Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Helene Dsouza

Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (1)Helene Dsouza

My homemade baked protein bars are prepared without protein powder but include instead seeds, nuts, dried fruits and milk powder. The consistency is smooth and non-chunky.

Total Time: 42 minutes minutes

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes minutes

10 Bars

4.8 from 9 votes

RECIPE

Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (2)

I came up with these homemade protein bars without protein powder because I couldn't get what I was looking for in stores.

Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (3)

My homemade protein bar recipe has a smooth non-chunky consistency, is made from scratch without protein powder and includes whole real ingredients.

Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (4)

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Jump to:
  • 📜 Ingredients
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💡 Tips
  • 💭 FAQs
  • 👁️ More like this
  • 💬 Comments

📜 Ingredients

I aimed for the protein bars to have a smooth texture, not chunky. It's important to prevent the bars from crumbling when you bite into them.

I chose ingredients that work well together. As a result, the taste is great, and the texture is just right.

Most importantly, I didn't want to include protein powder in my homemade protein bars.

That way, you can make these without having to purchase artificial protein powder. In fact, most ingredients are natural and shouldn't be all too difficult to find in stores.

Here is an overview of what you will need, US and metric measurements are in the recipe card below.

Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (5)

📖 Recipe

Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (6)

Homemade Protein Bars without Protein Powder Recipe

My homemade baked protein bars are prepared without protein powder but include instead seeds, nuts, dried fruits and milk powder. The consistency is smooth and non-chunky.

4.78 from 9 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Salt, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes minutes

Total Time: 42 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 Bars

Calories: 334kcal

Recipe by: Helene Dsouza

Ingredients

For the Protein Bar Mass

  • 8.8 ounces Oats quick cooking
  • 1.4 ounces Flax Seeds
  • 1.8 ounces Walnuts
  • 2.5 ounces Roasted Peanuts
  • 1.8 ounces Coconut Raw Freshly Shredded OR dried shredded
  • 1 Tbs Coconut Oil or other neutral vegetable oil
  • 2.5 ounces Almond Flour brown or white
  • 1 Tablespoon Milk Powder or Vegan Milk Powder
  • 1.8 ounces Raisins
  • 2.1 ounces Dates
  • 5 Tablespoons Honey organic
  • ¾ cup + 1 Tbsp Lukewarm Water

To Grease

US - Metric

Instructions

  • Grind your oats, flax seeds, walnuts, and peanuts to a fine consistence.

    8.8 ounces Oats, 1.4 ounces Flax Seeds, 1.8 ounces Walnuts, 2.5 ounces Roasted Peanuts

    Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (7)

  • Place the ground ingredients together into a mixing bowl.

    Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (8)

  • Grind the shredded coconut with the coconut oil and add it to the dried ingredients.

    1.8 ounces Coconut Raw Freshly Shredded, 1 Tbs Coconut Oil

    Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (9)

  • Add the almond flour and milk powder to the mixture.

    2.5 ounces Almond Flour, 1 Tablespoon Milk Powder

  • Grind the raisins. It will turn into a sticky mass. Keep aside.

    1.8 ounces Raisins

    Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (10)

  • Remove the seed core from the dates and grind those as well.

    2.1 ounces Dates

  • Add the ground raisin and dates to the other mixed ingredients, and crumble the dried fruits with your hands into the other dry ingredients so that they get properly incorporated.

    Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (11)

  • To finish the mass, mix your honey into the warm water and pour it all over the whole mass. Mix it properly!

    5 Tablespoons Honey, ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon Lukewarm Water

    Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (12)

  • Preheat your oven to 320 Fahrenheit/ 160 Celsius.

  • Now grab your baking dish, preferably a square or rectangular one (I didn't have a square one at the time as you can see) to make your life easier, and grease it with the Coconut Oil.

    1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil

  • Spread your mass equally into the mold and flatten it at the top by pressing down. The mass should be pressed down and without any air pockets.

    Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (13)

  • Bake at 320 Fahrenheit/ 160 Celsius for about 20 minutes uncovered. The protein bar mass is done when it is still soft and not too dry. *see Notes

  • Keep it to cool and then cut your bars into your desired size. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

I haven't provided cup measurements for this recipe because it's a baking recipe, and you need to measure out the ingredients properly to get the consistency right. Cups hardly ever result in a consistent texture in this recipe. I have tried it out for you a few times, so that you don't have to.

*If you bake your protein bar mass as per my instructions, your bars will result in a soft semi chewy and not too dry consistency. You can bake them longer and your bars will turn out much drier, but they will also store for much longer that way. In conclusion, the longer you bake them, the longer your homemade protein bars will remain good, but they will also be much drier and they will crumble.

Equipment

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Protein Bars without Protein Powder Recipe

Amount Per Serving (558 g)

Calories 334Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Polyunsaturated Fat 5g

Monounsaturated Fat 3g

Cholesterol 1mg0%

Sodium 53mg2%

Potassium 297mg8%

Carbohydrates 39g13%

Fiber 6g24%

Sugar 15g17%

Protein 9g18%

Vitamin A 9IU0%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 61mg6%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

💡 Tips

Use a powerful blender to blend whole ingredients small and smooth.

The dates, raisins, and honey help in sticking the other ground ingredients together. That way, your protein bars hold better together.

Milk powder in this recipe was my solution to not having to use protein powder and still adding a considerable quantity of protein to the bars.

The protein bars are better digested in smaller sizes, and that is why I am making mine smaller.

The weight of my homemade protein bars is 2.5 ounces/70 grams, which is a nice smaller portion for anyone.

However, you can cut them up as you like and then store them in an airtight container, away from humidity.

Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (14)
Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (15)

💭 FAQs

How long do these last?

Left in room temperature and stored in an airtight container, your homemade protein bars will be good for at least 7 days. If you live in a humid, warm climate, store them in your fridge in an airtight container.

Can I freeze a batch for later?

Yes, you can freeze a batch of cut up and prepped protein bars in a suitable freezer-friendly container. Keep them 2 months at most in your freezer (just to be safe). Thaw them overnight in your fridge.

👁️ More like this

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Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (16)

Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (17)

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Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] 🌱 (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for protein powder in bars? ›

On the other hand, if you're looking to avoid protein powders, many bar-appropriate whole food ingredients are also rich sources of protein. For example, in place of protein powder, you can use: whole or chopped nuts: peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews. nut or seed butter: peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower, tahini.

How to make protein without protein powder? ›

Quick protein shake recipes without powders
  1. 2 tablespoons (32 grams) of creamy almond butter (or other nut/seed butter)
  2. 1 frozen banana.
  3. 1 tablespoon (7.5 grams) of unsweetened cocoa powder.
  4. 1 teaspoon (3 grams) of vanilla extract.
  5. 1 cup (240 mL) of cow's or plain soy milk.
May 9, 2022

Is it cheaper to make your own protein bars? ›

Is it cheaper to make your own Protein Bars? Absolutely! Making your own protein bars is much cheaper. Initially, the ingredients will cost more upfront, but with the amount you can make with those ingredients, homemade bars will end up much cheaper.

Can I eat protein bar instead of protein powder? ›

If you need more fiber and solid food, a protein bar might be better. If you need quick protein absorption post-workout, a shake could be more beneficial. Lifestyle: Choose based on convenience and your daily routine. Bars might be better for on-the-go, while shakes might be better for home or gym use.

What can you use if you dont have protein powder? ›

How to Add Protein to Your Smoothie without Expensive Protein...
  • Greek Yogurt. A no sugar added, plain Greek yogurt added to your smoothie is an excellent way to add about 11 grams of protein to your smoothie. ...
  • Skyr. ...
  • Milk. ...
  • Cottage Cheese. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Peanut Butter. ...
  • Chia seeds or ground flaxseed.

What is the best substitute for protein? ›

How to get protein without the meat
  1. Pulses. Pulses are an inexpensive protein choice, are high in fibre and a source of iron. ...
  2. Soya beans. ...
  3. Quinoa. ...
  4. Nuts. ...
  5. Seeds. ...
  6. Cereals and grains. ...
  7. Quorn™ ...
  8. Dairy.

Are protein bars OK everyday? ›

While protein bars can be enjoyed regularly, consuming them as meal replacements or as your primary protein source isn't recommended. Pay close attention to nutrition labels, as many protein bars contain added sugars, saturated fats and other low-nutrient ingredients.

Are homemade protein bars worth it? ›

The benefits of homemade protein bars

"Making your own protein bars allows you to have control over the ingredients," says Jaden Asuncion, health and wellness instructor at Frontline Innovation Studios. This means creating healthy and delicious snacks that perfectly suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

How long can homemade protein bars last? ›

Homemade protein bars don't keep as long as the ones you buy. If stored in a non-airtight container, homemade protein bars will be past their best after about 3 days.

What do you not want in a protein bar? ›

Avoid any ingredients that are chemically altered or highly processed. Many bars contain a high amount of synthetic fibers and sugar alcohols—which can cause digestive upset in many people. If you can't pronounce or recognize any of the ingredients, put it back.

Do you really need protein powder? ›

For the most part they tend to show that protein powders can indeed help to build muscle, as many claim. But the catch is that this only works if you also do some form of resistance exercise, such as using weight machines. If the muscles aren't exercised, the extra protein won't do anything.

How many protein bars should I eat a day to lose weight? ›

The amount of protein bars you should eat a day depends on your activity level and desired rate of weight loss or muscle gain. Generally speaking, it is recommended that an individual consumes one to two protein bars a day to meet their nutritional goals.

What can I replace protein powder with in a recipe? ›

6 Breakfast-Boosting Alternatives If You Hate the Taste of...
  1. Make overnight oats with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. ...
  2. Blend Greek yogurt or cottage cheese into smoothies. ...
  3. Cook oatmeal in whole or 2-percent milk, and add some nuts. ...
  4. Cook an egg into your oatmeal. ...
  5. Eat dinner leftovers, if you feel like it.

What is healthier than a protein bar? ›

Instead of a nutrition bar, Jackson says you can choose an alternative snack like a container of low-fat yogurt with high-fiber cereal sprinkled in it, or a fiber-rich bagel with a tomato and a small slice of low-fat Swiss cheese melted on it.

How can I get protein without protein bars? ›

  1. Add Protein to Every Meal and Snack.
  2. Eat More Legumes.
  3. Swap Cereal for Higher-Protein Options.
  4. Add Collagen to Your Coffee and Tea.
  5. Use Nuts and Seeds in Plant-Based Recipes.
  6. Buy Greek Yogurt Over Regular.
  7. Eat High-Protein Carbs.
  8. Buy Easy-to-Use Proteins.
Jan 16, 2024

What can I use as a base for protein powder? ›

  1. 5 Best Liquid Bases For Protein Smoothies.
  2. Milk and Dairy Alternatives. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and kefir are classic smoothie additions that blend well with many types of protein powders. ...
  3. Fruit Juices. ...
  4. Vegetable Juices. ...
  5. Herbal Teas. ...
  6. Water and Carbonated Water. ...
  7. 0781 8801428.

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