5 Easy Whey Protein Bar Recipes

The protein-rich cereal bar is highly popular among people with a sports practice, for its satiating and nutritional virtues. 

Low in sugars or hyperenergetic, it meets all cravings thanks to a multitude of possible ingredients.

Why not make them yourself? Making your own cereal bars with whey to enrich them with protein is a delicious, simple, and economical option.

Let me introduce you to five whey-based homemade cereal bar recipes, to be enjoyed as a balanced snack or a treat around workouts. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for several months. 

📚 Read also | A dietitian tested 12 wheys, here’s the ranking

1. Almond-chocolate protein bar with vanilla-flavored whey

This chocolaty recipe is ideal for a balanced, protein-rich snack before training. 

Ingredients for 6 high-protein bars: 

• 130 g almond butter
• 55 g oat flour
• 2 scoops vanilla-flavored whey
• 3 tablespoons skim milk
• 100 g dark chocolate 70% cocoa

1. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, flour, whey, and milk.
2. Spread and flatten the dough in a square or rectangular mold (of about 1 cm thick). Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Then, cut the dough into 6. 
4. Melt the chocolate. Then dip one side of each bar, let drain, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutritional values per bar:

• Fats: 7 g
• Proteins: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 10.5 g

Calorie count: 152 kcal 

2. No-bake peanut butter and whey protein bar

This crispy whey bar recipe can be enjoyed for recovery, after an intense workout.

Ingredients for 10 bars:

• 100 g rolled oats
• 60 g granola (low sugar)
• 4 tablespoons 100% peanut butter
• 4 scoops chocolate or vanilla whey protein
• 120 ml water

1. Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix until you get a homogeneous dough.
2. Pour the mixture into a rectangular mold or a square dish, lined with parchment paper.
3. Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to let it firm up.
4. Then remove from the mold, unmold and cut into 12 bars.

Nutritional values per bar: 

• Fats: 6 g
• Proteins: 13 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g 

Calorie count: 146 kcal 

3. High-protein fruit bar

If you like fruity flavors, this whey strawberry-flavored cereal bar will delight you, at any time of the day.

Ingredients for 15 bars:

• 2 ripe bananas 
• 150 g rolled oats
• 50 g raisins 
• 60 g chopped walnuts 
• 4 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 scoops strawberry-flavored whey
• 3 tablespoons organic honey 
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds 

1. In a large container, mix the chopped hazelnuts, raisins, oats, and whey.
2. Add the mashed ripe bananas, stirring well until all the ingredients are incorporated into the bananas.
3. Add the peanut butter and honey.
4. In a large rectangular mold greased with coconut oil, pour everything, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C, for about 30 minutes.
6. Let cool before cutting the bars with a knife.

Nutritional values per bar: 

• Fats: 7 g
• Proteins: 6.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 14.5 g 

Calories: 147 kcal 

4. Vegan whey protein bar

This bar made with vegan protein can be enjoyed during the morning or afternoon to get a boost of energy.

Ingredients for 8 bars: 

• 110 g of blended oats 
• 2 scoops of vanilla vegan whey
• 1 pinch of salt
• 30 g of flax seeds 
• 30 g of puffed rice
• 85 g of coconut flakes 
• 125 g of almond butter
• 60 ml of maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1. Mix all dry ingredients together.
2. Then pour in the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla, and mix until everything combines. You can add a tablespoon of water if the mixture is too dry for your liking.
3. Pour into a 20 cm square mold, pressing down well with your hands or a wooden spoon. 
4. Let rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour before cutting into 8 bars. 
5. You can also turn this recipe into energy balls by forming 16 small balls to keep cool instead of filling a mold.

Nutritional values per bar: 

• Fats: 15 g
• Proteins: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 18.5 g 

Calories: 265 kcal 

5. Low sugar protein bar

This cereal bar combines delicious flavors, a high-protein and slimming snack suitable for everyone, athletes or not.

Ingredients for 10 bars:

• 50 g of unsalted roasted peanuts
• 80 g of almond puree
• 100 ml of coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of honey 
• 2 egg whites
• 1 scoop of vanilla whey powder

1. In a bowl, mix the whey powder with the coconut milk until a smooth paste is obtained. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, mix the peanuts with the almond puree and honey until the mixture is homogeneous.
3. Add the egg whites to the peanut-almond mixture, then mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Gently mix the two preparations.
5. Spread the dough on a tray lined with parchment paper, forming an even layer about 1 to 2 cm thick.
6. Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the dough is firm.
7. Once the dough is set, remove it from the refrigerator and cut it into rectangular bars with a sharp knife. Your bars are ready.

Nutritional values per bar: 

• Fats: 8 g
• Proteins: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.5 g 

Calories: 110 kcal