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Made with oatmeal, protein powder, honey, and chocolate (for happy measure), these healthy homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars are no-bake and require only a bowl and some elbow grease.

Soft and chewy healthy peanut butter protein bars with oatmeal, honey, chocolate chips, and protein powder.

While store-bought protein bars are fine from time to time, nothing tastes quite as wonderful as making your own wholesome homemade protein bars (or Oatmeal Breakfast Bars).

  • I love knowing exactly what is in these peanut butter protein bars. Just like these Protein Balls, the ingredients for these peanut butter protein bars are simple and nourishing.
  • Also, SO YUMMY. The texture of these homemade protein bars is soft and chewy (check out Peanut Butter Protein Cookies for another melt-in-your-mouth protein treat).
  • Money-saving. Protein bars are expensive to buy! Making them yourself is a fraction of what they cost at the store.

As an even-better bonus, these no-bake peanut butter protein bars can be stored at room temperature (like a baked protein bar recipe).

This makes them travel-friendly and easy to keep at your desk or tucked in your gym bag for a post-workout snack.

Homemade protein bars with peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips cut into bars

5 Star Review

“Phenomenal recipe. I’ve given up my nature valley protein bars because these are better and easy to make!”

— Abby —

How to Make Protein Bars

Making peanut butter protein bars couldn’t be easier.

Once you have your ingredients gathered, simply melt, stir, press, and chill. Voilà!

Homemade protein bars ready and on demand for all your snacking needs.


The Ingredients

  • Peanut Butter. Healthy fats, protein, and the all-out delicious factor. You can use any kind you like, be it shelf-stable or drippy peanut butter. (For another healthy peanut butter snack, try this Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.) For a peanut-free version, swap almond butter, cashew butter, or sun butter.

Ingredient Note

The consistency of your batter can vary based on the type of peanut butter you use. If your batter is looser than you would like, simply add an extra tablespoon or two of oats until it holds together.

  • Oatmeal. Rolled oats are hearty, rich in fiber, and give the peanut butter protein bars their structure. Using certified gluten-free oats makes these bars safe for those with a gluten allergy.
  • Honey. For its natural sweetness and “glue” factor.

Substitution Tip

If you would like to make these homemade protein bars vegan, swap the honey for vegan natural sweeteners, such as pure maple syrup or brown rice syrup.

Or, see these Vegan Protein Bars which are sweetened with dates.

  • Flaxseed Meal. Omega-3s, please.
  • Protein Powder. Pump ’em up! To make these protein bars with protein powder, stir in 1/2 cup (about 2 generous scoops) of your favorite brand of protein powder. (For a protein-packed snack without powder, try Oatmeal Protein Cookies.)

Substitution Tip

You can use any whey protein or vegan, plant-based protein. I recommend vanilla, though I suspect chocolate would be tasty too.

  • Coconut Oil. To help the bars bind and solidify.
  • Chocolate Chips. No ho-hum bars here. These peanut butter protein bars are loaded with the good stuff. Mini chocolate chips are easy to mix in; for a stronger chocolate factor, use dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate.
A bowl of homemade protein bar ingredients such as peanut butter, rolled oats, and chocolate chips

Protein Bar Flavor Variations

This homemade protein bar recipe is super adaptable. Countless readers have shared how they’ve made this recipe their own in the comments. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

  • Homemade Protein Bars with Raisins. Add a handful of raisins (or other dried fruit) to the mixture.
  • Peanut Butter Protein Bars with Chia Seeds. Swap all or a portion of the flaxseed meal for an equal amount of chia seeds.
  • Crunchy Homemade Protein Bars. For added crunch, stir in a handful of crisp rice cereal.
  • Homemade Protein Bars with Nuts. Throw in a handful of your favorite chopped nuts for some additional healthy fats. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts would all be lovely additions.
  • Double Vanilla Protein Bars. Add 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, use vanilla protein powder, and swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips.
  • Salted Chocolate Protein Bars. Use chocolate protein powder. Drizzle the finished bars with melted chocolate, then sprinkle with flaky salt, such as Maldon or fleur de sel.
Ingredients for making homemade peanut butter protein bars with gluten free rolled oats

The Directions

  1. Melt the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil in a double-boiler and stir until smooth.
  2. Remove from the heat and mix in the oats, protein powder, flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Tip!

If the mixture is still warm, pop the bowl into the refrigerator for a few minutes to let it cool. Cooling the mixture will prevent the chocolate from melting. Don’t worry if they do melt a little—the bars will still be delicious!

  1. Press evenly into a square pan lined with parchment paper, then chill until firm. Remove the bars from the pan and slice them into bars. ENJOY!

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Store the bars at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also store them in the fridge, though I find they taste best at room temperature.
  • To Freeze. Place bars in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Storage Tips

I like to wrap my homemade protein bars individually in plastic, then remove them from the freezer as needed.

Chewy Peanut Butter Protein Bars gluten free with oats and peanut butter

More Protein-Rich Snacks

  • Mixing Bowl. This space-saving set of glass mixing bowls is my favorite.
  • Square Pan. A square baking pan with sharp corners and sides is ideal for making perfect homemade protein bars.
  • Parchment Paper. Essential for lining the pan for easy bar removal and slicing.

Ready for a pantry upgrade?

Give these peanut butter protein bars a try!

You’ll smile every time you open the door and find them waiting for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Homemade Protein Bars Without Coconut Oil?

