9 Healthy Homemade Protein Bar Recipes

Recipes by Alex Orlov on 11/6/2013

Holy grocery bills — those store-bought protein bars sure aren’t cheap! While protein bars can be a convenient way to fuel up before or after a workout, some varieties contain a long list of artificial ingredients and added sugars, which can do more harm than good. Luckily, these homemade protein bar recipes have all of the protein and none of the junk, making them a great option on-the-go or in your gym bag.

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1. “Chubby Hubby” Protein BarsPeanut butter, almond milk, oat flour and a generous amount of rice protein powder make up the base of this decadent bar that gets its name from the bestselling Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor. Though the recipe is easy to follow, you may have a hard time waiting for them to refrigerate overnight! Photo and Recipe: Jessica / Desserts With Benefits

2. Blueberry Bliss Breakfast BarsGluten-free and vegan, these bars are packed with healthy dried fruits and nuts, while almond butter, maple syrup and applesauce bind the nutty goodness together. Your belly will be full of happy, since each serving packs eight grams of protein and four grams of fiber! Photo and Recipe: Kelly / Inspired Edibles

3. Peanut Butter Pretzel BarsPure pretzel and peanut buttery bliss with nine grams of protein? Count us in! These bars are low in fat (only three grams per serving) and high on flavor. If you don’t have soy crisps on hand, try using crisped rice cereal instead. Photo and Recipe: Amy / Foods for the Soul

4. Strawberry Protein BarsDon’t be fooled by the pretty in pink color! These strawberry and coconut bars pack a serious amount of protein — 17 grams per bar. Coat them in antioxidant-rich dark chocolate for an even more divine bite. Photo and Recipe: Viviane / Chocolate Chilli Mango

5. German Chocolate Protein BarsHealthy protein disguised as dessert? Yes, please! Dates, oat flower, cocoa, coconut and pecans pack a delicious punch. If your dates are too dry to use, try soaking them overnight before chopping them in a food processor. Photo and Recipe: Sarah / The Sweet Life Online

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6. Ginger Vanilla Protein Crunch BarsMade with crystallized ginger, coconut, vanilla, and almonds, there’s plenty of flavor in these dairy- and gluten-free bars. Bonus: You don’t need a food processor to make these extra-hearty snacks. Photo and Recipe: Kristinia / Spabettie

7. Quick ‘n Easy No-Bake Protein BarsNo oven, no problem. Use peanut butter (or your favorite nut butter) mixed with rice crisp cereal and oat flour as a base for these easy no-bake bars. Dress up your eight grams of protein with a pretty chocolate drizzle. Photo and Recipe: Angela / Oh She Glows

8. No Bake Almond Fudge Protein BarsSuper easy to make, and super difficult to resist! These bars are perfect for those with peanut allergies, or those who are allergic to spending hours in the kitchen. It will only take you 10 minutes to mix up the oats, almond butter, honey and rice cereal (though you might get impatient waiting 30 minutes for the bars to set in the fridge!). Photo and Recipe: Amanda / Running With Spoons

9. Fudge Brownie Chocolate Protein BarsQuash mid-afternoon hunger with these bars that pack seven grams of protein per serving. Blend black beans, cocoa powder, protein powder and chocolate chips in a food processer, bake and then refrigerate overnight. And for serious chocolate fiends, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before popping them in the oven. Photo and Recipe: Katie / Chocolate Covered Katie

BONUS! Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein BarsMade with six grams of protein per bar, these chocolatey, peanut buttery bites will put store-bought snacks to shame. If you don’t own a food processor, you can purchase oat flour at most grocery stores. To keep it vegan, simply replace the whey protein powder with a plant-based variety and use maple syrup in lieu of honey. Photo and Recipe: Emily Miller /Life by DailyBurn