While store-bought protein bars are convenient, they’re often pricey and packed with artificial ingredients and added sugar. Making homemade bars instead? Not the easiest task. How many times have you headed to the kitchen ready to whip up a batch of snacks, only to end up having to run to the store to pick up extra ingredients? Never again, thanks to these easy homemade protein bar recipes. Each one can be whipped up in minutes, and requires just five or fewer ingredients — most of which you probably have on hand already — score! From cookie dough-flavored bars to brownie bites, these 10 healthy, DIY protein bars taste great, no long grocery list necessary.
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10 Homemade Protein Bars with 5 Ingredients or Less
1. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cereal Bars
If you like bars with a chunky texture, this recipe’s for you. The base is made up of nut butter, rice cereal, protein powder and your choice of nuts and seeds. Plus, the flavors are very easy to customize — mix up the nut butter variety, choose your favorite protein powder flavor, and add texture with a variety of mix-ins. Photo and recipe: Sarah / Making Thyme for Health
2. Classic Granola Bars
This combination of dates, almonds, oats and peanut butter offer the perfect amount of texture and a subtle, sweet flavor. Plus, they have staying power — slow-digesting fiber from the nuts will to keep you full until your next meal. Want to make a big batch to save for later? These bars store well in the freezer. Photo and recipe: Dana and John / Minimalist Baker
3. Girl Scout Cookie Bars
These bars are like the perfect marriage of the Samoa Girl Scout cookie and a Larabar. The bulk of the snack is made up of dates and shredded coconut with a hint of chocolate thanks to the chocolate chips. Add a scoop of protein powder to up the protein content. Photo and recipe: Katie / Chocolate Covered Katie
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4. Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
These decadent bars will do a heck of a job satisfying those cookie dough cravings! Almonds and pecans provide a nutty flavor while also offering a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals such as calcium and potassium. Opt for dairy-free chocolate chips if you want to keep vegan. Photo and recipe: Meg / Beard and Bonnet
5. 3-Minute High-Protein Granola Bars
Protein powder, nut butter and oats are a winning combination when it comes to easy-to-prepare protein bars. Want to customize your own flavor? Add spices such as cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice or change the protein powder flavor or go with another nut butter. Photo and recipe: Katie / Chocolate Covered Katie
6. 3-Ingredient Homemade Larabars
Store-bought bars are a great for convenience, but homemade versions are always healthier, tastier and more budget conscious. This recipe is packed with nuts and dried fruit for a healthy balance of fiber and protein. Change up the flavor by adding cinnamon, vanilla extract or cacao powder. Add texture by mixing in some cacao nibs or chia seeds! Photo and recipe: Renee Blair / Life by Daily Burn
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7. Peanut Butter Brownie Balls
Ever fantasized about enjoying a chewy brownie post-workout? These protein balls will make your chocolaty dreams a reality. With just four ingredients, these grain-, dairy-, gluten- and refined sugar-free bites are a simple snack to enjoy on-the-go. Photo and recipe: Lee Hersh / Fit Foodie Finds
8. Healthy No-Bake Banana Bread Blondies
This is no ordinary butter and sugar-filled blondie. Mashed banana, coconut flour, cashew butter and a bit of maple syrup combine to make these sweet treats that are high in fiber. Protein lovers, you could easily add in your favorite protein powder to boost protein content, too. The best part? It only takes five minutes to whip up a pan of these treats. Photo and recipe: Arman / The Big Man’s World
9. Chocolate Chip Protein Bars
These bars may have six ingredients but we promise they’re just as easy to whip up as the other recipes here! With 12 grams of protein per bar, you’ll have plenty of energy to tackle your morning or afternoon. Peanut butter will yield a richer, more “peanut butter cup” flavor, while cashew butter combined with vanilla protein powder will have more of a “cookie dough” flavor. Photo and recipe: Lee Hersh / Life by Daily Burn
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10. 3-Ingredient No-Bake Protein Bars
Look no further for the perfect post-workout snack. Keep it simple with just quick oats, protein powder and dairy-free milk, or add some mini dark chocolate chips for a little extra flavor and texture. Photo and recipe: Arman / The Big Man’s World