A little crunch, a little chewy, and a whole lot of flavor. Each bite is bursting with a chocolate-vanilla flavor that is so satisfying and alleviates that sweet craving that tends to hit in the afternoon. With each bite being surprisingly soft and chewy from the mixture of banana and oats, these homemade protein bars will stack tall over any store-bought protein bars in a heartbeat.

Halvah, the Middle Eastern confection made from tahini, sugar, vanilla and spices, was my inspiration…after the fact. What really prompted the making of these bars was (a) wanting to make some homemade protein bars, and (2) realizing I was out of all other nut and seed butter, save for some bottom-of-the-jar scrapings.

But I had tahini in both the refrigerator and pantry. If I can make bars with almond, peanut or sunflower seed butter, why not tahini?

Why not, indeed.

Every time I post a recipe that includes tahini I still get asked the question ‘what is tahini’? It surprises me because it seems to me that tahini is now everywhere. So many people on social media use it in both sweet and savoury recipes. It’s become somewhat of a trendy ingredient. That part doesn’t surprise me at all – I have been singing its praises for years. I add it to so many of my recipes – it’s by far one of my all-time favourite foodie ingredients to use, especially in snacks and desserts.

Tahini, one of the main ingredients in this recipe, is pure sesame seed paste, which adds a slightly bitter, nutty flavor. Combined with the properties of shredded coconut and protein powder, mixing these together allows the tahini to harden up in the freezer, becoming a chewier texture that you can enjoy as a dessert or snack!

It’s a wonderful thing that healthy fats have become popular with the keto movement. No longer is eating a mouthful of fatty goodness frowned upon. After decades of playing the villain, humans once again embraced healthy, real food fats.

Incredibly healthy foods with fats like tahini and coconut oil join forces in these delicious small but mighty treats. No baking or cooking needed, made with wholesome ingredients and so darn simple to make.

Homemade protein bars for the win!

There are a lot of protein bars out there with mysterious ingredients, so knowing exactly what is going into these bars is peace of mind, especially when serving them to your little ones or fueling your body after exercise.  I have chosen each ingredient for these plant-powered bars carefully, considering the health benefits of each addition. Homemade for the win!

They are the perfect clean eating treat!  And, even better, you only need a small handful of ingredients to make them. This recipe is really the perfect treat for an any time healthy snack or dessert! Or any time you are craving a little something sweet but want to stay on track with your healthy eating plan.

Tahini Oat Chocolate Protein Bars

This recipe is a perfect homemade replacement for store-bought protein bars. To make them, you will simply mix everything up in a bowl, press into a pan, chill and then slice into bars. The result is a delicious snack or treat with a soft, chewy texture and rich, nutty, flavour. Added protein makes it filling, satisfying and nutritious.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword clean eating dessert or snack, clean eating protein bars no bake, no bake tahini protein bars, tahini oat chocolate protein bars, tahini oat protein bars, tahini protein bars

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut  
• 1 small banana, peeled and mashed
• 1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 1/2 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 orange, juice and zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Drizzle

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

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, stir together the oats, crispy cereal, coconut, mashed banana, tahini, protein powder, honey, orange zest, orange juice and vanilla.

  Stir until the mixture is a stiff dough. Taste test and add more orange, honey or vanilla if you think its needed.

  Scoop out the dough into the lined pan and press down evenly.

  Refrigerate for about 1 hour (to firm up) before removing from pan and cutting into 10-12 bars or more smaller squares depending on your size preference.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 15 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.

  Drizzle melted chocolate over the cut bars with a spoon.

  Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.  

Print Recipe

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