High Protein Granola Bars

If you love granola bars but want to make them a bit more filling, these high protein granola bars are just what you need. Packed with 14 grams of protein per bar, these are easy to make and happen to be nut-free, gluten-free and dairy-free. They're perfect for a snack on-the-go.

Jump to:

• The Ingredients
• The Method
• Leftovers and Storage
• Make it Your Own
• Alternate Protein Powders
• Tips for the Best Protein Granola Bars
• And if you liked this recipe...
• Recipe Card
• Comments

I have always loved granola bars. Ever since the days of having them packed in my lunch kit, they've always been the kind of snack that I looked forward to.

Plus, they're just so easy for packing along in case of a hanger emergency (they happen to the best of us!).

The problem, though, is that most granola bars don't have a lot of protein. And, at least for me, I find that they only can ward off hanger for so long. (Whereas Cookie Dough Protein Bars have some real staying power!).

So I got to playing around with increasing the protein in them and thus, this recipe came to be.

It has everything you love about granola bars. The chewy texture and scrumptious flavor (I love granola bars that contain shredded coconut!) plus they are:

• Protein-Packed. Unlike typical granola bars which don't tend to have much protein, each of these bars delivers 14 grams of protein, making them a great option for fueling you on the go.
• No Nuts, Gluten, or Dairy. These bars are free from common allergens, making them suitable for a variety of dietary needs and lunchroom friendly.
• Easy. This recipe requires just one bowl and less than 10 minutes of active time to make.
• Meal Prep Friendly. Perfect for on-the-go snacking, these bars freeze well so you can make a batch and have them ready whenever you need.

The Ingredients

• Rolled Oats- I like to use large flake rolled oats but quick oats will work as well.
• Protein Powder- I have tested this recipe with unflavored pea protein isolate and brown rice protein powder. You can experiment with using flavored but make sure the flavor complements the bars (such as vanilla). If you'd like to use another type of protein such as whey, keep in mind that they absorb different amounts of moisture and may change the texture.
• Shredded coconut- I love the flavor and texture that a but of coconut adds to granola bars. If you'd like, you can sub it out for another add in such as chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds or raisins. Or simply add ¼ cup more of oats.
• Honey- This sweetens and adds moisture to the granola bars for binding. You can substitute with maple syrup but don't use a granulated sweetener.
• Coconut Oil- Adds moisture and helps the bars hold together. I like to use unrefined as it has a slightly coconut flavor which complements the bars nicely.
• Eggs- Help to bind the ingredients together and adds a touch of extra protein.
• Fine Sea Salt- For a bit of flavor. Table or kosher salt will work as well.
• Vanilla extract- Enhances the flavor.

The Method

1. Mix ingredients. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, protein powder, shredded coconut, honey, coconut oil, eggs, sea salt and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

2. Shape. Line a loaf pan with a silicone liner or parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it down firmly into an even layer.

3. Bake. Bake for 12-15 minutes in a 350°F preheated oven until the edges are just golden brown.

4. Cool and cut. Use a dull knife (so that you don't cut through the silicone liner) to cut the granola bars into bars immediately after removing them from the oven while they are still in the pan. (I find they can crumble a bit more if you wait until they are cooled to cut them).

Then, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

5. Enjoy!

Leftovers and Storage

To Store: Place the cooled protein granola bars in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.

To Freeze: The bars also freeze well for up to 3 months. You can wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper for easy grabbing and packing, if you'd like.

Make it Your Own

• Add a chocolate drizzle - Melt 1 ounce of dark baking chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bars.
• Change up the add-ins - In place of the coconut, you can try mixing in ¼ cup of chopped nuts, seeds, chocolate chips or dried fruit.
• Include cinnamon - For cozy flavor, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter.
• Skip the protein powder - If you don't have protein powder or prefer not to use it, replace it with ½ cup of oat flour.

Alternate Protein Powders

I've tested this recipe using unflavored pea protein isolate and brown rice protein powder, and I recommend sticking with these options for the best results. Also, note that the nutrition facts may change with substitutions.

Different protein powders can absorb moisture differently, and in general animal based proteins tend to absorb less moisture than plant based.

So if you're using a different type, it might require some experimentation and I can't promise how it will turn out.

I suggest starting with just one egg instead of two and only adding the second if the mixture seems dry.

And if you choose to use a flavored rather than plain protein powder, keep in mind that flavored ones will affect the sweetness and overall flavor of the bars.

Tips for the Best Protein Granola Bars

• Slice While Still Warm. For cleaner cuts and less crumbling, slice the granola bars while they are still warm and in the pan.
• Bake Immediately. After mixing the ingredients, press the mixture into the pan and bake immediately as the oats and protein powder will soak up moisture while they sit which will make the bars crumbly.
• Cool Completely in the Pan. Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan before removing to help them firm up and hold together better.
• Use Pea or Brown Rice Protein Powder. Stick with pea or brown rice protein powder if possible as those are what this recipe has been tested with.

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And if you liked this recipe...

...you might also like:

• Quinoa Granola Bars
• Crunchy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars (No Bake)
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

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