recipe No-Bake Protein Bars

When your sweet tooth kicks in but you're also focused on fueling your body with wholesome, chemical-free ingredients, these Kakadoodle-inspired no-bake protein bars are the answer. Perfect for busy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or post-workout snacks... each bar is crafted with nourishing ingredients and simple prep.

Let’s dig in!

🍫 1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Tastes like a Reese’s — but way better for your body thanks to clean protein, healthy fats, and fiber.

Ingredients (makes 8 bars)

• 1 ½ cups Blended Oat Flakes
• 1 cup Nut Butter
• ½ cup protein powder (chocolate or vanilla)
• ¼ cup Local Honey or Maple Syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 Tbsp almond milk (as needed)
• Optional: ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top

Instructions

1. Mix nut butter, honey, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.
2. Add protein powder and oat flour; stir until thick.
3. Add almond milk slowly until a soft dough forms.
4. Press mixture into a parchment-lined loaf pan.
5. Chill for 30–60 minutes, slice into bars, and store in fridge for up to 1 week.

Nutrition (approx. per bar): 210 kcal | 12g protein | 12g fat | 14g carbs | 3g fiber

🍓 2. Vanilla Almond “Energy Crunch” Bars

Light, nutty, and perfect for a grab-and-go snack before your morning workout or during a busy afternoon.

Ingredients (makes 10 bars)

• 1 ½ cups crispy rice cereal or puffed quinoa/brown rice cereal
• 1 cup vanilla protein powder
• ½ cup almond butter
• ¼ cup Local Honey
• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp almond or vanilla extract
• Optional: 2 Tbsp chopped almonds, coconut flakes, or flax seeds

Instructions

1. In a saucepan over low heat, stir almond butter, honey, and milk until smooth.
2. Remove from heat and stir in protein powder and cereal until combined.
3. Press into a parchment-lined 8x8 pan.
4. Chill for 1 hour, cut into bars, and store in fridge.

Nutrition (per bar): 180 kcal | 11g protein | 8g fat | 15g carbs

🍪 3. Cookie Dough Protein Bars

Soft, chewy, and indulgent—without any added sugar or preservatives.

Ingredients (makes 8 bars)

• 1 ½ cups Almond Flour
• ½ cup vanilla or cookie-flavored protein powder
• ¼ cup almond butter
• 2 Tbsp honey or monk fruit syrup
• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: ¼ cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add wet ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
4. Press into a parchment-lined loaf pan.
5. Chill, slice into bars, and store in fridge.

Nutrition (approx. per bar): 190 kcal | 13g protein | 9g fat | 10g carbs

🧠 Dietitian Tips from Erin Utz, RDN:

• Add chia, flax, or hemp seeds to boost omega-3s and fiber.
• Choose plant-based or whey protein — adjust liquid amounts as needed.
• Bars last up to 1 week in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
• Boost flavor naturally with cinnamon, cocoa powder, or espresso powder.

Thanks to Erin Utz, a Kakadoodle customer and trusted Dietitian Nutritionist, for these nourishing ideas!
Follow her on Instagram at @ErinUtz_RD 💚