These no-bake healthy protein bars are easy to put together with just four simple ingredients - peanut butter, dates, a little water and protein powder.
I am a busy home cook, dietitian, and personal trainer. With a busy workload, I am constantly searching for easy recipes that are healthy and flavorful.
That's why I'm so excited about these no-bake four ingredient protein bars, all made in one bowl.
They make a great snack or healthy breakfast alternative in the mornings. All you need is a food processor and you can whip up some delicious protein bars in no time.
What do these protein bars taste like?
These protein bars are a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
The peanut butter adds a nutty flavor, while the medjool dates give it a slight sweetness and creates an irresistible caramelized finish.
These homemade peanut butter protein bars are a great option for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack.
Why you should make these protein bars
These no-bake protein bars are the perfect choice for busy moms, working professionals, or busy college students looking for a nutritious snack.
I love making homemade protein bars because they are ingredients that are better for you than the store-bought protein bars and are an easy recipe for an energy-packed snack.
They have a delicious chewy texture with a nutritional content and protein content that is similar to an RXBar.
The best part is that this dish is a no-bake recipe made simply in one-bowl in the food processor for the whole family.
This recipe is perfect for customization and you can add different ingredients to create various flavors.
Ingredients
How to Make No-Bake Four Ingredient Protein Bars
Add ingredients to food processor
Add all of the ingredients besides water into a high speed food processor.
Blend and process on high speed for at least 30 seconds until the dates are fully processed and you have a peanut butter mixture. The texture should be similar to dry sand and should be crumbly.
Shape into bars
Scrape down the edges with a spatula. Continue to process on high and slowly stream in cold water while the food processor is running. The mixture should come together into a ball.
Place the food processor with the finished bars into the fridge and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes to make the mixture easier to work with.
Line a square pan with parchment paper. Form and cut into protein bars. Store in the freezer.
Substitutes/Alternatives/Variations
Can I store these at room temperature?
Because these are made from a base of peanut butter, they will soften at room temp. I store these in the freezer and take them out as I want to eat them so that the bars keep their shape.
How much protein is in each bar?
Each bar has 200kcal, 11g fat, 24g carbs, and 13g protein.
These nutritional values are simply estimates and actual nutritional values might vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.
Is it cheaper to make your own homemade protein bars?
It is cheaper to make your own homemade protein bars compared to store-bought protein bars. Each of my homemade protein bar costs ~$0.25-$0.75, which is significantly less compared to an RXBar, which costs between $1.50-$2.50.
Is it OK to eat a protein bar every day?
It is OK to eat my four-ingredient no-bake protein bars every day since these bars made with wholesome ingredients.
What to avoid when buying protein bars?
When you're buying protein bars, it's important to avoid products that contain excessive amounts of added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and highly processed ingredients.
Choose protein bars that have simple, easily recognizable ingredients, and avoid bars that contain artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
I don't buy a lot of store bought protein bars because of the filler ingredients and long list of additives that most of them have. However, my favorite store-bought bars are RXBars, Larabar, and Perfect bars.
What is the healthiest protein bar?
The healthiest protein bar will have sweeteners made from dried fruit such as dates or figs.
Healthy protein bars will also have minimal added sugars and have healthy fats such as nuts or seeds.
As far as protein powders, unflavored whey protein powder or plant-based protein powders that have clean ingredients are the healthier options for protein bars. My favorite protein powder is the *Whey Protein Isolate from Isopure*
No-bake Four Ingredient Protein Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Medjool dates pitted
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 scoops about 60g protein powder (unflavored)
- 2-3 tablespoons water adjust as needed
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the pitted Medjool dates, natural peanut butter, and protein powder.
- Process the mixture until all the ingredients start to come together.
- With the food processor running, slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, while observing the consistency. You want the mixture to come together into a dough-like texture that holds its shape when pressed between your fingers.
- Transfer the mixture to a parchment paper-lined dish or baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly to create a smooth layer. You can use your hands or a spatula for this step.
- Place the dish in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours to allow the bars to set and firm up.
- Once the bars have solidified, remove them from the refrigerator and cut them into individual bars or squares.
- These protein bars are surprisingly enjoyable straight from the freezer! If you're a fan of a firmer, chewier texture, try having a frozen bar.
- Store the protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator/freezer to maintain their freshness. You can also wrap them individually for convenience.
Notes
Nutrition
Is making homemade protein bars at home worth it?
Making homemade protein bars doesn't have to take a lot of time or effort!
These four ingredient protein bars are the perfect solution for busy moms, working professionals, college students who want to make something delicious and nutritious.
With only four ingredients, you can easily whip up a batch of these protein bars with minimal fuss and hassle.
Plus, these bars are packed with healthy ingredients that provide essential nutrients and vitamins your body needs. If you're looking for more easy protein bar recipes, be sure to check out my gluten-free protein bar recipe or easy strawberry protein bars.
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Lori says
HI
There seems to be contradictory information in this article regarding the amount of kcals and protein in each back. I see 19g and 13g and 258 kcals and 220 kcals.
Thank you
Wan Na Chun says
Thanks so much for bringing that to my attention, Lori. The post has been updated with the correct information (220kcal, 13g pro). Thank you!