Looking for a healthy, on-the-go breakfast or snack option? Try these Soft & Chewy Applesauce Oatmeal Cookie Protein Bars! Made with vegan-friendly ingredients, these bars are packed with protein and fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, the addition of applesauce gives them a naturally sweet and moist texture that makes them a versatile breakfast treat or snack for any time of day, without any added sugars.
Here's why I love this recipe
- no-bake and so easy to prepare - only takes a few minutes!
- made with healthy ingredients
- made without any added sugars
- high-protein and high-fiber, so it'll keep you fuller longer
- the best dessert alternative & post-workout snack
Ingredients used to make Applesauce Oatmeal Cookie Protein Bars
**I've linked some of these ingredients to amazon.com to give you an idea of what they are, but you should also be able to find them in your local grocery store (usually, the natural & organic food section). They are also affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission as an Amazon Associate if you decide to purchase the items. The price will be the same for you, link or no link 🙂
- Protein Powder – My go-to protein powder is a vanilla plant-based protein powder, like this Orgain Protein Powder.
- Notes on using other Protein Powders in this recipe: Most frothy protein-shake type powders like whey, casein, pea, hemp, brown rice, egg protein powders should give you similar results, but slightly different textures. (Whey tends to produce gummier protein bars, for example). Collagen Peptides protein powder DOES NOT work with this recipe, so I highly recommend that you stick with the recommended protein powders. For collagen protein ball posts, check out this collagen page instead.
- Almond Butter - The almond butter works as a binder in this recipe and also gives the protein bars a nice boost of flavor as well as some protein and fiber. If you don't have almond butter at home, not to worry! This recipe works just fine with other nut butters like peanut butter or cashew butter.
- Oatmeal / Oat Flour - Oat flour is a whole grain flour that’s made out of rolled oats. You can buy from the store, or online, but it's easy to make your own oat flour by blitzing either old-fashioned (rolled) or quick-cooking oats in a blender (like how I made it below with my mini blender). If you want to keep this strictly gluten-free (some oats are produced in the same facility as wheat), be sure to buy the one with the GF label like this one.
- Applesauce - you can use any kind or any flavored applesauce. I used unsweetened.
- Raisins - or other dried fruit of choice, like dried cranberries, cherries or dates
More Protein Powder Recipes (HERE)
Step by Step
How to Make Applesauce Oatmeal Cookie Protein Bars
STEP 1
In a clean bowl, mix the dry ingredients: protein powder, oat flour and cinnamon powder.
Next, add in the almond butter and applesauce, first using a spoon
STEP 2
NOTE: Add more oat flour if the dough is too soft, add more applesauce if the dough is too thick. TRY TO ADD A HALF-TABLESPOON AT A TIME! The final dough should be firm, but soft enough that you can roll the dough into a ball without it falling apart.
STEP 3
Add some old fashioned oats and raisins to the dough. The added oats and raisins will help firm up the protein dough as it absorbs excess moisture.
STEP 4
Shape the protein dough into a rectangular mound, then wrap in plastic wrap or an airtight container lined with parchment, and let the dough set in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
STEP 5
Slice into bars.
STEP 6
Enjoy!
Recipe Variations and Optional Add Ins:
- Feel free to experiment with natural flavoring / extracts. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract (I didn't feel like it was essential so I left it out in this recipe), or other flavorings or extracts, such as lemon extract or raspberry extract
Just keep in mind that some extracts contain alcohol, and since this is a no-bake recipe, the alcohol won't have a chance to fully evaporate. If serving this to kids, or if you're sensitive to alcohol, be sure to use non-alcoholic extracts or flavorings. Here are some non-alcoholic brands, here: Non-alcoholic peppermint extract, non-alcoholic vanilla extract
How to Make Healthier
- Make this even healthier by adding a handful of nuts, seeds and old-fashioned oats to add texture and nutrition. Even better, add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.
How to Store Applesauce Oatmeal Cookie Protein Bars
- You can keep the protein bars out at room temperature for 1-2 days but for maximum freshness and best texture, it's best to store these protein bars covered in the fridge. They'll be fresh for up to 5-7 days.
- These protein bars also freeze very well! Seal them inside an airtight container or Ziploc bag and freeze them in a single layer so that they don't stick together. I recommend double-bagging if you want to keep out the fridge smell. They can be frozen for up to 4 months.
Vegan Oat Raisin Cookie Protein Bar with Applesauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder (64g)*
- ½ cup oat flour (64g), read notes** on how to make at home
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- ½ cup almond butter (128g) , can also use peanut butter
- 5-6 Tbsp applesauce
Add Ins
- ¼ cup raisins , or other dried fruits like dried cranberries or chopped dates
- ⅓ cup old fashioned oats
Instructions
- In a clean bowl, mix the dry ingredients: protein powder, oat flour, and cinnamon powder.
- Next, add in the almond butter and the applesauce, using your hands to knead and get the dough to combine together.NOTE: Add more oat flour if the dough is too soft, add more applesauce if the dough is too thick. TRY TO ADD A TEASPOON AT A TIME! The final dough should be firm, but soft enough that you can roll the dough into a ball without it falling apart.
- Add in the raisins and old fashioned oats
- Shape dough into a rectangular mound, then wrap in plastic wrap or an airtight container
- Let the dough set in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice into 6 bars.
- Enjoy!
Leave a Reply