Protein Bar Recipe (Easy No Bake!)

This Protein Bar Recipe is simple and delicious. They’re made with wholesome ingredients, and are way better than any store-bought kind!

Sometimes I need a quick breakfast or snack to eat as I’m walking out the door. These quick snacks usually consist of a granola bar, muffin, fruit, or anything of that sort. While all these things are delicious, I’ll often feel hungry an hour later. This Protein Bar recipe is the perfect way to fix that problem.

Each bar contains 6.5 grams of protein, 2.7 grams of fiber, and 14.1 grams of healthy fats. So, not only are these protein bars a delicious snack or breakfast, but they’ll leave you feeling full until your next meal!

These protein bars are also make a great workout snack! They’re perfect energy bars to eat before your workout, or you can throw one in your gym bag to snack on after!

The melted chocolate is what takes these protein bars to the next level! I love anything with chocolate, and can’t we all agree that chocolate makes everything better?! I guarantee when your kids see something with chocolate, they’re going to want one too😉

The best part is these require no food processor or special equipment. With this recipe, you don’t even have to turn on the oven to bake protein bars!

Why you should ditch the store-bought protein bars and make your own:

1. These homemade protein bars use simple ingredients, while store-bought kinds usually have a long ingredient list with foreign names and artificial sweeteners. By making your own, you have control over what goes in them. I don’t know about you, but I like to know what I’m putting in my body. This recipe uses natural ingredients which are way better for you!
2. The texture of the kinds you buy at the grocery store can be a little gross! They usually have a chalky or sandy taste that is not appetizing at all. This protein bar recipe has a delicious and satisfying texture that won’t leave you feeling like you just ate chalk. The crunch from the crisp rice cereal with the smooth chocolate topping is the best part😋
3. Protein Bars you buy at the store can be very pricey. Some packs range from 10-20 dollars, and contain less than 10 bars! Not only is it cheaper to make your own protein bars, but it’s also good for the environment! You’re not using all that plastic from the individual wrappers.
4. Store-bought protein bars aren’t always the freshest. They’re suppose to have “long shelf lives”, but after you take a bite, you might think otherwise. They can become tough and chewy (not the good kind of chewy, the kind where it takes you 5 minutes to finish one bite). Making your own protein bars are fresh and will last up to one month in the refrigerator!
5. Lastly, you can make your own protein bars exactly how you like them! Have a sweet tooth? Add more chocolate or use some cocoa powder to make them more chocolatey! On a keto diet? Use keto-friendly ingredients to make the best keto protein bars! Have a favorite flavor? Add it in with your other ingredients! It can be fun to personalize homemade protein bars exactly to your liking!

Ingredients Needed

1. Crisp Rice Cereal– This cereal adds the perfect crunch. It’s low in sugar (only 3 grams of sugar per cup) and contains iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
2. Almond Butter– Almond butter is a great source of healthy fats, and goes perfectly with the other ingredients.
3. Honey– Honey adds the perfect amount of sweetness, and helps hold the protein bars together.
4. Collagen Protein Powder– I prefer to use unsweetened collagen protein powder. Collagen is great for your skin, hair, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments!
5. Salt– I use salt to enhance the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.
6. Vanilla– Use pure vanilla extract for the best results. It enhances the flavors beautifully. You can also swap it for almond extract if you wanted to.
7. Chocolate Baking Bar– Baking bars melt quickly and smoothly which is perfect for these protein bars. I like to use dark chocolate, but you can use whatever kind you prefer!

How to make this Protein Bar Recipe

1. Add the crisp rice cereal, almond butter, honey, protein powder, salt and vanilla to a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
2. Line a 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Firmly press the cereal mixture into the pan. Place in the freezer while you melt the chocolate.
3. Melt your chocolate using a double broiler or in the microwave.
4. Pour the melted chocolate on top of your cereal mixture in the pan, and use a rubber spatula to evenly spread it across the pan.
5. Place the man into the freezer until firm, at least 30 minutes
6. Pull the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan. Use a knife to cut into 10 bars. Store the protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Protein Bar Recipe FAQS

Can I sub any nut butter?

Absolutely! Cashew butter or natural peanut butter would be a delicious substitute to the almond butter. If you’re allergic, seed butter will also work!

Do I have to use a chocolate baking bar?

You could also melt dark chocolate chips using a little bit of coconut oil to get the right consistency. If you prefer white or milk chocolate, you can use that instead too!

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes! Maple syrup or agave nectar would be just as delicious!

Could I add in chia seeds?

Of course! You could add chia seeds or even flax seed which would provide great nutrition, and add more protein!

Do I have to use collagen protein powder?

Collagen has so many health benefits, but if you don’t have any on hand, you could your favorite protein powder or even a vegan protein powder.

How long will these protein bars last?

If you store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container,  they will stay soft and chewy for up to a month! They won’t last as long at room temperature, and the chocolate may not stay firm.

When should you eat protein bars?

There is no right or wrong time to eat these protein bars. They make a perfect breakfast or snack, as part of your meal prep routine, and are great to eat either before or after a workout!

Looking for other bar recipes? Try my Chewy Homemade Granola Bars, 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Chocolate, or No Bake Granola Bars. If you’re looking for other high-protein recipes, you should also give my High Protein Energy Balls a try!

I hope you enjoy these homemade protein bars and all my healthy recipes! If you try it or any other recipe, please leave a star rating below! It’s so helpful for other readers to see which recipes are tried and true! I’d also love to see it–share your photo of this dish and tag me on Instagram, and I’ll feature you! Let me know if this one gets added to your favorite recipes list. It’s on mine!

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