Nut-Free Protein Bars

These chewy nut-free protein bars are the perfect healthy snack. They’re made with simple ingredients like rolled oats, maple syrup, protein powder, and mini chocolate chips. No peanuts and no tree nuts in this recipe!

The best homemade protein bars without nuts

I love protein bars, but they are so expensive if you buy them at the store. I mean, the healthier bars that I like are nearly $5 per bar. That’s crazy. So that’s why I was determined to make a homemade recipe that was cheap and good for you.

These homemade protein bars are healthy and made with simple ingredients like rolled oats, oat flour, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut oil. You can use whey, soy, or pea protein powder (if you’re vegan).

They’re also perfect for school since they are nut-free and made without peanuts or tree nuts. Most recipes on the internet use peanut butter or another nut butter to bind the bars together. We use coconut oil in this recipe which adds a healthy fat too.

Homemade protein bars are the perfect afternoon or post-workout snack. Each bar has 10 grams of protein, low sugar, and high fiber. They’re addictively delicious and pair so well with these high protein acai bowls.

Why you’ll love this easy recipe:

• Quick and Easy: Easily make these nut-free protein bars in under 20 minutes. Any level baker can make them!
• Nut-Free: These protein bars are 100% nut-free, which makes them great for schools and people with nut allergies.
• Healthy: These homemade protein bars are healthy, made with wholesome ingredients, and good for you.
• High Protein: There are over 10 grams of protein per serving.
• Vegan: If you’re following a vegan diet, you can enjoy these delicious nut-free protein bars too by using soy or pea protein powder!
• Budget-Friendly: Making your own protein bars is more cost-effective than buying store-bought ones. Most protein bars are $2.50 to $5 per bar. These homemade ones are $2 for the entire batch.
• Endless Variations: Experiment with different flavors and add-ins. I left over ten options below!
• Family-Friendly: Make one or two batches so your whole family can enjoy. They are a much healthier alternative to pre-packaged snacks for children and adults.

Ingredients and easy substitutions

These nut-free protein bars call for nine simple and healthy ingredients. Trust me, you probably have all these ingredients in your pantry already. Here is a list of ingredients so you have every prepared:

• Oats: For best results, use old-fashioned rolled oats. Avoid quick oats or steel-cut oats.
• Oat Flour: You can use homemade or store-bought oat flour. This helps hold the bars together.
• Protein Powder: I used unflavored whey protein powder, but you can also use pea protein if you are vegan. If needed, you can substitute with vanilla protein powder, but it will change the flavor of the bars.
• Salt: Just a pinch of sea salt for the best sweet and salty flavor.
• Coconut Oil: This helps bind the protein bars together without adding peanut butter or another nut butter. If needed, you can substitute with unsalted butter.
• Sweetener: You can use maple syrup or honey. If you are vegan, use maple syrup since honey is not plant-based.
• Sugar: Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or coconut sugar for depth of flavor. Use coconut sugar to make these nut-free protein bars 100% refined sugar-free.
• Vanilla Extract: For the best flavor!
• Chocolate Chips: We love using mini chocolate chips for texture and flavor. If needed, you can leave them off or use full-size chocolate chips.

How to make nut-free protein bars

Homemade nut-free protein bars are easy to make in under 20 minutes. They’re the perfect peanut-free snack, breakfast, and dessert for kids, athletes, and adults! Here are detailed step-by-step instructions for any level baker:

Step 1:

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan (approximately 8½ x 4½ x 2½ inches) with parchment paper.

Step 2:

Then, combine the rolled oats, oat flour, protein powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup or honey, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract (it may not fully incorporate that is okay).

Step 4:

Add this wet mixture to the dry mixture and toss until everything is incorporated and no dry bits are left. It should look and taste kind of like cookie dough.

Step 5:

Then, press the dough evenly into the parchment-lined loaf pan.

Step 6:

Finally, bake for 10 – 12 minutes until the bars are puffed up, and the edges are lightly golden brown. Remember that they might not look entirely done when you take them out, but they will set as they cool.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Once the bars have cooled, drizzle them with additional melted chocolate and sprinkle a bit of flaky salt on top if desired.

Enjoy these delicious high-protein protein bars without nuts.

