Homemade Protein Bars

• These protein bars are lower in added sugar compared to store-bought versions. 
• Cashews add plant-based protein to support muscle building. 
• These protein bars can be assembled in just 10 minutes.

These Homemade Protein Bars are packed with oats, cashews and hemp seeds for a filling snack. They deliver plant-based protein and fiber—making them a great option for fueling your day and helping you feel full. These bars are easy to make and even easier to customize, so you can stir in different toasted nuts or dried fruit to make them your own. Once you have the technique down, you’ll be just three steps away from a healthy, protein-packed snack. Read on for our best tips and tricks for making these bars below. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• For the best texture, keep the bars stored in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy them. 
• Be sure to pat the mixture down into the pan firmly. This will help prevent the bars from crumbling when you cut them.
• Opt for roasted and salted cashews here, as their nutty, savory flavor stands out against the sweeter ingredients. If you are looking to cut back on sodium, you can use raw, unsalted cashews, but toast them first for a better flavor.

Nutrition Notes

• Oats are an excellent source of fiber, an important nutrient that slows down digestion so you’ll feel full for longer. The fiber in oats, also known as beta-glucan, can also support heart health, as it helps lower bad cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar levels and lower high blood pressure. 
• Cashews add protein and healthy fats to these bars, from both the whole nut and the ground nut butter. Eating enough protein supports muscle building and healthy tissues while the mono- and polyunsaturated fats support heart health. Cashews also contain vitamin K, magnesium and phosphorus, three nutrients that can support strong, healthy bones.
• Hemp seeds may be tiny, but they pack big nutritional benefits. Fiber and protein are two nutrients that are abundant in the seed, with a 3-tablespoon serving offering 9 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber. They’re an easy way to increase the protein content in these bars while also adding crunch.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.