While I have only ever made the recipe as it is written with coconut oil, feel free to experiment. Popular swaps include additional nut butter or an equal amount of melted butter.

Can I Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars in the Microwave?

Sure! I prefer to warm my ingredients together on the stovetop to more easily keep an eye on it and better control the heat, but you can heat the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil in the microwave instead. For best results, warm low and slow in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring periodically, until smooth.

Can I Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars as Balls Instead?

Certainly! While I have only ever made these as bars, the mixture should be able to be shaped into balls instead. Keep in mind that you may need to play around with the peanut butter, oats, and protein powder ratios a bit to get the right consistency. Or, you can try these Peanut Butter Protein Balls or Energy Balls instead.

Peanut Butter Protein Bars

4.96 from 97 votes
The BEST homemade peanut butter protein bars. Easy, healthy protein bar recipe with oatmeal, honey, and protein powder. No bake!

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients
  


Instructions
 

  • Line an 8×8- or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides like handles.
  • Place the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil in a medium heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan of water and bring the water to a simmer over medium to medium-high heat. (Do not let the water boil, and make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the mixing bowl.) Stir and heat until the mixture is smoothly combined. Remove the bowl from the saucepan and turn off the heat.
  • Add the oats, protein powder, flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl with the peanut butter mixture. Stir to combine. The mixture will seem very dry at first but will come together as you stir. It won't be sticky but should hold together when pressed (see recipe notes for more details).
  • Fold in the chocolate chips. (If the mixture is still fairly warm, pop the bowl into the refrigerator for a few minutes to let it cool. Cooling the mixture will prevent the chocolate from melting. Don’t worry if they do melt a little—the bars will still be delicious!)
  • Press evenly into the prepared pan and refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.
  • Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment handles and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into bars as desired and enjoy.

Video

Notes

  • TO STORE: Store the bars at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • TO FREEZE: These homemade protein bars can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • STORAGE TIP: I like to wrap mine individually, then remove them from the freezer as needed. You can also store them in the fridge, though I find they taste best at room temperature.
  • *INGREDIENT NOTE: The consistency of the bars will vary based on the brand of peanut butter you use. Add a tablespoon or two extra oats if they seem too loose. If they seem too dry, add additional peanut butter, honey, or even water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the bars hold together easily when pressed into the pan.
  • **GLUTEN FREE: If you are particularly sensitive to gluten, I recommend sourcing oats (e.g., Bob’s Red Mill) that are processed in a gluten free certified facility.
  • The nutritional information will vary based on the brand of protein powder you use. If you’d like to calc them with a specific brand, you can do so for free at myfitnesspal.com.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 12)Calories: 247kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 9gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgPotassium: 178mgFiber: 3gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 1mg

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

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296 Comments

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    1. Hi Charlotte! I only recommend coconut oil, but if you need to swap it, you’ll want to add additional nut butter and then store them in the fridge. I hope you enjoy!

        1. Leah, I would definitely up the vanilla extract and you may want to add more sweetener too, since protein powder does have some sweetness. I’ve never tested the recipe this way, so I can’t 100% promise the results. If you decide to experiment, I’d love to hear how it goes.

      1. Hi Samantha, you’re welcome to experiment, but I’d recommend sticking with old-fashioned rolled oats. Steel cut oats have a very different texture than rolled.

  1. Hi Erin,
    Is it okay to substitute almond meal for flax seed meal.  I have a sensitivity to flax seed.
    Thank you,

    1. Hi Veronica! I haven’t tried it myself, but you could experiment. Almond meal will be drier, so you may need to add a little additional honey or nut butter.

    1. Hi Celeste, you could try substituting maple syrup. I do worry that it would be too runny, so you might need to add more protein powder or oats so that they hold together. I’d also recommend storing them in the fridge. I hope you enjoy!

    1. Hi Kimberly, you could try substituting maple syrup. I do worry that it would be too runny, so you might need to add more protein powder or oats so that they hold together. I’d also recommend storing them in the fridge. I hope you enjoy!

    1. Hi Jessi! Protein powder is a crucial ingredient in this recipe that can’t be swapped. If you’re looking for a recipe without protein powder, I’d suggest taking a look at these trail mix peanut butter granola bars! https://www.wellplated.com/peanut-butter-granola-bars/

    2. I just made these today with a few changes.  I previously made them with almond butter and they were good, but this time I used peanut butter and they were so much better.  I left out the protein powder and used rice malt syrup and they were absolutely amazing!  It was hard to eat just one :-).  I left out the protein powder because when I made the no-bake protein balls, my protein powder was a little too strong.5 stars

  2. Hi Erin,

    I’m not really a peanut butter lover, so I was wondering can I sub it for almond butter instead?

    Love your recipes, Thanks! :)

  3. I used chocolate protein powder instead and threw in a bunch of pumpkin seeds as well. YUM! And the kids like them over chocolate chip cookies.5 stars

  4. I’m not much of a chef. I made these for my team at the office, and it was well received! Note: For step 2, I got lazy and microwaved the bowl with PB, honey and coconut oil for 10 seconds—just enough to slightly warm the bowl and the ingredients without a mess.5 stars

  5. These bars are fantastic. I changed mine a little though. I did not add the protein powder and therefore added more oats. They are easy to make and delicious.5 stars

  6. For those wondering how to sub out honey, try molasses. The flavor will change, and the overall sweetness will drop a tad, but it keeps the thick, sticky consistency.

