Chocolate Oat Protein Bars

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!

this recipe

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.

Chocolate Almond Butter Oat Protein Bars

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 maybe just feeling lazy (no judgement here, I do it too!), Wild Friends has a delicious chocolate blend.

Quick & Easy Protein Bars

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

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

How to Make…

Chocolate Almond Butter Oat Protein Bars

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! You can’t say no to these.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Diet: Gluten Free

• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Scale: 1x2x3x

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Ingredients

for the bars:

• 3/4 cup natural chocolate almond butter* (regular/plain also works)
• 1/3 cup + 1 TBS honey (I like raw here)
• 1 TBS almond or coconut oil
• 1/2 cup protein powder** (plant based or whey)
• 3 TBS cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa)
• 2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 2 TBS chia seeds

chocolate topping:

• 2 TBS mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 tsp coconut oil

Instructions

1. Line 8×8 pan with parchment paper, set aside.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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!

Recipes Notes:

*Feel free to use your favorite nut/seed butter or blend here as well. I do not recommend coconut butter though.

If using plant-based protein you may need to add 1-2 TBS of milk or water to help mixture come together easier. I used chocolate plant-protein here and I found that was the case. I don’t think the extra liquid is necessary if using whey protein.

To make this recipe into balls, reduce oats to 1 and 2/3 cups rolled oats.

^{Bars adapted from my Peanut Butter Protein Oat Bars}

Nutrition Information:

• Serving Size: 1/12th
• Calories: 236
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 67g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Category: Snacks Method: no-bake Cuisine: American
Keywords: protein bar chocolate, protein bar recipe, homemade protein bars
Author: Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen

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