Nutty Protein Oat Snack Bars
These Nutty Protein Oat Snack Bars are a nutritious and delicious way to refuel your body after a workout or satisfy your cravings on the go. Each bar is packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, making them perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-exercise recovery snack, or a healthy treat during hikes. With the combination of rolled oats, peanut butter, and sweet raisins, these bars offer a delightful chewy texture and subtle sweetness. You can easily make them gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and oat flour. They’re simple to prepare and will keep you energized for hours!
10
Servings
190
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
rolled oats
100 (g)
whey protein powder
100 (g)
raisins
70 (g)
oat flour
50 (g)
peanut butter
100 (g)
honey
20 (g)
unsweetened applesauce
4 (ounces)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: rolled oats, whey protein powder, raisins, and oat flour. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
2
In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the wet ingredients: peanut butter, honey, and unsweetened applesauce. Microwave on high for 30 to 60 seconds or until the mixture is warm and easily stirrable.
3
Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until well combined. You may need to use your hands to blend everything together until it forms a cohesive dough.
4
Line a 9"x9" baking dish with wax paper or parchment paper for easy removal. Spread the mixture evenly into the dish, pressing it down firmly to create a compact layer.
5
Refrigerate the mixture for 2 to 3 hours, or until firm.
6
Once set, carefully lift the bars out of the dish using the paper. Place on a cutting board and cut into 10 equal-sized pieces.
7
Pack each bar in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 2-3 months for longer storage.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
25
Carbs
16
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Protein Oat Snack Bars?
They are a nutritious, high-protein snack made with rolled oats, peanut butter, and protein powder, designed for post-workout recovery or on-the-go energy.
How many calories are in one Nutty Protein Oat Snack Bar?
Each serving contains 190 calories.
How much protein is provided per bar?
Each bar provides 16 grams of protein.
Are these protein bars gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free rolled oats and gluten-free oat flour.
How long do I need to refrigerate the bars before cutting?
The mixture should be refrigerated for 2 to 3 hours, or until it is firm.
What is the shelf life of these snack bars in the refrigerator?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze these bars for longer storage?
Yes, you can freeze them for 2 to 3 months.
Do I need to bake these oat bars?
No, these are no-bake bars that set in the refrigerator.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A 9x9 inch baking dish is recommended.
How many bars does one batch yield?
The recipe makes 10 equal-sized pieces.
What ingredients are used as the wet base?
The wet ingredients include peanut butter, honey, and unsweetened applesauce.
What type of protein powder should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for whey protein powder.
Can I substitute the raisins in the recipe?
Yes, you can satisfy your preference by using other dried fruits or chocolate chips as a substitute for raisins.
What is the fat content of one bar?
Each bar contains 5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per bar.
Why do I need to microwave the wet ingredients?
Microwaving for 30 to 60 seconds makes the mixture warm and easily stirrable, ensuring it blends well with the dry ingredients.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, because they store well in the fridge and are individually wrapped, they are perfect for weekly meal prep.
What is the purpose of the applesauce?
Unsweetened applesauce helps bind the ingredients and provides moisture without adding excessive fat.
What should I do if the mixture is hard to stir?
The instructions suggest using your hands to blend everything together until it forms a cohesive dough if it becomes too thick for a spoon.
Are these bars suitable for hiking?
Yes, their compact nature and high nutrient density make them an ideal healthy treat during hikes.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter or any other nut butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter.
How should I line the baking dish?
Line the dish with wax paper or parchment paper to make it easy to lift the bars out once they have set.
What texture can I expect from these bars?
The bars have a delightful chewy texture and a subtle sweetness.
How much honey is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 20 grams of honey.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is categorized under Oatmeal recipes.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
It is recommended to use rolled oats as steel-cut oats are too hard for a no-bake recipe and won't provide the right texture.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients: rolled oats, whey protein powder, raisins, oat flour, peanut butter, honey, and unsweetened applesauce.
Is there any added sugar?
The sweetness comes from honey, raisins, and the natural sugars in applesauce; there is no refined white sugar added.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup can be substituted for honey, though it may slightly alter the flavor and binding consistency.
Why is oat flour used in addition to rolled oats?
Oat flour acts as a fine binder that fills the gaps between the larger rolled oats, helping the bars stay together.