  7. Ok thank you! They turned out fabulous! I used chunky PB and added some crushed pecans as well for some extra nutty texture!5 stars

  8. This was great, I used powdered peanut butter and cut up a bar of baking chocolate I had. Used unflavored rice protein powder and had to add a little bit more water because of how gritty it felt even after mixing. If it looks a little bit too dry, just add small amounts of water at a time and mix it . The resulting bars were delicious and extremely cheap to make. 5 stars

  9. Thanks for such a great recipe! I was looking for a recipe so I could use up some vanilla protein (family likes to drink chocolate over vanilla) and peanut butter (found a ton on clearance) and this was perfect! I made a couple of substitutions since I’m trying to use up pantry ingredients and it turned out great. I’ll try this again when the family eats up these using some chocolate protein powder – and with a husband and 2 children who are sprinters, I’m sure they’ll eat these up quickly! Thanks again!5 stars

  10. I have been trying to find a good alternative to store-bought protein bars, they have become so expensive and so many ingredients that I can’t even pronounce!  This recipe was probably my 10th attempt at a protein bar that was full of healthy ingredients including protein powder, but tastes like something that I want to eat every day! You nailed it!!  The only tweak I made was warming up the ingredients in the microwave as we are renovating and I don’t have a stove right now! Thanks for this great recipe.5 stars

  11. Hi, I am planning a backpacking trip to Arizona and am looking to make my own trail mix and protein bars. If i substitute out the chocolate for raisins or something else, would these bars sustain the heat and long trek?

    1. Hi Brittany! I have not taken a long hike in warm temperatures with these bars, but I do store them at room temp. If you decide to try them out, I’d love to hear how it goes.

    1. Trish, I am so pleased to hear you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for taking time to let me know. It means a lot!

  12. Love this. In my pantry currently I have nutritional yeast, rather than protein powder. I wonder if I can substitute that? Would it work if I added more sweetener?
    As for flax: I have tons of flax seeds and no flax meal currently, so I am planning to grind in the blender. Hope that’s okay. Next question: some of my flax seed supply is in the freezer, after having been boiled twice, to make flax seed gel. I wonder if those frozen seeds are still useful for this recipe? I mean, they’re lacking some of their nutrition, but they still have all their fiber. What’s your opinion?

    1. Hi Julia! I definitely would not recommend nutritional yeast, as that is a totally different product and won’t behave properly or taste appealing in this recipe. For flax: I’d recommend using the whole seeds to grind your own flaxseed meal. Be sure to measure after grinding (the gel I don’t think would work). I hope you enjoy the bars!

  13. I added a handful of butterscotch chips To the bars and they were delicious!These bars are much better than store bought!5 stars

  14. Hi Erin! Thanks for sharing this recipe! I am so excited to make these. Is there a certain brand of protein powder you recommend? I have tried several different ones with protein shakes and of course some are better than others. Also, I really only buy natural peanut butter, would that make any difference on the consistency or the bars overall? Thanks again!

    1. Hi Madeline! I use this brand of protein powder. As for the peanut butter consistency, check out the notes section below the recipe! I address this exact question and have some recommendations.

      1. Hey Erin,
        I finally made the bars last night! They were absolutely delicious! I will definitely be making them more! However, after I refrigerated and cut them into squares, they did not stick together and some of them were crumbs. I added more coconut oil, honey and peanut butter after I added the oats, nut they still fell apart (but I still ate the crumbs!). what can I do or add so they don’t fall apart?

        1. Hi Madeline! Your protein powder might just be on the drier side. I’d add even more peanut butter and maybe scale back on the oats a bit. So glad you still enjoyed them!

        1. Hi Matt! I only recommend coconut oil, but if you need to swap it, you’ll want to add additional nut butter and then store them in the fridge. You could also try using melted butter instead. I hope you enjoy the bars!

  15. Hi Erin, So appreciate you putting this recipe up. I just found the website, so I’m eager to get a sample going.

    The recipe notes say we can freeze the bars for 3 months. Then, it says we can refrigerate them too. Can I expect to refrigerate them for 3 months as well?

    Thanks.

    1. Hi Kevin, no, I would only store them for about a week in the fridge, the same as room temperature. I hope you enjoy them!

  16. We’ve made this recipe 3 times in the past week. Husband loves it. We make it with almond butter and Quest vanilla milkshake protein powder. 5 stars

  17. These have become a staple in my house.  As a honey bee keeper, I’m always looking for ways to use honey.  My husband and I think these are a wonderful alternative to the store bought, glorified candy bar “protein bars” we were relying on.  I’ve experimented a bit and I think the best results come from using the fresh, grind-your-own peanut butter.  And I skip the double boiler and just melt the coconut oil and the peanut butter together in the microwave at 10 second increments.  Once smooth, I stir in the honey (best left raw and not heated)  followed by the rest of the ingredients.  I’ve started adding chia seeds too for some added texture and nutrients.  I cut it into 16 squares for a satisfying portion. Thank you so much for an excellent, inspiring and super easy recipe!5 stars

  18. I made these and they are amazing!  Because I don’t have time to eat at work I was looking for a protein packed bar and this was Perfect!  I subbed wheat germ in place of flax seed (didn’t have any) and used skippy natural peanut butter which is a little more runny than normal PB but I compensated with adding more dry ingredients. Totally followed your advice on cutting, bagging individually and freezing them and they still taste great!  I’m going to triple the recipe and make a bunch!   Thank you for sharing! 5 stars

