Greek Yogurt Protein Bars Recipe
Greek Yogurt Protein Bars are creamy, protein-packed snacks perfect for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Ready in under 15 minutes plus chilling time, these no-bake bars slice like brownies and offer a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional snacks with customizable mix-in options.
- Author: Daniel
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 2 hr 10 min
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup (120 g) whey or plant protein powder
- 1 cup (90 g) rolled oats
- ⅓ cup (80 g) nut or seed butter
- 3 Tbsp (60 g) honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Mix-Ins
- ½ cup total nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or chocolate chips (e.g., chopped almonds + dark chocolate chips, chia seeds + dried blueberries, shredded coconut + cacao nibs)
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together rolled oats, protein powder, and a pinch of salt to ensure there are no clumps in the mixture.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, nut or seed butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
- Fold Wet into Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until every oat is coated and the dough is tacky but not soupy. Adjust consistency if needed by adding 1–2 Tbsp milk to moisten or oats/protein powder to thicken.
- Stir in Mix-Ins: Fold in your choice of ½ cup mix-ins such as nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or chocolate chips. Press lightly to distribute evenly within the dough.
- Press & Smooth: Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined 8×8″ pan. Lay a second parchment paper on top and press firmly with your hands or the bottom of a small pan to create an even, compact surface.
- Chill Until Set: Refrigerate for 2 hours for a soft, fudgy texture or freeze for 30 minutes for a firmer, brownie-like bite.
- Slice into Bars: Lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment edges and cut into 8 bars using a sharp knife. Wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges.
Notes
- Pressing the mixture firmly is key for bars that hold together well.
- Chilling time affects texture: fridge yields tender bars, freezer yields firm bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze bars individually wrapped for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving.
- Variations include adding cocoa powder, fruit jam swirls, shredded coconut, or different nuts for flavor twists.
- Adjust consistency by adding small amounts of milk or dry ingredients if mixture is too dry or wet.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt and use plant-based protein powder.
Keywords: Greek yogurt protein bars, no bake protein bars, healthy snacks, high protein snacks, easy protein bars, low sugar snacks, post workout snack