Expert recipe tips

1. Double Batch: You can easily double the recipe and freeze or store a portion for later. If doubling the recipe, use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. Don’t Overbake: Remove the nut-free protein bars at the 10 or 12-minute mark. They will look undercooked, but, don’t worry, they will set and harden as they cool.
3. Protein Powder: I used unflavored whey protein powder, but you can also use pea protein, soy protein, or collagen.
4. Add-Ins: Feel free to add in dried fruits, chia seeds, hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
5. Don’t Skip The Oil: Since there is no peanut butter or almond butter in these bars, make sure you add coconut oil to bind the bars together.

Homemade protein bar variations:

• Pumpkin Spice: It’s almost pumpkin season, and you must try these homemade nut-free protein bars with a Fall twist. Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, or use pumpkin pie protein powder.
• Cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Apple Cinnamon: Add 1/4 cup of dried apple pieces and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a fall-inspired treat. You can even add a drizzle of caramel on top.
• Chocolate Mint: Add a few drops of peppermint extract and stir in dark chocolate chips for a refreshing chocolate-mint combo.
• Zesty Citrus: Grate some citrus zest (lemon or orange) into the dough mixture for a bright and zesty twist.
• Chocolate Banana: Mash a small ripe banana into the wet ingredients and add 1 to 2 extra tablespoons of oat flour for a banana bread-inspired protein bar.
• Chai Latte: Add in 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of your favorite chai spice mix (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, black pepper).
• Double Chocoalte: Use chocolate protein powder instead of unflavored for a double chocolate explosion.

The taste and texture

These homemade nut-free protein bars have a wonderfully sweet flavor with a hint of vanilla. The primary flavors come from vanilla extract and mini chocolate chips.

In terms of texture, these bars strike a perfect balance between chewy and soft. Unlike Nature Valley Bar’s, they are not crispy, dry, or hard.

Pea protein vs. soy protein

Both pea and soy protein powders are excellent plant-based sources of protein, and the choice between them depends on dietary restrictions and taste preferences. Both contain healthy amino acids and good sources of protein.

Pea protein is made from yellow split peas that are dried and then ground into fine flour and has a milder taste and smoother texture than soy protein. On the other hand, soy protein is made from soybeans, a type of legume, with a slightly earthier flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vegan protein powder?

Plant-based protein powder like pea, rice, or soy protein can be used in these oatmeal bars. The taste and texture may vary, so consider doing a small test batch to ensure you like the results.

Can I use collagen instead of protein powder?

Yes, you can use collagen powder instead of protein powder. I have tested this substitute and found that the texture is a little chewier. I also recommend adding a little cinnamon for flavor if you use collagen.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

I reccomend using old-fashioned rolled oats for the best chewy texture. However, you can use quick oats as a substitute. Remember that the texture may differ slightly, and the bars could be a bit softer.

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of oat flour?

You can use regular all-purpose flour as a substitute for oat flour in your homemade protein bars. However, the texture and nutritional profile may differ slightly. The bars may be denser and have less fiber.

Can I double the recipe?

You can easily double this recipe and freeze or store the rest later. If doubling the recipe, I reccomend using an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan.

Are they gluten-free?

Yes, these homemade nut-free protein bars are 100% gluten-free. Make sure you use gluten-free certified oats and oat flour.

Are these nut-free protein bars healthy?

These nut-free protein bars are healthy for a few reasons, here are a few: (1) they are high in protein with 10 grams per bar, (2) they are made with simple and wholesome ingredients, (3) there is no added refined sugar, (4) they have a great source of fiber, (5) they are gluten-free and dairy-free, and (6) they are vegan.

When should you eat protein bars?

You can eat protein bars any time of the day! They’re particularly beneficial as a post-workout snack within 30 minutes to an hour after exercise to help with muscle recovery. Protein bars are also a great on-the-go option when you need a quick and convenient source of protein between meals or for breakfast.

Are protein bars good for breakfast?

Protein bars are a convenient breakfast option when balanced with other nutritious foods like fruit and yogurt. I love enjoying these homemade nut-free protein bars with Greek yogurt and coffee in the morning.

What’s the best temperature to bake protein bars?

Bake protein bars at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for the best results for 10 – 12 minutes.

How to store and freeze leftovers:

Storing: For best results, store homemade protein bars in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing: Once the bars have cooled completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

If you love this high-protein recipe, try these next!

• Protein Mug Cake
• Protein Chocolate Chip Baked Oats
• Banana Chia Pudding
• 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
• High Protein Acai Bowl

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

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