Chocolate Chip Protein Bars Recipe
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These Chocolate Chip Protein Bars are a fantastic snack you make in batches at home!
I don’t know about you, but paying $4 for a single protein bar puts a bit of a strain on my wallet. Especially when I like eating them on a regular basis. That’s why I love making my own bars. Specifically, this clean eating chocolate chip protein bar recipe. It uses simple ingredients that are easy to find, and I love the flavor.
I came across an article on eHow.com, on how to make your own protein bars. It just gave a general outline, so I printed it out and got to work. I tried several different methods and many different ingredients.
The main thing I found is that the oats you use make all the difference. And it really comes down to personal preference.
If you like a harder, chewier bar, use old-fashioned oats (not the quick-cook kind). But if you use these, be prepared to let the bars sit for a few days in an airtight container before you eat them. Otherwise, it’s very similar to chewing hay (not that I chew a lot of hay, mind you; it’s just the image that came to mind when I tried these bars with the rougher oats).
If you like a softer bar (which I do), then use quick-cook oats (the 3-minute kind).
Other than that, the recipe is pretty basic and very easy.
How Many Protein Bars A Day?
The number of protein bars you can eat a day will depend on your macros and calorie limits. Keep in mind that protein bars were never meant to be a sweet and tasty snack, but that’s how most of us use them these days. However, that’s a great way to get more calories than intended because protein bars are really meant to be a quick meal replacement bar. Not a dessert after you’ve had a full meal.
When Should You Eat A Protein Bar?
The best time to eat a protein bar is when you don’t have time to squeeze in a full meal. This is often in the afternoon when we are in the midst of our work days and just cannot get away for lunch.
How Much Is Too Much Protein?
This will depend on how active you are. Very active people need more protein than those who are more sedentary.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
More than 2 grams per kilogram of body weight each day is excessive.
Mayo Clinic
If this is a concern for you, your best bet is to talk to a registered dietician. While there are plenty of macro calculators online, a dietician will be able to give you the most accurate advice tailored to your own individual needs.
Are Protein Chocolate Bars Good For You?
Store-bought protein bars are rarely healthy. I’m not saying they don’t exist, just that a truly healthy one is hard to find. My best advice to to read the ingredient list.
Can I Use A Different Protein Powder?
Yep! Use any protein powder you are comfortable with. Some folks who are plant-based or vegan will prefer something like pea protein or soy protein. Plant-based protein powder is fine. You can also use brown rice protein powder, but I find that it sometimes has a funny texture that I don’t like. So choose carefully.
About The Ingredients
Oats – Use plain, quick-cooking oats.
Peanut butter – All natural, no sugar added. You can also use almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer. Any nut butter or seed butter (if you are nut-free) will work. Sunflower seed butter is also a good choice.
Honey – Any type you want. You can use maple syrup, but the bars won’t be as sweet.
Apple sauce – Unsweetened.
Dark chocolate chips – Grain-sweetened is best.
Whey protein powder – More info here. Make sure it’s an unsweetened protein powder.
Ground cinnamon – Not cinnamon sugar. Just plain cinnamon.
Chia seeds
How To Make Chocolate Chip Protein Bars
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Roast the oats in the oven on a cookie sheet, without oil, for 10-15 minutes. Cool completely.
IMPORTANT: BE SURE your oats have cooled down completely from being roasted, or they will totally melt your chocolate chips.
Knead all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
Spread out the batter on a cookie sheet or other baking dish (I used a quarter sheet). Press dough down evenly over the pan.
Bake at 350F. for 15-20 minutes or until the bars are a nice golden brown color.
Cut and allow to cool. Store in a zipper-top plastic bag or food storage container.
Storing Chocolate Chip Protein Bars
Store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing Chocolate Chip Protein Bars
These freeze well. Wrap them well and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before eating.
