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The Best Easy No Bake Protein Bar Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free, No Bake)s

No Bake Protein Bars

These no-bake protein bars are a wholesome alternative to store-bought options, featuring dates for natural sweetness, nut butter for healthy fats, and cooked quinoa for added protein and texture. They're vegan, gluten-free, and require no baking, making them perfect for quick snacks or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2/3 cup packed pitted dates
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened natural nut or seed butter (e.g., peanut, sunflower, almond)
  • 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking rolled oats (GF, if needed)
  • 1 cup cooked cooled quinoa
  • 1/3 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts
  • 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (GF, if needed)

Equipment

  • food processor
  • 8-inch square baking pan

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil.
  2. In food processor, pulse the dates until finely chopped. Add nut butter, salt and vanilla; process until blended. Add the oats, cooled quinoa, and walnuts; pulse until mixture forms a dough. Add chocolate chips; pulse 1 or 2 times to just combine.
  3. Press mixture into prepared pan (use a large piece of wax paper or plastic wrap to smooth and spread mixture flat).
  4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Using foil liner, lift mixture from pan and transfer to a cutting board. Peel off foil and cut into 12 bars.

Notes

For best results, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow bars to set properly. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.