Looking for a quick and healthy snack that requires zero cooking?
These no-bake vegan and gluten-free protein bars are your new best friend! With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have delicious, wholesome bars packed with oats, nut butter, and plant-based protein.
Whether you need a post-workout boost or a midday pick-me-up, these bars have you covered.
Plus, they’re super easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like chia seeds, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Let’s dive in and make snack time simple and tasty!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes (refrigeration only)
- Course: Snack
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free
- Servings: 10 bars
- Calories: 200 per serving
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8-inch baking dish or pan
- Parchment paper
- Refrigerator or freezer
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free rolled oats
- ½ cup plant-based protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavor)
- ½ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or agave syrup)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional, for added texture and fiber)
- ¼ cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for topping or mixing in)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, protein powder, and chia seeds. Stir them well to ensure even distribution.
- Add wet ingredients: In the same bowl, add almond butter, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press it down evenly with the spatula to form a flat layer. If you want, sprinkle the chocolate chips on top and lightly press them into the bars.
- Refrigerate: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture has set and is firm.
- Cut into bars: Once the bars are firm, use the parchment paper to lift the entire block out of the baking dish. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into 10 bars.
- Store and enjoy: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
Cooking Tips
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Consistency check: If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash more almond milk. If it’s too wet, add a bit more oats or protein powder.
- No-bake option: These bars don’t require baking, but you can freeze them for a firmer texture if you prefer.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
Bottom Line
And there you have it—delicious, no-bake, protein-packed bars that are perfect for when you’re short on time but need a wholesome snack.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch to enjoy throughout the week.
Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just love an easy-to-make treat, these bars will hit the spot. Give them a try and say goodbye to boring snacks!