We can always get down on some homemade protein snacks. I usually make a batch at the beginning of the week for an easy snack to have on hand. These no-bake oatmeal raisin bars are a spin on a classic.
They remind me of classic chewy bars from your childhood and oatmeal raisin cookie bars, but they are better for you. These oatmeal protein bars are made with rolled oats, protein powder, cashew butter, raisins, cinnamon, and just a tablespoon of honey. No flour or baking is required! They are chewy, a little sweet, and filling.
I love adding protein powders to homemade bars, energy balls, muffins, and desserts as it’s a great way to balance out the macros. Most people could use a little more protein in their diets and I find protein powder is an easy way to do it!
On top of that, making protein bars at home is much better than store-bought versions. You have exact control over the ingredients and they are much cheaper!
Why we love these oatmeal raisin bars
- no baking, mixer, or food processor is required– all you need is one bowl and a baking pan!
- simple whole food ingredients– you probably already have most of the ingredients at home.
- macro-balanced– we added protein and some healthy fats to balance out the carbs to support stable blood sugar and prevent any blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Ingredients
- rolled oats
- vanilla whey protein powder
- raisins
- cashewbutter– look for cashew butter with just cashews and salt. It needs to be creamy!
- milk
- honey
- cinnamon
- salt
How to make oatmeal raisin bars
- Line an 8×8 glass baking pan (or something similar) with parchment paper.This makes for easy removal.
- Mix together ingredients.To a large bowl, add all your ingredients and stir well to combine. The batter should be sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little more oats or protein powder. If it’s too dry, add a little more milk.
- Form into bars.Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place them in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up. Cut into 8 equal-sized bars.
- Enjoy!
Gluten-free oatmeal bars
Rolled oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can be one of the most cross-contaminated products. To ensure this recipe is gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free.
Can I use another protein powder?
This recipe is great because either whey protein powder or plant-based protein powder will work. You will have to adjust the recipe ever so slightly, but both outcomes are delicious.
- whey protein– use 1/2 cup protein powder (60 grams) and 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon milk. I used thiswhey protein.
- plant-based protein– use 1/2 cup protein powder (about 50 grams) and 1/4 cup + 3-4 tablespoons milk. I like thisplant-based protein.
- collagen– I have not tried this recipe with collagen and I’m not sure it will work since collagen dissolves so easily. The protein powder helps absorb some of the liquid in the recipe.
Storage
- fridge– store in the refrigerator for up to a week in a tightly sealed container to keep the air out. If exposed to the air for too long, they will dry out some.
- freezer– freeze for up to 6 months. I suggest freezing individually and then defrosting the night before you want to eat.
Substitutions and additions
These oatmeal raisin protein bars are so simple. Feel free to change them up to fit your needs.
- oats– rolled oats and quick-cooking oats can be used interchangeably. Rolled oats will provide more of a chewy texture while quick oats are more chopped up, but both will work. You cannot use steel-cut oats in this recipe though. They are a lot coarser and the results will not be the same. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- cashew butter– peanut butter or almond butter will work. Try tahini or sunflower seed butter to keep them nut-free. Make sure you are using an all-natural and drippy/runny nut butter so it can easily be stirred into the recipe.
- raisins– swap another kind of dried fruit like cranberries or blueberries.
- protein powder– I like vanilla flavored as it adds some sweetness. Whey or plant-based works for this protein bar recipe. See the section above for how to make tweaks when using one or the other. If you don’t want to use protein powder, you can use more oats (about 1/2 cup).
- milk– dairy or non-dairy milk will work.
- honey– any liquid sweetener will work (maple syrup, agave…). You can also leave it out if you don’t want any sweetener.
Here are some additions you can add:
- chocolate chips– mini chocolate chips would work great in these!
- shredded coconut– mixed in or sprinkled on top.
- vanilla extract– for some touch more of vanilla flavor.
More healthy snack recipes
- homemade perfect bars (peanut butter chocolate chip)
- brownie baked oatmeal
- apple cinnamon oatmeal protein cookies
- chocolate peanut butter protein balls
- blender cottage cheese muffins
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Oatmeal Raisin Bars
Author: Kelly Nardo
Healthy oatmeal raisin bars combine simple ingredients like oats, raisins, nut butter, protein powder, and just a tablespoon of honey for a quick and healthy protein bar. Full of complex carbs, protein, fiber, and healthy fats, they make a delicious and easy snack.
Print RecipePin Recipe
Course: Dessert, Snack
Calories: 238kcal
Protein: 11.7g
Carbs: 28.4g
Fat: 9.7g
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 bars
ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (150 grams)
- 1/2 packed vanilla whey protein powder (60 grams)*
- 1/2 cup cashew butter (128 grams)
- 1/2 cup raisins (80 grams)
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon milk (or more if using another protein powder – see notes)*
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
instructions
Line an 8×8 glass baking pan (or something similar) with parchment paper.This makes for easy removal.
Mix together ingredients.To a large bowl, add the oats, protein powder, cashew butter, raisins, milk, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to combine. The batter should be sticky. If it's too wet, add a little more oats or protein powder. If it's too dry, add a little more milk.
Form into bars.Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place them in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up. Cut into 8 equal-sized bars.
Enjoy!Store in the fridge for up to a week.
notes
This recipe works with either whey protein powder or plant-based protein powder. You will have to adjust the recipe ever so slightly, but both outcomes are delicious.
- whey protein– use 1/2 cup protein powder (60 grams) and 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon milk. I like thiswhey protein.
- plant-based protein– use 1/2 cup protein powder (about 50 grams) and 1/4 cup + 3-4 tablespoons milk. I like thisplant-based protein.
Nutrition is based on usingwhey protein powderand whole milk. The nutritional breakdown will change if you use something else.
nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Oatmeal Raisin Bars
Amount Per Serving (1 bar)
Calories 238Calories from Fat 87
% Daily Value*
Fat 9.7g15%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.8g
Monounsaturated Fat 5.1g
Cholesterol 1mg0%
Sodium 153mg7%
Potassium 284mg8%
Carbohydrates 28.4g9%
Fiber 2.8g12%
Sugar 10.8g12%
Protein 11.7g23%
Vitamin A 6.5IU0%
Vitamin C 0.3mg0%
Calcium 71mg7%
Iron 1.9mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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