling not very satisfied and still hungry. It is important to look at the nutrition label and ingredients.
How many protein bars a day
For the general population, one protein bar a day is a good rule of thumb. If you are looking to gain muscle or put on weight, having two protein bars a day can be an easy way to add in extra calories and protein.
When to eat protein bars
Protein bars can be enjoyed any time of day for an easy and convenient snack, especially for busy individuals. It can also be beneficial to consume them post-workout to get in some protein if you are on the go.
Protein bar vs protein shake
The main difference between a protein bar and a protein bar is that a protein bar is chewed while a protein shake is drunk. Both contain protein, but a protein bar might contain more fat and carbs while a protein shake could be just protein.
How to make protein bars
Every recipe for homemade protein bars will be slightly different, but here is the general premise of how each recipe goes.
- Line a pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients. In a mixing bowl, add wet ingredients and mix to combine.
- Add dry ingredients. Add protein powder, salt, and any other dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Form into bars. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. If desired, place in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up some (I like doing this). Cut into equal-sized bars and enjoy!
How to store protein bars
- fridge – store in the fridge for up to a week in a tightly sealed airtight container. If exposed to the air for too long, they can dry out some.
- freezer – freeze for up to 6 months. I suggest freezing individually and then defrosting the night before you want to eat.
Whey protein bars
Oatmeal Raisin Bars combine simple ingredients like rolled oats, raisins, nut butter, whey protein powder, and just a tablespoon of honey for a quick and healthy no-bake bar. Full of complex carbs, protein, fiber, and healthy fats, they make a quick and easy mid-day snack, pre or post-workout snack, or dessert everyone will love!
5-ingredient Protein Bars are super easy, packed with nutrition, and are the perfect pre/post-workout fuel. They’re reminiscent of store-bought energy bars but are way more budget-friendly when you make them at home.
Cinnamon Roll Protein Bars come together with a few simple ingredients and taste like a cinnamon roll! Made with oats, almond butter, whey protein, and spices, they are so delicious!
Vegan protein bar recipes
Pumpkin protein bars with just 4 simple ingredients like almond butter, pumpkin puree, vanilla protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice, and packed with 18 grams of plant-based protein. And they taste just like a pumpkin perfect bar! Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Birthday Cake Protein Bars have 15 grams of protein and taste like cake batter! Requiring just 20 minutes to make, they are perfect for a snack, pre or post-workout, or dessert. Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Peanut Butter Vegan protein bars combine nut butter, dates, ground flaxseed, plant-based protein powder, and no refined sugar. A great post-workout snack or great for a healthy energy boost.
Gluten-free protein bars
No Bake Gluten-Free Protein Bars taste better than anything you can buy at the store and are ready in just 10 minutes.
Chocolate Protein Bars are a quick, easy, and healthy snack! These homemade protein bars are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, low-carb, and customizable for keto and paleo diets. Ready in 10 minutes with peanut butter, almond flour, and cocoa, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
Copycat RX BARS with dates, nuts, egg white protein, and your favorite mix-ins to customize your flavors. An easy alternative to store-bought!
Peanut butter protein bars
Perfect Bar Recipe (peanut butter chocolate chip) is made with just 4 ingredients, comes together in 10 minutes, and requires no baking! Packed with 16 grams of protein per bar, along with healthy fats and carbs, they make a delicious and easy on-the-go snack or dessert everyone will love!
Peanut Butter Protein Bars combine oatmeal, protein powder, honey, and chocolate (for happy measure). No-bake and require only a bowl and some elbow grease.
Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are made with just 7 ingredients for a healthy, simple snack. Rich in fiber and protein, these homemade granola bars will keep you full and fueled.
Chocolate peanut butter protein bars taste just like a peanut butter cup. These low-carb peanut butter protein bars will be your new favorite snack to keep in your fridge and enjoy all week long!
Nut-free protein bar recipes
Cookie Dough Protein Bars taste like cookie dough but are completely gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free (made with sunflower seed butter!), and are naturally sweetened with maple syrup. They’re made by hand and are SO quick and easy to make. A batch makes 12 bars with each having 12 grams of plant-based protein!
Chewy Nut-Free Protein Bars combine rolled oats, flax seed meal, vanilla, and cinnamon and are perfect for snacking on the go!
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!
Teresa Morris says
What oil would you recommend substituting for coconut oil? We have a coconut allergy in our household so we are unable to use it. Thanks in advance for your help.
Kelly says
Hmm, that’s tough as coconut oil is solid at room temperature while a lot of other oils are not. I would say butter, but that would change the flavor of some recipes. I would suggest adding more of another wet ingredient in the recipe if you need to leave it out. But you also want to make sure you have enough dry ingredients for it to hold together. You might have to play around with the ratios some. Hope that helps some!