  19. So delicious! I subbed the chocolate chips fo organic cocoa nibs and threw in extra flax and chia seeds. Definitely needed to add a little water as per the note to ensure the texture is spot on, but other than that, followed the directions as is . I’m on my 4th batch already :) Thanks for sharing. Yumm! 5 stars

  20. These protein bars are absolutely delicious! So easy to make…everyone from my hubby, kids & fellow members of the gym love Erin’s recipe. I’ve even added some sunflower seeds to the bars!5 stars

  21. My first try and first recipe. We will look no more. It was a hit. I did make some adjustments for my son. No chocolate chips. 1/4 of the peanut butter is chunky. Didn’t buy the gluten free type of Bob’s oatmeal – used Bob’s old fashion oatmeal. Great recipe! Thank you…5 stars

  22. These are super good and very easy to make. I didn’t want to buy protein powder (because it seems to come in body-builder sized canisters), so I searched online and found a recipe for it (dry milk, oats, almonds, and I added vanilla powder). I have nothing to compare it to, but since this recipe turned out great, I think the homemade protein powder was also a success. I’ll definitely make these again. Love your healthy snacks!5 stars

    1. YAY! I’m so happy this recipe was a hit for you, Jill! Thank you for trying this recipe and for sharing this review!

  23. I’ve enjoyed your recipes. They are very tasty. Recently I have found that I’m gluten intolerant. It sets off my autoimmune disorder so I’ve been looking for healthier snacks that don’t contain gluten, but most contain chocolate and alas I’m allergic to chocolate as well. I get migraines. My question is; have you made your protein bar without chocolate and do you like it? Thanks 

    1. Hi Rachel! I have not tried this recipe without chocolate, but other readers have tried it with success. You could try adding some raisins for extra texture. I hope you love the recipe!

  24. I’ve been looking for protein bars I can make myself.
    These look delicious. Unfortunately, I can’t have insoluble fiber and just a small amount of soluable fiber like in white potatoes, white bread, etc. due to scar tissue narrowing my small intestines. A little roughage or too much soluble fiber will block me. I’ve had 18 blockages and 18 NG tubes figuring out what I can eat.
    Having no colon, I digest fast so I’m always on the look out for high salt, protein, iron and B12 rich foods and beverages.
    So, I have to omit the oats and flaxseed.
    What other binders do you recommend? I have Rice Krispies and other rice cereals.
    Do you have some suggestions?
    Thanks.

    1. Hi Stacy! I’m sorry, but I’ve only tried the recipe (and similar ones) with oats. I recommend looking for recipes that specifically meet your needs or check with your doctor or nutritionist for more guidance. I’m very sorry I can’t offer more suggestions, but I don’t have much expertise in this area. I hope you find a recipe you enjoy!

    1. Hi Dani! I only recommend coconut oil, but if you need to swap it, you’ll want to add additional nut butter and then store them in the fridge. I hope you enjoy!

    2. I added a bit more peanut butter and maple Syrup and a tablespoon of olive oil. Came out fine. Thanks for the recipe.5 stars

      1. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed this recipe, Patrick! Thank you for taking the time to share this kind review!

    1. Hi Stephanie! While I have not tried this swap, other readers have reported success with adding chia seeds. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it goes!

  25. These are very tasty with just the right amount of sweetness. They came out a bit dry and crumbly for me so next time I will add more honey or water.5 stars

  26. I followed the recipe and these are falling apart. Tried adding more PB and a little water as recommended. Thoughts? 

    PS they are delicious!

    1. Hi Kelly! Your protein powder might just be on the drier side. I’d add even more peanut butter and maybe scale back on the oats a bit. So glad you still enjoyed them!

  27. Heya :)

    This protein bar recipe is quite good & I am gonna try it :)

    I am a fitness consultant from India and worked with many peoples. Especially with those peoples who go to work or office. They have constant questioning in their minds about what should they munch when the hunger kicks at work.

    I simply recommend you can carry nuts, fruits or nowadays bars also come with protein but the majority of these protein bars are that they come with high sugar. So you have to compromise with your calorie count.

    So for me, it’s kind of really hard to suggest some good protein bars to them.

    I would really love to share this recipe with them so that they don’t have to compromise with their fitness goals.

    Thanks for sharing :)

    Happy Day :)5 stars

  28. Thanks for this recipe. I made the bars, and even though they crumbled, they were really delicious. So much better than the overpriced, over-processed bars I was buying.

    I think the recipe works because:

    – It’s extremely easy to make
    – Simple ingredients
    – No bake!

    One time and effort saver — instead of heating the peanut butter & oil over simmering water, I just microwaved then and mixed it up.5 stars

    1. Thank you for taking the time to share this kind review, Nathan! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the recipe!

      1. Hi Ishmeet, I only recommend coconut oil, but if you need to swap it, you’ll want to add additional nut butter and then store them in the fridge. You could also try using melted butter instead. I hope you enjoy!

