Healthy Homemade Strawberry Protein Bar Recipe
Strawberry season is the perfect time to make this healthy homemade strawberry protein bar recipe! A quick, easy on-the-go snack for summer!
If you haven’t guessed, I love a great recipe. Are you the same? What is even better is finding a recipe that is not only healthy but one that has a natural sweetness and fresh strawberries in it.
With strawberries in abundance this time of year, strawberry protein bars are a great way to provide your kids or grandkids with wholesome ingredients. Just be sure to save yourself a few because I think you’re going to love them.
All you need is a food processor, a large mixing bowl, and a baking pan.
Something you may not know about me is that my very first job was working on a strawberry farm. I was 14 years old and was able to get working papers.
Early in the morning, at about 6 am, my sister and I would arrive at the farm, pick up our rectangular-shaped, handled wooden boxes, and head into the field.
Slowly kneeling in the wet early morning dew, our pant knees would be the first to get wet. By the time the sun had warmed the sky, the rest of our pant legs had dried and we had filled our baskets as well as our stomachs.
I don’t recall if it was just to keep me occupied or for fun, but my sister and I made up songs to go along with our berry picking. Here is one. ‘Berry, berry, on the vine, in one minute, you will be mine’! haha While it’s not the most elaborate of little ditties, the experience, and song did provide one the best memories from my youth!
What makes protein bars sweet?
While most store-bought protein bars have artificial sweeteners or added sugar. Homemade protein bar recipes typically do not. The sweetness comes from the natural strawberry flavor along with maple syrup or a few tablespoons honey.
What is the main ingredient in protein bars?
Whey protein powder is the main ingredient in protein bars. Protein is essential for muscle, bone, and blood sugar health. Try vanilla protein powder or strawberry protein powder for a delicious powder alternative.
Is it cheaper to make or buy protein bars?
Making homemade strawberry oatmeal bars is a cost-effective choice. Per bar, this sweet treat is a cost-effective choice over a local grocery store option.
In addition, the natural flavor of in-season strawberries not only adds flavor but is a great budget-friendly choice. Seasonal fruits are usually lower in price.
What you will need?
Dry ingredients
- Parchment paper
- Rolled oats
- Strawberries
- Vanilla Protein powder
Wet Ingredients
- Raw honey or maple syrup
- Almond butter
- Almond milk
- (optional – chocolate chips)
Instructions
With a few simple ingredients, this easy recipe will take little prep time.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Spray the baking pan with cooking spray
- With parchment paper, line the baking pan on top of the cooking spray (the parchment paper should adhere and stick to the pan)
- In a mixer or food processor, process half of the rolled oats (I pulse for 1 second at a time with this grinder ) (You want the oats to be slightly chopped but not fine)
- In a medium bowl, combine oats and all ingredients. Add the other half of the oats. Mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into the baking pan squaring the edges as best as you can.
- Bake bars for 20 – 25 minutes on a lined pan until the toothpick comes out clean.
- When cooled, Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over bars. Top with coconut (optional)
- Melting chocolate (microwave chocolate or use a double boiler over low heat)
- Store in airtight container in the refrigerator or on countertop
Strawberry Protein Bar Recipe
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Large mIxing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rolled oats
- 2 1/4 cups Strawberries mashed
- 1 cup Vanilla protein powder
- 4 tbsp Almond butter
- 3 tbsp Raw honey
- 1/4 cup Almond Milk (Oatmeal may be substituted)
- 5 oz Optional – Dark Chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Spray bottom of baking pan with cooking spray
- With parchment paper, line the baking pan
- In a mixer or food processor, process half of the rolled oats (I pulse for 1 second at a time with a coffee grinder
- In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Add the other half of oats. Mix well.
- Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or untl toothpick comes out clean.
- Melt chocolate and drizzle over the bars.
Additional topping options
- Drizzle chocolate on the top of each bar
- Chocolate sauce may be used rather than melting chocolate
- Add coconut shavings to create the perfect bar
- Sprinkle confectioners sugar on top
- Dried strawberries may be used as well as an alternative.
Other healthy snack bars you may enjoy:
Easy No Bake Almond Butter Protein Bomb Recipe is another easy and healthy snack to make this summer.
These easy Cappuccino bars are always a hit!
The best part is that these favorite protein bars may be enjoyed all throughout the year!
If you make this recipe and love it, please come back to leave a comment and a 5-star rating. I really love hearing from you and appreciate it. It helps me and my blog out so much. Thank you!
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This sounds delicious!
Thank you Renae. With all good ingredients I love that is something healthy to snack on. 🙂 thank you for stopping by!
I can’t wait to try these. they sound delicious and strawberries are my favorites.
It’s a great choice for a healthy snack. The berries make it!
We buy way too many store-bought protein bars. These are the perfect alternative. Can’t wait to try these! I had no idea you worked on a strawberry farm as a youngster! I love your little song!
Yes, it was my first job. So much fun! The song has stuck in my head for years haha
This sounds like a recipe I would enjoy, thank you for sharing Susan. I do not normally purchase such bars from the grocery since a lot of times they contain wheat, something I absolutely cannot have – food allergies. Making them at home I can control what I put in them, I never thought to make strawberry bars though, I think I will add them to the list of what to try next!
Thank you Cara! I’m always happy to make something from scratch as well so I know what’s in it! I hope you enjoy this recipe! Thank you for stopping by!