Published: · By: Joe Duff
These deliciously healthy homemade energy bars are a staple in my snack routine. They're made with nourishing oats and chia seeds, creamy peanut butter, and flaky coconut, all topped with a creamy chocolate drizzle. Whether I am running out the door, grabbing a post-workout snack, or simply enjoying a sweet treat, these energy bars have become the best way to fuel my day.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love These Homemade Granola Bars
- These no-bake energy bars are quick and effortless to make, with ingredients readily found in your pantry. Not only is there no baking required, but you can have these bars ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes hassle-free.
- This recipe is low calorie and low sugar, making these homemade energy bars the perfect combination of nutritious and delicious. Plus, they're an excellent source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats while still satisfying your sweet tooth.
- The high protein energy bars store super easily, so they're perfect for meal prepping your snacks for the week. I personally love making a few batches of these energy bars so I can readily grab them when I am on the go.
- They taste amazing, with room to put your own flavorful spin on it. Whether you prefer your bars sweet or salty, the possibilities with this recipe are endless, so you'll never have to opt for store-bought bars again.
Ingredients
For the homemade granola bars:
- Rolled oats - old fashioned or quick oats
- Chia seeds - a great source of antioxidants
- Sesame seeds - for added nutrition
- Shredded coconut - unsweetened
- Raisins - for a touch of tartness and chew
- Cinnamon - a sweet spice
- Peanut butter - for some extra protein. You can also use almond butter
- Sugar free syrup - like my famous keto maple syrup for added sweetness
For the drizzle:
- Dark chocolate chips - sugar free would be best
- Vanilla extract - to complement the chocolate
- Coconut oil - to make the drizzle thick and creamy
How To Make Energy Bars
Step 1: Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the oats, chia seeds, sesame seeds, shredded coconut, raisins, and cinnamon. Then add the peanut butter and sugar free syrup and stir so everything is evenly combined.
Step 2: Prepare your bars
Line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and transfer the oat mixture to the baking dish. Be sure to press down on the oats firmly so the bars come out nice and compact. Place the pan in the freezer and freeze the oats mixture for 10 minutes. Once everything has solidified, cut the oats into about eight bars.
Step 3: Make the chocolate drizzle
While your oats are freezing, add the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in intervals of 30 seconds until the chocolate has melted. Then add the vanilla extract to the melted chocolate and stir until the sauce is nice and creamy.
Step 4: Drizzle and Enjoy
To finish off the granola bars, drizzle the chocolate sauce over the oat bars so that they are evenly coated. Return the pan to the freezer and freeze the bars for an extra 10 minutes before gently separating the bars to serve.
My Favorite Variations to Try
- Instead of bars, roll the oats mixture into energy balls before freezing.
- Give these bars an extra boost of protein by adding your favorite protein powder to the mixture. One of these low calorie protein powders would work great.
- Experiment with different flavors of your energy bars by adding pumpkin seeds, dried fruits, sliced almonds, or my personal favorite - a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Use a different nut butter to try a variety of nutty flavors like almond butter or sunflower butter.
Storing Your Energy Bars
In the fridge: These homemade energy bars can be wrapped in plastic wrap and kept at room temperature for 5 days. Alternatively, you can transfer any leftover bars into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
In the freezer: If you plan on making a few batches for meal prep, I recommend placing the bars in a freezer-safe container and freezing them for up to three months. Just be sure to place a piece of parchment paper in between individual bars if needed. Then when you are ready to enjoy your bars again, simply transfer them to the fridge to defrost overnight.
More Healthy Recipes To Try
- Healthy donuts
- Weight loss Oreo shake
- Healthy French toast
- Peanut butter overnight oats
- Healthy low calorie chocolate chip cookies
Healthy Homemade Energy Bars Recipe (With 11g Protein)
Yield: 8 bars
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
These deliciously healthy homemade energy bars are a staple in my snack routine. They're made with nourishing oats and chia seeds, creamy peanut butter, and flaky coconut, all topped with a creamy chocolate drizzle. Whether I am running out the door, grabbing a post-workout snack, or simply enjoying a sweet treat, these energy bars have become the best way to fuel my day.
Ingredients
- For the bars:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup raisins
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ¾ cup sugar-free syrup
- For the drizzle:
- ¼ cup sugar free dark chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Combine oats, chia seeds, sesame seeds, coconut, raisins, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Add peanut butter and sugar-free syrup. Stir well to combine.
- Line an 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Transfer the oat mixture to the lined baking dish and press firmly.Freeze the oats for 10 minutes. Cut the oats into bars.
- In the meantime, prepare the chocolate drizzle; add chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals until the chocolate is melted. Stir in vanilla extract. Drizzle the chocolate over the oats.
- Freeze the bars for an extra 10 minutes.Separate bars gently and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 bar
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 304Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 142mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 11g
