Here is an easy, no-bake protein bar recipe that has all the sweet, tangy flavors of blueberry and lemon! Made with almond flour, almond butter and chopped almonds supported with tons of lemon flavour and dried blueberries.
Infused with protein powder and topped with a white chocolate lemon drizzle these protein bars are chewy and sweet. Made with healthy ingredients, and have no added sugars or butter or oil. Simple ingredients you can easily access. They make great snacks for kids and adults alike.
I hesitate to say these are healthy for you, because some people assume they won’t taste wonderful, but they do. They really, really do. They are naturally sweet with honey and of course, the blueberries. Serve them at breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert. They are also delicious crumbled over yogurt, smoothies, smoothie bowls or ice cream.
After all, who doesn’t love a good protein bar? They are among the most tasty, filling, and convenient healthy snack ideas you can enjoy. If you are looking to make homemade protein bars, though, then you have probably got an inkling that DIY’ing it has certain advantages. The main draw with going the homemade route is the infinite customizability. When you make your own bars, you never have to compromise on getting exactly what you are looking for. You can also save money by making your own homemade protein bars and they can taste way better than anything you can buy at the store.
Store bought protein bars can be expensive. Even the cheaper brands that tend to have more added sugar and other unnecessary ingredients are still a few dollars per bar. Not to mention the bars with more quality natural ingredients.
This recipe makes eight bars each boasting 10 grams of protein for those of us still counting things in the food they eat. A note about counting calories… Tracking calories isn’t a bad thing to do, and it may be crucial for some people. But as I tell my gym clients, I really think the most important thing we can do is focus on good nutrition and eating intuitively (i.e. eating healthy food when hungry and stopping when full).
The focus needs to be not on counting calories but instead getting in touch with our body’s needs. After all, any kind of tracking may be useful in the short-term, but who really wants to scrutinize their diet that closely forever? I know I don’t.
Back to these homemade protein bars – they have a chewy texture and are made with just a few simple ingredients that you can find at almost any grocery store. They are one of my go-to recipes to make so I can have a quick snack to grab on a busy day. In my opinion, they are better than store-bought protein bars because they don’t have any preservatives and artificial sweeteners and you know exactly what is in your bars.
This recipe is loaded with protein and healthy ingredients, making them a great option on-the-go or in your gym bag. or the perfect snack to curb your sweet tooth.
Recipe variations and optional add ins:
You can use any dried berries. Try raspberries or strawberries using this same recipe! Feel free to experiment with natural flavoring / extracts. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, or other flavorings such as lemon or orange juice and zest or extract. Add cocoa or cacao powder and/or chocolate chips of choice (white, dark, or mini chocolate chips) for a more indulgent version.
Make this even healthier by adding a handful of nuts or seeds to add texture and nutrition. Even better, add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.
As you can see, the flavor combinations really are endless. These bars really are the perfect snack when you are craving something sweet but still healthy. Protein packed, no bake, and perfect to stash in your freezer to grab whenever the craving for a special ‘lil something’ hits.
Almond Lemon Blueberry Protein Bars
Ingredients
Bar Base
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour (almonds blended to a flour)
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup almond (or any other nut or seed) butter
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries
- 1-2 lemons, juice and zest depending on how lemony you prefer
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
White Chocolate Drizzle
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Line an 7 x 5-inch loaf pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.In a medium bowl, combine the almond butter and honey. Microwave for 30 seconds so that the almond butter melts then stir together. Or place in a medium sized saucepan and gently heat on the stove top.Once melted, add the rolled oats, almond flour, coconut, chopped almonds, blueberries, lemon juice, lemon zest and protein powder and stir everything together until well combined.Transfer the mixture to the lined pan and press the mixture down into the baking dish so that the surface is even. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator to set for 30 minutes.
White Chocolate Drizzle
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 30 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Remove the bars from the pan and cut into 8-10 bars.Once the chocolate is melted, drizzle over the bars with a spoon.Sprinkle the top with lemon zest.Place in refrigerator until chocolate is set.Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