  29. This was a big hit at our house tonight.  My teenage daughter requested this for her birthday dessert and she was absolutely thrilled with them.  Thank you for a great recipe!5 stars

  30. It’s a good recipe. Bars are a bit crumbly. I toasted the oats the second time I made them so they weren’t so chewy. I also added maybe a half cup of dried cranberries. There’s something better  about making your vs. store bought. 4 stars

    1. I’m so happy to hear that this recipe was a hit, David! Thank you for taking the time to share this kind review!

    2. Hi Erin
      The bars are AWESOME!!! Importantly easy to make too. My family members loved them and commented that they were delicious and better that store bought. The next time I am making these I will put the chocolate chips after chilling the mixture for awhile which i didn’t do. Now the bars are kept in the fridge as it’s very hot here in Singapore! Thanks Erin looking forward to try more of your healthy recipes!5 stars

  31. These are delicious. I made them using fudgy chocolate protein powder as that is what I had on hand but did not add the chocolate chips. Perfect for an afternoon craving. Thanks for a great recipe.5 stars

  32. Hi. I’m from the UK and have never heard of Flaxseed Meal, can i do these without it or is there a something else i can use? Thank you

  33. This was the perfect recipe I was looking for! Can’t get my husband to take the 5 mins to make oatmeal OR a protein shake in the morning. But he’s a sucker for chocolate + peanut butter and now grabs one of these to go (if I can fend him off from them the rest of the time)!

    I used an unflavored pea protein powder and don’t find the final result to be lacking in flavor at all. The honey sweetens it perfectly- I use a local one for his allergies. I ended up microwaving the initial ingredients for a minute and that softened them enough to stir in the dry. By the time I added the chocolate chips I had no issue of them melting. I also blended the oats in a small food processor before adding them to make them easier to digest. They came out perfect! Thanks SO MUCH for this recipe, it was exactly what I needed!!5 stars

    1. Celeste, I am so so pleased to hear it! Thanks for sharing this kind review and your tweaks. It means a lot to me and is so helpful to others!

  34. These are absolutely delicious, even though I forgot to add the cinnamon, and I feel like they could be easily customized by adding different nut butters or dried fruit for variety. I plan on keeping a batch of these on hand for at least the rest of the summer.5 stars

  35. My younger daughter is allergic to coconut so I can’t use coconut oil. Can these be made without that, or is there something I can substitute?
    (She is also allergic to egg and tree nuts.)

  36. Loved the Peanut Butter protein bars! Easy recipe, simple, whole ingredients AND they taste great! My husband loved them! Thank you!!5 stars

    1. Hi Cole! I haven’t tried the recipe this way, but you could experiment with it. It will change the texture of the bars, but they’ll still be tasty. I hope you enjoy them!

  37. Thank you for sharing this recipe! They look delicious. Have you ever tried making these into protein balls instead of bars? I’m curious how you think they would turn out if not!

    1. Hi Alexis! I’ve never tried making these into protein balls, so I’m not sure how it would turn out. If you decide to play around with it, I’d love to hear how it goes!

  38. You cannot imagine how much my family enjoys these bars. We were looking for a healthier cheaper version that we could make ourselves. And incredibly quick! We have it down to about 10 minutes! Now we have other family members making them. We never go without having them on hand. I use them to grab and go for work and it is our go to snack at home too. We have a granddaughter that is a very picky eater and she loves them, so we know that she is getting enough protein now. We can’t thank you enough.5 stars

  39. These peanut butter protein bars are GREAT! The peanut butter and chocolate make them taste like a treat. They are easy to make and the perfect go-to after a workout! Thank you Erin!!5 stars

  40. Can I sub (whole) chia seeds for flax meal? I have a bunch of chia seeds and no flaxseed meal so if I can use what I already have that would be cool. Thanks!

    1. Hi Jordan! While I have not tried this swap, other readers have reported success with adding chia seeds. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it goes!

  41. This was exactly what I was looking for! Protein powder mixed in is filling and delicious. I have a salted caramel flavor and it was a yummy add to the peanut butter and chocolate. Almost too sweet!

    I didn’t have flax seed meal so used crushed cashews and sesame seeds. I did use the coconut oil and it melted and mixed well. So far they are staying together. I also added peanuts for some of the oats. I might try other mix in next time. 

     I made a double batch and hope to cut down on the granola bar bill! Thanks!5 stars

  42. SOOO good! this recipe is so easy i make it once or twice a month, best way to start your morning!!
    Tasty and healthy , thank you!5 stars

  43. what is your secret to keeping the parchment paper so perfectly in place, please? You have a lot of inviting recipes that I hope to try soon, including this one and the Mexican Quinoa.

    1. Thanks for your kind words, Mary! I lay my parchment paper on the pan, leaving enough overhang on the sides to make “handles” for easy removal.

    1. Brittany, I like Bob’s Red Mill a lot! (They have one that’s a combo protein powder and nutritional booster and it tastes delish too). For a whey option, I hear good things about About Time and Optimum Nutrition.

  44. Hello and thank you for the recipe. Would you mind post the nutrition value of these bars excluding the protein powder?

    1. Hi Lara! Unfortunately, I only have the nutrition estimates listed. However, you can use a free online calculator like MyFitnessPal to get an estimate for the recipes based on your specific ingredients. I hope this helps!

    1. Amy, I recommend taking a look at the ingredients and things like the amount of sugar. I love Bob’s Red Mill’s vanilla nutritional booster (it has protein too). For a whey option, I’ve had good luck with Optimum Nutrition and hear great things about About Time.

