Wanting a healthier alternative to a candy bar? I’ve got your back! These healthy oat yogurt coconut bars are protein-rich and will leave you feeling full and satisfied! Another one of those Holy Yum bars!
Homemade Protein bars are such a versatile snack. They easily tuck into lunch boxes, work as an afternoon pick-me-up, and can power you through an action packed workout. Most of us pickup our pre-packaged protein bars in the aisles of our nearest grocery store, but what you might not know is that protein bars are an easy DIY at home recipe.
Making homemade protein bars allows for customization using simple ingredients like oat, nut or coconut flours, nut butters, protein powders and a sweetener/binder such as honey or dates. Most recipes require only mixing, pressing into a pan, and chilling.
These recipe is no-bake and can be whipped up in just a few minutes, then it’s all hands off time waiting to setup in the fridge. These homemade protein bars are made with wholesome ingredients and each bar has over 21 grams of protein!
I spent years eating store bought protein bars, but not anymore. Sick and tired of forking out tons of money, I have long since opted to make my own and feel SO much better about it… and my wallet is thanking me too!
Not only are protein bars pretty easy to make, but they are also even healthier when you make them yourself. These bars are filled with protein-packed whole foods and contain none of the preservatives that you often find in the pre-packaged variety. I love packing them in my bag for a quick and healthy snack between meals when at the gym or out and about on a busy day.
So we have healthy and easy, but what about tasty? Well, in case you hadn’t heard, these protein bars are vanilla flavored. The hardest part about making these bars will be self-control! I may have snuck a few bites of the dough in the making of these bars.
These healthy oat coconut protein bars are perfect for on the go or to meal prep your dessert for the week! These chewy snacks will cure your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more!
And the taste? Like rich and dense cookie bars, but actually healthy! Definitely a better option than the classic sugar cookie!
Ingredients for Oat Coconut Protein Bars:
Oat Flour – You can make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor or blender.
Protein Powder. Adding this makes the macro nutrients (protein, carbs, fats) more balanced as part of a modern healthy eating plan (rather than the ancient high carb, low protein baking). Protein powder also acts as a “flour” to the protein bars and helps the ingredients stick together.
Coconut Flour – made from finely milled dried coconut flesh and has a sweet, nutty flavour and aroma. Low carb, needs no baking and perfect to use as an alternative to wheat flour in breads, muffins and cookies.
Protein Frosting These healthy bars have a protein-rich icing made with Greek yogurt and protein powder. They are a great post-workout snack or the perfect snack to curb your sweet tooth.
The bars are packed with good stuff for a satisfying snack. Great for grab-and-go breakfasts or post-workout fuel, these bars are a smart, homemade alternative to store-bought versions. Make a double batch so you have plenty stashed in the freezer for when you need one (or two)!
Frosted Oat Yogurt Protein Bars
Ingredients
Bar Base
- 1 cup oat flour (oats blended to a flour)
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup thick Greek-style yogurt, plain or vanilla
- 1/2 cup almond or your choice of milk
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract if using plain or unflavoured protein powder and/or yogurt
Protein Frosting
- 1/2 cup thick Greek-style yogurt, plain or vanilla
- 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1-2 drops natural red food colouring, beetroot juice or powder
- Sprinkles
Instructions
Bar Base
- Line a 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 bowl combine all base ingredients in a food processor and processing until it forms a dough. If it seems a little dry add milk or water a tablespoon at a time or if too wet coconut flour or protein powder until it comes together.Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your base crust.Transfer to the lined pan and spread out evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon.
Protein Frosting
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth. Mixture should be thick but smooth and spreadable.Add milk if to thick, coconut flour if too thin. Spread on top of base and use back of spoon/spatula to smooth out.Sprinkle on sprinkles.Place in freezer 10-15 minutes to harden.Lift layers out of pan, place on cutting board and using a sharp knife, slice into 8 bars.Store up to 1 week in fridge or up to 3 months in freezer.
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
