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You are going to love my vegan, 4-ingredient, no-bake oatmeal protein bars! that are quick and easy to make, as well as oil-free and gluten-free. Vary them in countless ways with different add-ins and flavors.
I am going to go out on a limb and wager that every single one of us could use a recipe an easy-as-can-be, no-bake protein bar. Further, one that Is reminiscent of oatmeal cookies and packed with plant-based protein to keep your energy levels soaring all day long.
They are dense (definitely intended as a quick breakfast or very substantial snack on the go), but I like that texture—something of a riff on a rich, moist oatmeal cookie.
I upped the protein in these bars by adding a generous helping of plant based vanilla protein powder (I used VEGA brand, but you can use what you prefer).
Recipe Benefits
- Vegan (dairy-free, egg-free)
- Gluten-free
- Oil-free
- Packed with whole grains
- High protein
- High fiber
- Easy to make (no baking required!)
Ingredients for No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars
The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Rolled oats (certified gluten-free, as needed)
- Plant based vanilla protein powder
- Smooth nut or seed butter (e.g., peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or pepita butter)
- 1/2 cup (118 mL) brown rice syrup or maple syrup
You will also need a small amount of regular tap water. If your nut or seed butter is not salted, consider adding a pinch or two of salt.
Vary the Vegan Protein Bars with Different Add-Ins
The bars are wonderful plain, but they can also be varied in countless ways by adding in a few extras. For example, chopped dried fruit, chopped nuts or seeds, chocolate chips, or carob chips.
How to Make No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars
Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.
In addition to their delicious flavor, these power bars are super filling! They are SO much cheaper and tastier than ready-made vegan protein power bars, too.
Happy no-baking!
Related Recipes
No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars {V + GF}
Vegan no-bake oatmeal protein bars that are quick and easy to make, as well as oil-free and gluten-free! Vary them with different add-ins.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g) rolled oats (certified gluten-free, as needed)
- 1/2 cup plant based vanilla protein powder (for testing, I used VEGA brand)
- Optional: 1/2 cup stir-ins (e.g., chopped nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, dried fruit)
- 3/4 cup nut or seed butter (e.g., peanut, cashew, almond, or tahini)
- 1/2 cup (118 mL) brown rice syrup or maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons (45 mL) water
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment or foil, leaving an overhang on 2 opposite sides (for easy removal later). Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl mix the oats, protein powder, and any optional add-ins (e.g., dried fruit, nuts).
- Place the nut/seed butter, syrup and milk in a large heavy saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until bubbly, melted and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and pour over oat mixture, stirring until blended.
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Using a large square of wax paper, parchment paper or foil (spritzed with cooking spray to prevent sticking) very firmly press the oat mixture down into the pan to compact.
- Cool completely. Remove bars using the parchment/foil overhang and then cut into 12 bars or squares.
Notes
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week or freezer for 6 months.
Jan Stumphf
Thursday 4th of August 2022
The instructions have milk as an ingredient although it is not in the ingredient list. Is this instead of the water, if desired?
Bri
Friday 30th of July 2021
Excellent recipe! My husband says it tastes like Snickers lol. This is definitely going into my permanent rotation.
Todd Smith
Friday 4th of September 2020
Do you know the nutritional values for this recipe? Trying to see just how much protein is packed in.
Maddie
Tuesday 2nd of June 2020
So delicious and EASY! I tried them with chocolate chips, craisins, pepitas, and sunflower seeds, but I want to try them with dried fruit next. :)
Camilla
Thursday 4th of June 2020
Yum! I love the added crunch and sweetness you added, sounds delicious, Maddie!
Lisa
Sunday 24th of July 2011
I have made these twice now - the first time I liked the result a lot although they were a bit sticky. The second time, I added 2 C of crispy rice cereal and I made twice as many bars, and they are SO GOOD! Wow! Oh - and, the other change was the replacement of agave syrup with mostly brown rice syrup with a little maple syrup and a little agave (I ran out of brown rice syrup). The bars are now firm and not sticky, and the flavor is amazing - not too sweet! I love these. The addition of crispy rice makes them less dense and much cheaper, per bar, which is important to me. Thanks so much for this great recipe!