  45. Love these as does my wife. Question:

    If one wanted to bake these to create more structure/stability…..would one add eggs?5 stars

    1. Hi Blair! I wouldn’t recommend adding eggs, as I haven’t tested the recipe this way. If you’d like to try a baked protein bar, I’d suggest checking out my Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars instead!

      1. Hi Charlotte! Unfortunately, I don’t have the information for this recipe in grams. You should be able to find some charts online that will help you convert the ingredient amounts into grams. I hope this helps!

        1. I managed to figure it out using google, I’m not sure how accurate my workings are but I will put below for anyone else struggling to convert! They were absolutely delicious, held together really well and kept in the fridge for a week really nicely. Thank you for the yummy recipe. ☺️☺️
          180g peanut butter
          113g honey
          2tbsp coconut oil
          312g oats
          68g protein powder
          3tbsp flaxseeds
          1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
          1/4 tsp salt
          54g choc chips5 stars

          1. I’m SO happy that you enjoyed the bars, Charlotte! Thank you for sharing this kind review and your measurements!

  46. These are so good that I’m harassing all my friends with this link. Don’t sleep on these bars guys. I added a dash of vanilla extract, almond milk and arguably too many chocolate chips. Adding a mix of peanuts gives a nice texture as well so it’s not too gritty. A+ to you miss Erin.5 stars

  47. love the idea how to melt everything together over hot water that is reusable to soak the stickiness measuring cups, bowl spoons..ect..
    I did add sunflower seeds & raw cacao ships to thicken it up..
    over all very efficient, effective, yummy receipe .. 6 stars.!5 stars

  48. One of the best recipes I have tried online. These bars are great. I substituted the honey for imitation honey to lower the sugar. Tastes just as good as real honey. Thanks for the great recipe. I make these every week!5 stars

    1. Hi Hayley! I’d actually recommend using extra oatmeal instead of the flaxseed meal. I hope you love the bars if you try them!

  49. My husband and I love this recipe! We leave out the honey, and it makes delicious peanut butter granola! :) We also used chocolate protein powder, and it’s still so yummy! Thank you so much!!5 stars

  50. Thank you Erin for this recipe ❤ I bought a vegan protein (cookie flavour) so I was trying to find some recipe where I can use it and it will be tasty. I love peanut butter and it’s so easy!! Protein bars are pretty expensive so I am happy I can make my own so easily. After I took it out from the refrigerator I can’t stop eating it?.Next time I will try to upgrade it with some nuts. Thank you & I am sending hugs from Czech Republic.5 stars

    1. I’m so happy that you enjoyed them, Stephen! Your protein powder might be on the drier side. I’d try adding even more peanut butter and maybe scale back on the oats a bit.

  51. Hi Erin – do you have recommendations for protein powders? I’d like to avoid anything with a lot of sugar or sugar substitutes. And I’m not trying to bulk up! There are so many on the market so would appreciate knowing your favorites. Thanks!

    1. Hi Alisa, I like Bob’s Red Mill a lot! They have one that’s a combo protein powder and nutritional booster, and it tastes delish too. I hope this helps!

  52. I don’t think these turned out for me exactly as expected bit they were easy and delicious. I will make them again for sure.5 stars

  53. It’s generally good but a bit too sweet for my tastebuds. I wonder if I can melt the rest of the bars again and add something to make it less sweet.5 stars

    1. Hi MC! I haven’t tried it myself, but you could experiment. Almond flour will be drier, so you may need to add a little additional honey or nut butter. You could also try my Almond Flour Cookies instead.

  54. My secret to making these so much more crispy and delicious is to add just a half cup of Rice Krispies, in place of a boy of the oats, It really makes a difference.
    I also leave out the chocolate chips, not necessary for them to be delicious and nutritious!5 stars

  55. I’ve made a few of the recipes on this blog and everything is delicious- this included. I added hazelnuts to my batter and chia seeds and loved it.5 stars

  56. Love, love and did I say love these protein bars! Such a yummy breakfast, snack or light dessert (it has chocolate and peanut butter in it, need I say more, LOL). I’ve shared the bars with several friends and later the recipes as they love it too!
    Side note: I’ve played around with the amount of peanut butter (tablespoon or so less) and honey (tablespoon or so more) just for my taste preference and they still taste great! Thank you Erin for sharing! I’ve enjoyed making several of your recipes and this is first time I’ve posted.5 stars

    1. Hi Meredith, while I haven’t tried it myself, there have been a few other readers who have done it. This is their feedback: melt the coconut oil and the peanut butter together in the microwave at 10 second increments.Once smooth stir in the honey followed by the rest of the ingredients. Another reader says: microwave the bowl with PB, honey and coconut oil for 10 seconds—just enough to slightly warm the bowl and the ingredients without a mess. Hope this helps!

  57. These have become my go to sweet craving fix since changing my lifestyle! They are a no-guilt guilty pleasure and the whole family loves them!5 stars

  58. What an amazing recipe! Thank you very much for sharing this with us. This is great for our boys who are runners and need something quick before they take to the trails.5 stars

  59. I have a very dear friend suffering from Pancreatic cancer and needs to eat a lot of protein in small bites daily. NO Red meats for protein. Both if us really like these bars. I did cut back on the honey a bit and they still held together. I added in one batch Craisins instead of Cho chips. Delicious.5 stars

    1. I’m so sorry to hear that Joan! I’m so happy you found something here to make and enjoy! Thank you for this kind review!

  60. Hi Erin,
    How do you package these in a bar form individually for storage, or to take just one with you when leaving the house?

