Protein Bar Recipes | Homemade Protein Bars

Protein is the building block of muscle and is arguably the most important nutrient for your body. Protein is required by every cell in your body to function normally and is extremely important in muscle building and repair. In fact, when it comes to building muscle any fitness amateur knows the importance of protein. They can also tell you that commercially available protein bars are expensive. However, protein bars provide a quick, easy source of high quality protein. They are especially useful as a high protein snack between meals and therefore many fitness enthusiasts gladly pay for these overpriced bars. However, if your on a tight budget but don’t want to cut down on your protein intake consider making your own homemade protein bars.

Homemade Protein Bar Requirements

The goals of making homemade protein bars are to save you time and money as well as provide you a source of high quality protein on the go. Therefore, you don’t want to follow a protein bar recipe that contains costly ingredients or takes hours to make. Here are the the characteristics of a great protein bar recipe:

• High protein content
• Quick and easy to make
• Inexpensive
• Good taste

To keep from digging deep into your wallet you'll be much better off by preparing one or more of the following protein bar recipes and taking them with you for when you don't have time to prepare a well balanced meal. These homemade protein bar recipes are easy to prepare and have a great blend of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. They will help provide your body with energy and amino acids to keep you fueled throughout the day.

Homemade Protein Bars | No-Bake Protein Oat Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry whole grain oatmeal
• 4 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• 1/3 cup of water or milk

Directions:

This protein bar recipe is extremely simple and doesn't even require turning on your oven! Simply mix all the above ingredients together in a large bowl. Then line a pan with wax paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray and press the mixture into the pan. Smooth the mixture to remove areas that are uneven to ensure bars are evenly proportioned. Next, simply place the pan and ingredients into the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes. Remove and cut into bars of desired size. Enjoy!

Homemade Protein Bar | Blueberry and Banana

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry whole grain oatmeal
• 5 or 6 scoops of protein powder - banana
• ½ cup dry milk powder
• ¼ cup fat-free cream cheese
• 2 egg whites
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1½ mashed bananas
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tsp canola oil

Directions:

This protein bar recipe requires a little more time than the previous one because you'll need to fire up your oven. First, preheat your oven to 325°F. Then, in a large bowl mix the oatmeal, protein powder, and dry milk. Stir to homogenize mixture. In a second bowl, mix the cream cheese, egg whites, mashed bananas, blueberries, water, and canola oil. Stir batter until well blended and add the protein mixture and stir until even. Spray a 9x9 pan with non-stick cooking spray and evenly spread the batter into the ban. Distribute evenly and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. If you want a little more flavor, you could also spread some peanut butter on the bars after they've cooked. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes and cut into bars. Enjoy!

Homemade Protein Bars | High Protein Fudge Bars

Ingredients:

• ½ cup low Fat Milk
• 3 tablespoon natural honey
• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons of crushed peanuts or almonds
• 1 cup dry whole grain oatmeal
• 8 scoops chocolate protein

Directions:

Mix protein and oats together in large bowl. Add peanut butter in liquid form (heat in microwave if needed). Mix evenly and add honey. Add milk and stir to desired consistency. Spread mixture evenly into greased pan. Place almonds or peanuts into a zip lock bag and crush with a large rolling pin. Sprinkle crushed peanuts or almond onto batter spread. Place in fridge for 30 to 45 minutes and cut into equal sized bars. Thaw slightly before serving and enjoy!

This protein bar recipe makes about 5 bars. Each bar contains approximately 50 grams of protein and 36g of carbs.

Any of the ingredients used in these protein bar recipes can be bought in bulk and used to make a large number of protein bars. So, next time you’re looking for a protein packed snack to provide your body the fuel it needs to build and repair muscle opt for one of these homemade protein bars over buying sugar-filled commercial bars that often cost 2 to 3 dollars for a single bar.  Your body and your wallet will be glad you did!