Recipe Overview

Chewy, nutrient-dense protein bars made with oats, peanut butter, and protein powder. Ideal for post-workout recovery, meal prep, or on-the-go snacking. Customizable with collagen, plant-based protein, or keto-friendly swaps.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (Chill 1 hour)
Cooking Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 10 bars

Ingredients

Base

• 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• ½ cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
• ¼ cup collagen peptides (optional for extra protein)
• ¼ cup ground flaxseed

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
• ⅓ cup honey (or sugar-free maple syrup for keto)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-Ins

• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (sugar-free for keto)
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• Pinch of sea salt

Professional Chef-Level Instructions

Prep Work

1. Line Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Mixing

1. Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine oats, protein powder, collagen, flaxseed, chia seeds, and salt.
2. Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan over low heat, warm peanut butter and honey until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
3. Combine: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Mix until fully incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips.

Setting

1. Press into Pan: Transfer mixture to the prepared dish. Press firmly with a spatula or damp hands to create an even layer.
2. Chill: Refrigerate for 1 hour (or freeze for 20 minutes) until firm. Slice into 10 bars.

Detailed Nutrition Facts (per bar)

Values assume whey protein and honey; adjust for substitutions.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan: Use plant-based protein + maple syrup; replace collagen with pea protein.
• Keto: Swap oats for ½ cup almond flour; use sugar-free syrup and chocolate.
• Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
• Extra Crunch: Add ¼ cup crushed almonds or pumpkin seeds.

Pro Tips & Tricks

1. Perfect Texture: If mixture is too dry, add 1 tbsp almond milk. Too sticky? Add 1 tbsp coconut flour.
2. Storage Hack: Wrap bars individually in parchment paper for grab-and-go convenience.
3. Flavor Boost: Add 1 tsp cinnamon or espresso powder for depth.

How to Serve

• Post-Workout: Pair with a banana or protein shake for muscle recovery.
• Meal Prep: Pack 2 bars + apple slices for a balanced snack.
• Keto-Friendly: Serve with bulletproof coffee or a handful of berries.

How to Store

• Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw 10 minutes before eating.

Similar Recipes

1. Almond Joy Protein Balls (No-Bake)
   Coconut, almond butter, and dark chocolate bites with 10g protein each.
2. Vegan Date & Walnut Energy Bars
   Plant-based bars sweetened with dates and packed with walnuts and hemp seeds.
3. Keto Peanut Butter Fat Bombs
   Low-carb bites with MCT oil, coconut oil, and sea salt.
4. Oatmeal Raisin Protein Cookies
   Soft-baked cookies with whey protein, cinnamon, and chewy raisins.