  61. So good and satisfying! We all love them just put another batch in the fridge.

    Thank you Erin for the easy and healthy recipes that help a working family!,😋

    Terri5 stars

  62. I am abt to make these! Just wondering what can I replace flax seeds with that arent chia seeds? Or can I skipp it?

    1. Hi Kathy, this recipe includes flaxseed meal which is ground flaxseed. You can swap it for extra oats. Hope this helps!

  63. I love these. Being on a high protein diet I double the recipe and add an extra scoop of protein to help meet my daily protein goals. I also use Lily’s sugar free chips (1/2 white and 1/2 chocolate) So much better than store bought!5 stars

  64. Soooo delicious 😋 I used adams all natural and definitely should have adjusted a bit for the consistency and used a bit more pb/honey/oil, but they taste amazing! Will adjust next time I make them :)5 stars

  65. All around fantastic! I end up adding a touch of oat milk at the end just to bring it to my desired consistency, but this ends up being a pretty simple and absolutely delicious protein bar that my family loves5 stars

  66. My husband and I love these bars! We make them regularly since I found this recipe a few months ago. One thing that concerns me though is the coconut oil. I’ve read so much conflicting info about the oil being healthy versus unhealthy. What would be a healthier option that would still bind well?4 stars

    1. Hi Judy! I am not a qualified nutritionist or doctor to give you information on what is healthier for you. I would always talk with a medical professional if you have issues with certain foods. So glad you enjoyed them!

  67. This recipe reads lovely and the comments come through. Could you recommend another type of oil? I am highly allergic to coconuts but would love to try these! Thanks!

    1. Hi Nicole, I’ve only tested the recipe as written, but you could probably use any oil that works for you.

  68. I’m wondering why the recipe calls for the addition of coconut oil when natural peanut butter is so oily to begin with. And specifically, coconut oil, although featuring in healthy recipes, is highly saturated and appears to raise cholesterol levels (though some studies point to it lowering LDL).
    Is the additional oil necessary? Thanks!

    1. Hi Nicky! This is how I’ve tested the recipe multiple times and works well for me. If you decide to play around with the recipe to suit your own needs, I’d love to hear how it goes.

    2. Nicky,
      I’ve made these without the coconut oil. The first time subbed some Irish butter for it. Yum! Since then, I didn’t substitute, I just eliminated. It needed a bit more water that I added a bit at a time. Still absolutely delicious.5 stars

  69. This is a great recipe that my teenage son loves. After making it a few times I made a small change to mix it up and used 1C oats and 1 C Rice Crispy’s. It adds a nice crunch to the bars!5 stars

  70. I did try using a lovely museli mix instead of just the oats and it was too wet, although it does taste amazing. It bound together and cut very well, just melts quickly. Next time I will add more plain oats to correct the proportions to be inline with the recipe. Thanks for your efforts in creating healthy options.4 stars

  71. These are the best! A true winner when everyone in the family enjoys them. Great for lunchbox snacks.5 stars

  72. Phenomenal recipe. I’ve given up my nature valley protein bars because these are better and easy to make!5 stars

  73. This recipe was a total hit with my family. Two changes were made – I cut the oats back by half and substituted rice krispies for texture. I also cut back a bit on the coconut oil. The bars were devoured by my family. Great recipe!5 stars

  74. These have been great to take to work for snacks in the afternoon! I only had peanut butter protein powder, which worked well. They’ve kept well in the freezer for a couple months.5 stars

  75. Fantastic bars! I did used crunchy peanut butter for texture and plant based mini chocolate chips. I doubled the recipe and spread it into a 10”X15” parchment lined cookie sheet. I still cut it into the same number of squares, I just prefer a thinner square vs a thick bar. Will be making more, trying variations and freezing!5 stars

  76. Hello! I absolutely LOVE these protein bars. We always have them in the fridge (with a second batch waiting in the freezer) as a snack. I’ve noticed the bars are falling apart. Any thoughts as to why this could be happening?

    1. Hi Sandy, Your protein powder might just be on the drier side. I’d add even more peanut butter and maybe scale back on the oats a bit. So glad you still enjoyed them!

  77. I made mine without chocolate and they’re absolutely delicious. I consumed a half batch in four days and made a full batch the following weekend.

    I don’t think I’ll ever tire from eating these, but that’s a lingering concern. 😁 Must try!5 stars

  78. This peanut butter bar recipe is delicious and easy to make. Great healthy quick breakfast or snack. Superb! Thank you, Erin!5 stars

  79. This had too much honey for my liking but wouldn’t stay together without it so I ended up having to make a baked version by adding eggs and tons of applesauce. Just a warning to those that are trying to reduce inflammation that this isn’t that easy to modify.

    1. I’m sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy the recipe Candice. The amounts and method has worked well for myself (and others) so I wished it would of been a hit for you too.

  80. Very good. It’s so sweet you don’t need chocolate chips. Do wish it was a bit more filling on its own, but a good snack!5 stars

  81. these are SO good! i eat these for breakfast. I like to put them in the freezer and eat them frozen that way. ☺️5 stars

    1. Hi Monty, unfortunately, I’m not able to provide metric measurements. There are several online conversion sites—one good one is from King Arthur! Here’s the link: https://www.kingarthurflour.com/learn/ingredient-weight-chart.

