Homemade Double Chocolate Almond Butter Oat Protein Bars. Using oats in protein bars makes these super quick and no food processor needed. Just one bowl and less than 30 minutes!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox.
Who doesn’t need a quick and easy protein bar recipe in their arsenal?
I absolutely love this recipe because it takes hardly any time at all –we’re talking like 30 minutes total– and made with most ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
what you need
- rolled oats
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- protein powder (keep scrolling for more notes)
- chia seeds
- almond butter (or another nut butter)
- maple syrup or honey
- oil
- chocolate chips
I actually used homemade chocolate almond butter here which I highly recommend. But if you can’t make your own or would rather purchase from the store, there are several chocolate based nut butter blends.
Find the full detailed instructions with measurements in the recipe card below, at the end of this post.
Quick & Easy Recipe
Pretty much all you need is one bowl, a sturdy spatula, and a lined 8×8 square pan.
Here’s What You Do
- Line 8×8 pan with parchment paper, set aside.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl gently stir together almond butter, honey, oil, cocoa powder and protein powder.
- TIP: If almond butter is really thick and oil has separated, make sure it is well stirred before adding into bowl with other ingredients. You can also microwave almond butter and honey together for 15 seconds prior to adding in the cocoa and protein to make stirring easier if necessary.
- Add in rolled oats and chia seeds; use large sturdy spatula to stir.
- TIP: Don’t be afraid to use hands to get the dry ingredients mixed in well.
- Press mixture into prepared pan, using hands to press evenly into all corners. Place pan in freezer for 20 minutes to set, or refrigerator for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Once bars have set, lift parchment paper from pan and place on cutting board. Using a large sharp knife, cut bars into 12 servings.
- If using topping, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in microwave for 10 second intervals. Once completely melted drizzle chocolate on bars and allow to set, about 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Store Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Bars in airtight container in fridge 2-3 weeks, or in store in freezer for longer period of time.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use peanut butter or cashew butter? – Yes, definitely. Feel free to use a nut or seed butter with similar consistency. A chocolate nut butter is going to give you the most chocolate flavor, but plain is fine too.
Can I replace the protein powder with collagen? – Yes, I’d use collagen peptides. You can use 1/2 cup or less; it will dissolve into the mixture without needing extra liquid.
Can I use quick oats? – I wouldn’t recommend it here as it will make the mixture to dry. If it’s all you have on hand, I’d lesson the amount of quick oats to 1 and 2/3 cups.
Can I make these into energy balls? – Yes, if you want to make this recipe into balls, reduce the amount of rolled oats to 1 and 2/3 cup. The mixture is made the same way. Instead of pressing into a pan, use a rounded tablespoon to scoop into balls. Place on parchment lined sheet and chill in fridge separately before placing in airtight container.
BONUS: These chocolate protein bars doubles as a healthy treat, so what are you waiting for?
Let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a comment and rating below! It helps others learn more about the recipe too. Xx Ashley
Chocolate Almond Butter Oat Protein Bars
Ingredients
for the bars:
- 3/4 cup natural chocolate almond butter*, plain also works
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon honey, I like raw here
- 1 tablespoon almond or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup protein powder**, plant based or whey
- 3 tablespoons cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
chocolate topping:
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Line 8×8 pan with parchment paper, set aside.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl gently stir together almond butter, honey, oil, cocoa powder and protein powder. If almond butter is really thick and oil has separated, make sure it is well stirred before adding into bowl with other ingredients. You can also microwave almond butter and honey together for 15 seconds prior to adding in the cocoa and protein to make stirring easier if necessary.
- Add in rolled oats and chia seeds; use large sturdy spatula to stir. Don’t be afraid to use hands to get the dry ingredients mixed in well.
- Press mixture into prepared pan, using hands to press evenly into all corners. Place pan in freezer for 20 minutes to set, or refrigerator for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Once bars have set, lift parchment paper from pan and place on cutting board. Using a large sharp knife, cut bars into 12 servings. If using topping, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in microwave for 10 second intervals. Once completely melted drizzle chocolate on bars and allow to set, about 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Store Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Bars in airtight container in fridge 2-3 weeks, or in store in freezer for longer period of time. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply