Whether you need a quick grab-and-go breakfast, a satisfying snack between meals, or a post-workout pick-me-up, these High-Protein Granola Bars are your new go-to. Packed with nourishing ingredients like oats, nut butter, seeds, and protein powder, these bars are chewy, slightly sweet, and entirely customizable. Best of all, they require no baking and come together in under 15 minutes!
Why You’ll Love These Protein-Packed Bars
Store-bought granola bars often fall short—they’re either low in protein, overly sweet, or full of preservatives. But these homemade bars? They hit every mark. They’re packed with whole ingredients you recognize and love, and each bar delivers a boost of protein to keep you satisfied for hours.
The chewy base comes from oats and nut butter, sweetened just enough with maple syrup and bound together with a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
We’re adding in crunchy seeds, optional dried fruit or chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt to balance it all out. These bars are endlessly adaptable and great for kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a lunchbox-friendly snack, this recipe is incredibly versatile. And because they’re no-bake, they’re the perfect summer snack that won’t heat up your kitchen!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, peanuts, or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
Pro Tips
- Use drippy nut butter – A more natural, runny peanut or almond butter helps bind everything smoothly.
- Choose your protein wisely – Plant-based or whey protein both work, but make sure it’s one you like the flavor of—it really comes through.
- Press firmly into the pan – The firmer you pack them down, the better they’ll hold together when sliced.
- Chill before cutting – Give them at least 1 hour in the fridge so they hold their shape.
- Cut with a hot knife – Run your knife under hot water before slicing for clean, even bars.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- 8×8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for cutting bars
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut-free? Use sunflower seed butter and pumpkin seeds instead of nuts.
- Gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free oats and check your protein powder label.
- Low-sugar? Cut back on maple syrup and add a mashed ripe banana to help bind.
- More texture? Add puffed quinoa, shredded coconut, or crushed pretzels.
- Flavored twist? Use chocolate protein powder and a splash of vanilla extract, or peanut butter protein with cinnamon and raisins.
Make-Ahead Tips
These bars are perfect for weekly meal prep. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 days, or freeze for longer storage (up to 2 months). Just thaw in the fridge overnight or grab a frozen bar and let it thaw in your bag by snack time.
For lunchboxes, individually wrap bars in parchment or wax paper for an easy, portable snack.
How to Make High-Protein Granola Bars
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together oats, protein powder, chia seeds, flaxseed, chopped nuts, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of sea salt.
2. Warm the Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth and easy to stir—about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Combine and Mix
Pour the warm wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until fully combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky. Fold in mini chocolate chips or dried fruit if using.
4. Press into Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture and press it down very firmly with a spatula or the back of a measuring cup.
5. Chill and Slice
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set. Remove from the pan and slice into bars with a sharp knife.
Leftovers and Storage
Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. To freeze, layer between parchment in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temp or in the fridge overnight.
Tip: Wrap individual bars in parchment and pack them in lunchboxes or gym bags for a healthy, satisfying on-the-go option.
Nourishment That Feels Like a Treat
These High-Protein Granola Bars are a perfect example of how you can eat for energy and enjoyment. They’re soft, chewy, a little sweet, and packed with ingredients that support your active lifestyle or help get you through a busy day.
Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a regular part of your snack rotation. When you do, let me know in the comments—did you add raisins? Go chocolate chip crazy? I’d love to hear your variations!