  82. Fabulous!!! I substituted Almond Butter for the Peanut Butter (peanut allergies), but followed the rest of the recipe to the letter…..and WOW! I am storing mine in the fridge and individually wrapping them, as suggested. So much better than protein bars that sit on a shelf in a store!!5 stars

    1. Hi Shelley! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review! And glad that the almond butter worked for you!

  83. Only issue I have is it doesn’t say how much of each ingredient to use ! So have to guess and fingers crossed

    1. Hi Donna! I’m so confused because I see it on my end. Are you not able to see the full list of ingredients and directions in the recipe card? It’s in the area above where you commented. You can also click the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the post. Could you please check again?

  84. I subbed olive oil and they taste great! I also leave out the chocolate chips to lower the sugar. I use the collagen peptides . These are delicious!!5 stars

  85. Very tasty but are a little crumbly when at room temp. Next time I’ll cut back on oats a bit and add a little more peanut butter. I upped the cinnamon a bit and used raisins instead of chocolate chips. Great snack before or after workout.5 stars

    1. Hi Maria! The nutritional facts are located at the bottom of the recipe card. The serving size is 1 bar, you will get 12 bars from this recipe. I do not weigh my portions, so that is something you’ll have to do. Enjoy!

  86. I make these protein bars at least twice a week. I make a caramel topping rather than adding chocolate. They are the best, we are addicted to them. Thank you, your recipes are great and I will be trying out many more.5 stars

    1. Hi Victoria! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review and feedback about using a caramel topping!

  87. These bars are amazing. I make double batches frequently and the kids love them. I store them in the freezer, and we eat them directly from the freezer. They are filling and a good little snack between meals. I tweaked the recipe replacing half of the oats with rice crisps (using Walmart’s Great Value brand that is GF), and adding chia seeds without replacing any flaxseed meal. I’ve also made some with sun butter for friends with nut allergies. They are a big hit here…thank you!5 stars

    1. I do the exact same thing. Crispy rice adds texture. I also added chia seeds but have a total of 3 T with both. Great minds think alike!5 stars

  88. It was looking for a more cost effective protein bar and made these today. My husband didn’t like them…he LOVED them! I picked up freeze dried strawberries to try next time as an add-in for a PB&J flavor. And after that I’ll try it with blueberry muffin protein powder. The possibilities are endless! Thank you!5 stars

  89. I made this recipe today for the first time. Left out the chocolate and added in 1/3 cup chopped pecans. It’s super tasty, but I found it slightly too crumbly and am worried that if I want to take it on the road it won’t hold together. I’m thinking that I could just increase the PB or honey (or both?), that that might do the trick? Any advice?

    Thanks for providing a simple, quick, and delicious recipe!5 stars

    1. Hi Tricia! I do not normally have a problem with them being crumbly. The consistency of the bars will vary based on the brand of peanut butter you use. Add a tablespoon or two extra oats if they seem too loose. If they seem too dry, add additional peanut butter, honey, or even water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the bars hold together easily when pressed into the pan. Hope this helps!

  90. These are AMAZING! They come together so quickly and easily. Melting the ingredients prior to mixing is a game changer.5 stars

  91. great recipe. Grandkids love them. I switch it up every time. Today I added dried cherries and pumpkin seeds instead of chocolate chips. i also use all organic ingredients.
    Thank you5 stars

  92. Hi Erin!
    Thanks for the recipe :)
    Just one remark, maybe it’s best to use reusable wrapper (like beeswax wrapper) instead of individually wrapping each bar in plastic. Who knows where that piece of plastic might end!

  93. I was looking for something less sweet. Used unsweetened sunflower butter, soy protein with a little wheat germ. Used some rice krispies and sunflower seeds for crunch, replacing some of the oatmeal. Just a teaspoon of honey, the rest of the sweetner was pure maple syrup. No chocolate. Double cinnamon.

  94. Yummy! These bars are delicious & filling. They are dense and don’t fall apart and have great flavor. Best of all they are super easy to make! I made these with my 2 & 6 year old daughters while holding our new born.

    My girls loved making these and they made a few cookies from the batter. We flattened the batter into a cookie sheet in a circle shape. Baked at 400F for 5 minutes. They loved them.

    I enjoy these as bars for a snack. They are very filling and don’t raise my blood sugar. Plus the oatmeal makes them good for nursing. Lactation bars are expensive and typically taste awful.

    We didn’t use the coconut oil, since our peanut butter was super runny. Also left out the flax seed. Used 1 scoop of BOOBIE Vanilla Cookie protein powder.

    I will make these again!5 stars

  95. Didn’t have honey or chocolate chips but substitute molasses and butterscotch chips. I needed to add about 3 tablespoons of water but I couldn’t be happier with them.
    Tanks for the recipe!5 stars

    1. Hi Molly, While I have only ever made the recipe as it is written with coconut oil, feel free to experiment. Popular swaps include additional nut butter or an equal amount of melted butter. Enjoy!

  96. This is similar to a recipe I have made for years and which I eat regularly. I am writing in case you and your followers might want to try some of my variations. I don’t add chocolate chips, but if I want chocolate flavor I add cocoa powder. I always add unsweetened coconut flakes and vanilla or almond or orange extract (any extract will do) for added flavoring. I recently tried adding walnut butter, another time sunflower seed butter, and another time added tahini – all of which were yummy. Replacing the peanut butter with walnut butter was a bit on the heavy side, but still good.5 stars