If you’re looking for a nutritious snack that will give you an energy boost in between meals, look no further than these Protein Peanut Butter Bars. Packed with healthy fats and delivering 7 grams of protein per bar, they make the perfect on-the-go fuel or post-workout snack. And best of all, they require no protein powder and utilize everyday pantry staples.

A close up image of a stack of oat bars with peanuts on a white stand.

Back in my dietitian and diabetes educator days, I learned so many practical nutrition tips that still inspire my recipe creations today.

This week’s mission? To craft an easy rolled oats recipe that’s naturally nutritious, low in sugar, free from artificial ingredients, and delicious—all without relying on protein powder. Bonus points: they’re also gluten-free peanut butter protein bars, making them a win for anyone avoiding gluten.

I couldn’t be happier with how these turned out—they’re wholesome, flavorful, and check all the right boxes!

On the hunt for healthy natural snack ideas? Delight in my Dates and Yogurt Parfaits, then satisfy your peanut butter cravings with these scrumptious Oat Peanut Butter Cup Cookies!

Ingredients

You’ll need the following eight ingredients:

An array of food ingredients like oats, peanut butter, seeds and nuts on a wooden board.

Tips For The Beginner Cook

  • When shopping for vanilla extract, it’s important to ensure you purchase pure extract and not an imitation. Imitation vanillas often contain added sugar and artificial flavouring.
  • Be sure to use natural peanut butter. Many brands of pre-packaged peanut butter contain added sugars and oils, which can alter the taste and texture of your bars.
  • Use rolled oats vs quick oats as the base. Quick oats tend to absorb more liquid, resulting in a mushy texture.
  • Ensure your bars are firm before cutting into them. This allows for easier slicing and helps keep their shape.

DIY Protein Bars in 7 Easy Steps

Get ready to be amazed at how effortless it is to whip up this healthy protein bar recipe.

Top view of an oat bar topped with peanuts on a stack of bars surrounded by peanuts.

The complete recipe with ingredient amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Nutrition highlights

One homemade protein bar is:

  • A source of dietary fibre, thanks to the oats and seeds.
  • A source of iron with the wholesome combination of oats and peanut butter.
  • Diabetes-friendly and heart-healthy with the nutritious blend of nuts, seeds, slow-digesting oats, and a dash of maple syrup.
A hand holding an oat bar with peanuts that's on a stack of bars with peanuts all around.

Ingredient Variations & Storage

These protein bars are fantastic as-is, but the beauty of this recipe is how easily you can customize it to fit your preferences and nutritional goals. Here are a few ideas to make them your own:

  • Swap out peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.
  • Mix in some chia seeds for an added crunch and nutrient boost.
  • Add a touch of sweetness with dried fruit or mini chocolate chips, or go all out with a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.

To keep your bars fresh, wrap them in beeswax and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Need to stock up? Freeze them for up to two months and enjoy a quick, nutritious snack whenever you need it.

Three oat bars topped with peanuts in a coconut bowl.

If you try this recipe I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment, rate it, or share a photo and hashtag with #desiliciousrd on Instagram! I can’t wait to see your photos.

A stack of oat bars topped with peanuts on a cake stand with plants in the background.
Desi~liciously Yours, Shahzadi
A close up image of a stack of oat bars with peanuts on a white stand.
4.84 stars (6 reviews)

Get the Recipe:

No-Bake Protein Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freezing: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 10 bars
If you're looking for a nutritious snack that will give you an energy boost in-between meals, look no further than these Protein Peanut Butter Bars. Packed with healthy fats and delivering 7 grams of protein per bar, they make the perfect on-the-go fuel or post workout snack. And best of all, they require no protein powder and utilize everyday pantry staples.

Video

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Mix the rolled oats, desiccated coconut, hemp seeds, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
  • In a smaller bowl, stir together peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir well to form a thick mixture.
  • Line a 6X4 inch dish with parchment paper and transfer the oat mixture to the lined dish. Use the back of a spoon to press down the mixture to flatten it.
  • Top with whole peanuts and use a spoon to press them down firmly to ensure they stick.
  • Place in the freezer for at least 1 hour to allow the mixture to set. When you're ready to serve, remove and cut into bars.

Notes

  • Be sure to use natural peanut butter. Many brands of pre-packaged peanut butter contain added sugars and oils, which can alter the taste and texture of your bars.
  • Use rolled oats vs quick oats as the base. Quick oats tend to absorb more liquid, resulting in a mushy texture.
  • Ensure your bars are thoroughly chilled before cutting into them. This allows for easier slicing and helps keep their shape.
  • You could substitute half the oats with almond flour to boost their plant based protein content further.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 219kcal (11%)Carbohydrates: 23g (8%)Protein: 7g (14%)Fat: 12g (18%)Saturated Fat: 3g (15%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 180mg (5%)Fiber: 3g (12%)Sugar: 8g (9%)Vitamin A: 0.1IUVitamin C: 0.002mgCalcium: 26mg (3%)Iron: 1mg (6%)

Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It’s perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Cuisine: American
Course: Snack
Author: Shahzadi Devje
Did you make this recipe?Mention @desiliciousrd on Instagram or tag #desiliciousrd.