Healthy Protein Bars with Oats, Nut Butter, and Flaxseed Recipe

Introduction

These healthy protein bars combine oats, nut butter, and flaxseed for a nutritious snack that’s perfect on the go. Naturally sweetened with banana and honey, they’re chewy, flavorful, and packed with energy.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (135 g)
• 3/4 cup peanut butter or favorite nut butter (180 g)
• 1 banana, mashed (120 g)
• 1/3 cup honey, agave, or real maple syrup (110 g)
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed (55 g)
• 1 cup protein powder (120 g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)
• 3/4 cup mix-ins: chopped dates, dried fruit, mini chocolate chips, unsweetened coconut flakes, or nuts

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, mashed banana, honey, salt, ground flax seed, protein powder, vanilla extract, and your choice of mix-ins. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is soft but not dry or crumbly. If it feels too dry, add a small splash of water, milk, or an extra drizzle of honey to adjust the texture.
2. Step 2: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easier removal. Firmly press the mixture into the pan, making sure it’s packed tightly to help the bars hold together after setting.
3. Step 3: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set completely and become firm enough to slice neatly.
4. Step 4: After chilling, remove the mixture from the pan and cut into your desired bar sizes.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter and add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
• Experiment with different protein powders such as whey, pea, or soy to find your favorite flavor and texture.
• If you prefer sweeter bars, increase the honey or dried fruit slightly.
• Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is key to preventing crumble; consider using the back of a spoon or a spatula for best results.

Storage

Store the protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This keeps them fresh and maintains their chewy texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars wrapped individually and thaw them in the fridge before eating. Reheating is not necessary but can be done gently in the microwave for a few seconds if preferred warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?

Yes! Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter all work well and will slightly change the flavor but keep the bars delicious and nutritious.

What type of protein powder is best for these bars?

Any protein powder will work, including whey, plant-based, or collagen powders. Choose your favorite based on taste and dietary preferences.

Healthy Protein Bars with Oats, Nut Butter, and Flaxseed Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 130 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Healthy Protein Bars combine the wholesome goodness of rolled oats, natural nut butter, and flaxseed with the natural sweetness of banana and honey. Packed with protein powder and your choice of mix-ins like dried fruits or nuts, these bars make an ideal nutritious snack or post-workout treat. Easy to prepare and no baking required, they are perfect for a quick energy boost on the go.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (135 g)
• 3/4 cup peanut butter (or favorite nut butter or sunflower butter) (180 g)
• 1 banana, mashed (120 g)
• 1/3 cup honey (or agave or real maple syrup) (110 g)
• Pinch salt
• ½ cup ground flax seed (55 g)
• 1 cup protein powder (120 g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)

Mix-ins (Optional)

• 3/4 cup chopped dates, dried fruit (blueberries, cranberries, or raisins), mini chocolate chips, unsweetened coconut flakes, nuts

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Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix rolled oats, peanut butter, mashed banana, honey, salt, ground flax seed, protein powder, vanilla extract, and your choice of mix-ins until well combined. The mixture should be soft and not dry or crumbly. If too dry, add a splash of water, milk, or extra honey to adjust the texture.
2. Press Into Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Firmly press the mixture into the pan to ensure the bars hold together well and won’t crumble when set.
3. Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set properly and firm up for easy slicing.
4. Slice and Store: After chilling, remove the bars from the pan and cut into desired sizes. Store the protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

• If the mixture feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before pressing into the pan for easier handling.
• You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for different flavors.
• For a vegan version, use agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey and verify that the protein powder is plant-based.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cocoa powder for extra flavor variations.
• Mix-ins can be customized to your preference but avoid large chunks to maintain bar stability.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: healthy protein bars, no bake protein bars, oat protein bars, vegan protein bars optional, homemade protein snack, flaxseed bars, nut butter bars