By Inspired by our viral protein balls, these protein bars without protein powder have the same delicious taste but in bar form! Wholesome ingredients like almond flour and hemp seeds pack 10g of protein. Plus, they take just 15 minutes to whip up.
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After perfecting protein balls without protein powder, we knew we needed a bar version. They are easier to travel with, wrapped in parchment paper.
So, we got to work on them! These have the same great sweet and salty flavor, but in a homemade granola bar for on the go. Just keep them in the cooler and enjoy whenever you want!
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the key to traveling with these
Protein bars take less time to make than protein balls because you can just press them into a pan. But when you travel with them, they take more than one bite to eat, so you need a way to hold the bars. The trick is to wrap them in parchment paper and tape it closed so you can hold it and snack. Just like a store-bought bar!
ingredient notes & substitutions
All substitutions are a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted. See the recipe card for quantities.
- Quick Oats or Rolled Oats: Gluten-free preferred. Don't use steel-cut oats.
- Almond Flour: Oat flour can be used as a substitute, but it has a little less protein. To keep it nut-free, use oat flour.
- Creamy Cashew Butter: Whole Foods and Target brands are my favorites, but there are some local brands that work well, too. Almond or peanut butter is a great alternative. For a nut-free version, use granola butter.
- Hemp Hearts: Feel free to swap for additional almond flour if you don't have them.
- Coconut Oil: This helps to solidify the bars and set the melted chocolate drizzle.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave works too. But the maple keeps these vegan.
- Salt: A recipe's best hype, man! Salt makes everything taste more like itself.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: I love mini ones for bars! But regular chocolate chips will work, or even cacao nibs for an unsweetened option.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
high protein ingredient spotlight: Hemp Seeds
Hemp hearts are the shelled seeds of the hemp plant and are a great source of protein. Just three tablespoons provide approximately 10 grams of protein! They are mild, so they sneak into these bars without you even knowing it. Beyond these bars, we like to use them for extra protein in recipes like protein no-bake cookies (no powder) and chocolate protein baked oats.
here's how to nail this recipe every time
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full protein bar recipe!
- Melt the cashew butter and coconut oil together first. Once you mix these, then add everything else!
- Press into a pan using a silicon spatula so the batter doesn't stick to it.
- Freeze before you slice it so you can get solid bars. Otherwise, if they are too soft, they won't hold together.
quick recipe video
if they are too soft
These bars can get soft at room temperature. This happens because the coconut oil softens quickly in heat. So, to avoid this, keep them in the freezer. Or, use half the coconut oil and honey instead of maple syrup. This can help it bind better, but I prefer the maple syrup, so I don't mind them getting soft.
how to store & meal prep it
These bars are a great snack to prep and take on the go.
- Freezer: Freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- Meal Prep: Wrap them in parchment paper to take and enjoy as a snack anytime!
more on the go chocolatey snacks
Recipe
Protein Bars Without Protein Powder
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats (quick or rolled)
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¾ cup cashew butter (creamy)
- ½ cup hemp hearts
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
- 1.5 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Optional Chocolate Drizzle
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Before you start!
If you make this recipe, please take a moment to leave us a review. We love to hear from you!
Instructions
- Add the ¾ cup cashew butter and 2 tablespoon coconut oil to a large microwave-safe large bowl. Heat for 30 seconds to soften them. Mix well to combine. Add 1 cup oats, ½ cup almond flour, ½ cup hemp hearts, 1.5 tablespoon maple syrup, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir to combine. Then, stir in the ½ cup mini chocolate chips. Transfer to an 8x8 pan that's lined with parchment paper. Use your hand or a spatula to smooth out the top. Pop it in the freezer to chill for at least 1 hour.
- While that's cooling, you can make the optional chocolate drizzle. To do this, melt the ¼ cup mini chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a bowl in the microwave in 30-second increments until melted. Stir in between.
- Once the bars have set up, cut into 9 even squares and drizzle with optional chocolate. Then, enjoy!
Video
Notes
Looking for more information?
Additional substitution information can be found above in the substitution section of this post.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
Mika nailed this recipe. These high protein bars are amazing!
I’ve been searching for more high-protein snacks that are easy to make. These protein bars are great!
Super easy to make and delicious! Subbed out cashew butter for peanut butter (as I couldn’t find any at Aldi) and did not add salt. Bloody lovely 🙂
That's fantastic to hear!
Love that the ingredients are so simple. Very tasty. Making my second batch right now!
That's so great to hear!
This is really good and easy! Thanks!
Best protein bars, love that it's only whole foods ingredients. My kids love them too.
So happy to hear that!