Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, these no-bake protein bites are the perfect snack for busy days. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and dates, they’re ready in minutes and full of flavor!
Looking for a quick and healthy snack that’s packed with protein and perfect for on-the-go?
These no-bake protein bites are just what you need! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and honey, this easy recipe requires no baking and is fully customizable to fit your taste.
Whether you’re heading out on a hike, need a snack for your long commute, or just want a protein-packed treat to keep you fueled throughout the day, these bites are your new go-to snack!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Protein Bites
If you’re anything like me, you want your snacks to check all the boxes: easy to make, healthy, and totally delicious. These protein bites deliver on all fronts:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes—no oven required.
- Small Batch: Made in a 9×5 loaf pan, perfect for a week’s worth of snacks.
- Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Nutritious & Delicious: Packed with protein, fiber, and natural sweetness.
What’s in These Protein Bites?
These bites are made with pantry staples, so you don’t need to hunt down specialty ingredients:
- Rolled Oats: Provides structure and fiber.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Acts as a binder and adds flavor. Homemade works great!
- Pitted Dates: Naturally sweet and sticky to help the bites hold together. I typically opt for the ubiquitous deglet dates (and less expensive). Medjool dates are AMAZING but cost a bit more and can be harder to find in some areas (*cough* Northern NH).
- Vanilla Whey Protein Powder: Boosts protein content and flavor.
- Ground Flaxseed: Adds fiber and omega-3s.
- Molasses: A rich, natural sweetener loaded with minerals like iron.
- Honey (or Maple Syrup): Another natural sweetener that also helps bind.
- Vanilla Extract & Cinnamon: For warm, cozy flavor. Feel free to adjust spices to your taste!
- Almond Milk: Just enough to bring it all together. You can swap your preferred milk – Soy milk, regular milk, oat milk.
How to Make No-Bake Protein Bites
Step 1: Soak the Dates
Start by soaking your pitted dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prep Your Pan
Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Step 3: Pulse the Oats
In a food processor, pulse the oats until they resemble coarse flour. This ensures the bites hold together without being crumbly.
Step 4: Blend the Ingredients
Add the dates, peanut butter, protein powder, flaxseed, molasses, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Blend until combined, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency
Add almond milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together when pressed. It should be slightly sticky but not wet.
Step 6: Press into the Pan
Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan. Use another piece of parchment paper to press it down evenly and firmly.
Step 7: Chill & Cut
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into 8–10 bites.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 3 months—just thaw before eating.
Customize Your Protein Bites
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Try these swaps or add-ins:
- Swap Honey for Maple Syrup: Perfect for a vegan-friendly version.
- Change Up the Protein Powder: Chocolate, cinnamon, or peanut butter flavors work well.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.
If you loved this No-Bake Protein Bites Recipe, don’t forget to leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below! We’d love to hear from you—leave a comment to let us know how you enjoyed it!
No Bake Protein Bites
Equipment
- 9 x 5 inch loaf pan
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (128 g) creamy natural peanut butter
- 1 cup (80 g) rolled oats
- 10 (180 g) pitted dates, soaked in water and drained
- 1 scoop (30 g) vanilla whey protein powder (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon (7 g) ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) molassess
- 1/2 tablespoon (10 g) honey or maple syrup, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher salt, use half if Morton's or iodized
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) almond milk (or non-dairy milk of choice), adjust as needed
Optional Mix-Ins & Ideas
- 1 ounce dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, chopped finely
- 1/4 cup chopped dried figs
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray and set aside.
- Process the Oats: In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, pulse the oats until finely ground, resembling oat flour. It’s fine if some larger pieces remain.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the peanut butter, ground flaxseed, dates, molasses, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, protein powder, and salt to the food processor. Pulse to combine, adding 1 tablespoon of almond milk at a time until the mixture starts to come together. Adjust with more almond milk as necessary until the mixture is moldable and sticks together when pinched.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins: Once the mixture is ready, remove it from the processor and stir in your choice of mix-ins (if desired).
- Shape and Refrigerate: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it evenly into the bottom. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, cut the mixture into 8 bars (or squares, depending on your preference). Enjoy immediately, or store as instructed below.
Notes
- Batch Size: You can double the recipe and use an 8 x 8 inch baking pan for more servings.
- Protein Powder: While this recipe calls for vanilla whey protein powder, you can substitute with other types, but keep in mind the flavor and texture may differ.
- Serving Tip: These protein bites are ideal as a pre-workout snack, a midday energy boost, or a post-workout recovery treat.
