How to Make Homemade Protein Bars: The Nutrition Bar Formula that Ended my PowerBar Addiction
Variations on a Homemade-Protein-Bar Theme
The possibilities are endless with this homemade protein bar formula. I’ve been playing around with it for quite some time, and though they haven’t all been winners, most of them have been really, really good. Here are a few of my favorites…
Sweet & Salty Bars
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup mashed banana
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1.5 cups of oats
- 1 cup brown rice flour
- ½ cup crushed pretzels + ½ cup chocolate chips
Omega-3 Fruit & Walnut Bars
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup of ground flax seed with ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup agave nectar
- ¼ cup apple-raspberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups of oats
- 1 cup chocolate hemp protein powder
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts + 1/3 cup dried cherries + 1/3 cup dark chocolate
Maple Pumpkin Bars
- 1 can of great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup pureed pumpkin
- ½ cup maple syrup (use more maple syrup in place of the sweet fruit here, for more maple flavor)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups of oats
- 1 cup spelt flour
- 1 cup raisin bran cereal
Have you made any homemade protein bars using this formula? I want to know your best ingredient combination! —Susan
Comments
I always check out this website before buying any protein products – http://www.excellentprotein.com – My personal favourite is the Supreme Protein Carb Conscious Bar because of the high protein:carb ratio.
Would have to have the carb, calories etc. I’m a diabetic and trying to loose weight so this information is vita to me.
CJ – if you register for a free account at sparkpeople.com, you can create your own recipes by entering all the ingredients you use, and the number of servings, and the program will spit out nutrition facts for you!
Yes! I have made some bars with his formula before and they were good. I need to try other combinations!
I don’t have a food processor, do you think this would work in a blender?
This is the best way to get the proteins you need especially after performing strenuous activities. It is also great for health conscious individuals and most importantly the recipe is just easy to follow.
Susan, this is awesome information. My kids are really picky eaters and love snacks. We go through loads of snack bars per week which I’m sure some of them are not so good. Now I can make some really tasty ones and give them something healthy to eat as well. Is there anything you would recommend for teenagers?
Suzanne
I write recipes like this all the time since I have so many restrictions. Love the mix and match method and big bean lover!
Do you have approximate nutritional info for 1 bar (whatever your favorite combo is)? I’m curious to see how it compares to a store bought protein bar in terms of protein, carbs, and sugar. Thanks!
This is such a great recipe and since we’ve been enjoying these protein bars a lot we included this post in our Top 10 posts of 2013 to help you Eat Clean, Move Freely and Live Consciously!
Thanks and all the best for the new year!
Looove how I can customize my own creations with this recipe. I’m starting my half marathon training soon and this will come in handy. Thanks so much!
Hi Susan,
I was thrilled to find your recipe! Do you have a suggestion for an ingredient to replace the beans? I have one son who is highly allergic to all legumes and nuts so If I can adjust this recipe for him, then he will have healthy and safe protein bars for playing lacrosse and camping! Thanks very much!
Cyndy
Thank you so much for a formula that incorporates whole, REAL foods. I have been searching for a recipe like this for a LONG time. Much appreciated…..