Products Mentioned
- Whey Protein Powder (amazon affiliate link)
More Protein Bar Recipes
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Chocolate Chip Protein Bars Recipe Card
Chocolate Chip Protein Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats
- 1 cup peanut butter (no sugar added)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup apple sauce (unsweetened)
- 2 tbsp. dark chocolate chips (grain sweetened is best)
- 1 cup whey protein powder (see link above)
- 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp. chia seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Roast the oats in the oven on a cookie sheet, without oil, for 10-15 minutes. Cool completely.IMPORTANT: BE SURE your oats have cooled down completely from being roasted, or they will totally melt your chocolate chips.
- Knead all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
- Spread out the batter on a cookie sheet or other baking dish (I used a quarter sheet here).
- Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until the bars are a nice golden brown color.Cut and allow to cool. Store in a zipper-top plastic bag or food storage container.
ICharier – The nut butter is the “glue” in this recipe. Can she have other nut butters? Or do you avoid all nuts due to cross contamination?
She has to avoid all nuts as she has a severe allergic reaction to all nuts . She can eat a product called “wow butter” that is made to look and taste like peanut butter but is actually a soya butter. So you think that would work in this recipe?
I’m not sure because I’ve never tried it. However, if it really is like peanut butter, chances are good.
Alicia – Wonderful!! I love it when that happens!
Marlena – Protein powders are meant to be a supplement. I get enough protein in my normal eating plan and extra just gets converted to fat in the body which would defeat the purpose. I still occasionally use hemp protein powder in my smoothies, but only if I don’t have a hard boiled egg or some other form of protein to eat with it.
I just found your blog and love it! We just started clean eating in our home. Where do you find grain sweetened chocolate chips? Whole Foods? Thanks!
Carrie – Yes, or at least I did. They recently discontinued it and now I get them in bulk at a smaller health food store in my area. Check out the SunSpire.com web site to see where they sell in your area.
Shannonkuharik – Either way.
So omitting the protein powder won’t change the consistency of the bars too much? Have you made them without protein powder?
Charity – I have not, but it shouldn’t make a difference. You can always add a little of another dry ingredient of your choice.
If I used chocolate hey powder would they turn ok? Or be too chcolatey? It’s what I just happened to have on hand…
Becca – I think it would be just fine. Enjoy!
Jenn – Thank you so much! You’re doing great!
Rita – Those sound like great adjustments! Thanks! I haven’t tried them with raw oats, so I’m not sure how to answer your question. But maybe I’ll try that next.
I love this recipe
Jesmsain – Fabulous!
Mamaof4 – Fantastic!
Julie – Fantastic! Nice work on the subs!
Heidi – I love that!!
Ellen – I got mine in the bulk section of Whole Foods. But if you don’t have one in your area, call around for any stores that carry 100% whey protein powder.
+1…i tried these with unflavoured pea protein and no apple sauce or cinamon (didn’t have those)…i had to add a cup of water, though, to make mixture a little sticky and they turned out DELICIOUS…nice and moist, just beautiful
Tomas – That’s wonderful! Glad you enjoyed them!
I made these, but put more ch. chips in b/c 2 tbs didn’t seem like enough.. the kids loved them! Asked me to make them again! Thanks!
Brandie – Fantastic!
Abby – As it says in the recipes, this makes 15 bars. But feel free to cut them smaller if you like. They are very filling.
This might sound totally silly – but is this a snack by itself or should it be paired with a fruit/veg?
Guest – Veg is always good, but not necessary as you have both carbs and protein here.
They were surprisingly tasty, a winner in my house, thank you!
Cassie – Glad you enjoyed them!
Gonna try these today! A little feedback – I clicked print friendly and got four pages of text and color photographs when all I wanted was the recipe – seems like a waste of paper and ink – I’m not angry! Just wondering if the print feature can be simplified. Thanks for your awesome site and recipes! 🙂
Kazkid – Yes, you should be able to click on any of those before printing things and they will disappear.
I made the cinnamon granola bars today and they are delicious! I can’t wait to try the pumpkin granola bars next.
Patti – Glad you enjoyed them!