The 38 Best Homemade Protein Bars You Can Ever Make

Image from Everyday Maven

Type of Recipe: Paleo, gluten-free

Check out these Chocolate Banana Paleo Protein Bars from Everyday Maven! The flavor profile is incredibly appealing and it’s nice to see a recipe that’s a bit different than normal. Nutrition details aren’t provided but it’s clear that the bars would be a good source of protein. Besides, they look amazing.

Image from Tessa the Domestic Diva

Type of Recipe: Low carb, keto

Most protein bars are fairly high in carbs. But, these Low Carb Keto Protein Bars follow a different pattern. Each bar contains just 2 net grams of carbs, along with 6 grams of protein. They’re also high in fat, with 15 grams per serving, making them a perfect fit for a keto diet.

If all that wasn’t enough, the bars are also good for you. A key factor is the fiber, which helps to promote healthy gut bacteria. Plus, the bars end up looking and tasting great. The only problem would be making sure you don’t eat them too quickly.

Image from Grass Fed Salsa

Type of Recipe: Paleo, AIP, gluten-free, nut-free

Another recipe to try out is these AIP Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Protein Bars. As the name suggests, these are AIP compliant. So, they’re dairy-free, nut-free and oat-free. This is particularly good for people with multiple sensitivities or anyone who wants something a little bit different.

The flavor profile is reminiscent of Fall and cooler weather. But honestly, you could eat these bars in the height of summer if you wanted to. These bars offer an impressive 11 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving. You could skip the dark chocolate icing and white chocolate drizzle if you wanted to, although the bars look so much better with those additions.

Image from The Gracious Pantry

Type of Recipe: Clean eating, baked

Gracious Pantry hosts this recipe for Clean Eating Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Protein Bars. This time, the recipe does require baking, but the process isn’t complicated. The recipe itself is also well worth the effort.

The author provides two different options for making the bars and you can choose based on personal preference. One approach will give a softer bar, while the other will create a bar that is chewier. Regardless of which style you choose, the bars give roughly 9 grams of protein per serving.

Image from Minimalist Baker

Type of Recipe: Vegan, gluten-free

These No Bake Vegan Protein Bars are a great example of simplicity, with just four main ingredients. They’re also particularly impressive protein bars, as each bar contains more than 10 grams of protein. That protein doesn’t just come from protein powder either. Instead, the bars make use of one pretty unusual ingredient. But, you’ll have to check out the recipe to find out what the special ingredient is.  

The bars are also freezable. They’ll last a month (or more) in your freezer. That’s perfect for anyone who likes preparing food ahead of time.

Image from Super Healthy Kids

Type of Recipe: Kid-friendly

Don’t let the simple name fool you, these Homemade Protein Bars are extremely appealing. Plus, they’re a breeze to make. Unlike most of the recipes on this list, the bars aren’t made for any specific diet type. Instead, they’re designed to appeal to kids. This means they use a slightly different ingredients selection and may be a little sweeter than some adults would like.

Regardless, the recipe is perfect for kids – and for picky eaters. The bars are also a great source of protein, with around 16 grams of protein per serving. That protein should keep any kid satisfied, at least for a little while.

Image from Further Food

Type of Recipe: No bake

For a great protein bar option, look no further than these No Bake Almond Butter Protein Bars. They’re designed to taste much like a Snickers bar. Although, of course, these are a much healthier option. Each serving contains 10 grams of protein. And there is no added sugar. These bars are softer than some of the other options on this list, so it’s best to store them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.

Image from Sugar-Free Mom

Type of Recipe: Low carb, nut-free, gluten-free

If you’re looking for a low carb option, check out these Low Carb Chocolate Fudge Protein Bars. They have around 6.7 grams of protein per serving and only around 2.1 grams of net carbs. You wouldn’t have to use them as a protein bar either. They make great healthy snacks on a low carb diet. You could even use them as an alternative to a chocolate bar.

Image from Whitespace + Wellness

Type of Recipe: Vegan, dairy-free, paleo, gluten-free

I’ll admit it, I’ve always been a fan of anything with mint and chocolate. So, these Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Bars are absolutely perfect. The bars also suit multiple diet types, which is always a good thing. As the author mentions, you can also roll the mixture into balls, creating protein balls rather than protein bars. Either style works, of course, so go with whichever one you find the most appealing.

Image from Real Food Healthy Body

Type of Recipe: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan

For a more unusual combination of flavors, check out these Sour Cherry Vanilla Protein Bars. Sour cherries and vanilla aren’t often used together, but it’s easy to see how the ingredients would complement one another.

The recipe also uses an interesting type of vegan protein powder. This helps to boost the protein content and may give some extra health benefits. The recipe is another one where you can choose whatever shape you want. As the author mentions, turning these into protein balls would be a good way to create smaller portions.

Image from Masala Herb

Type of Recipe: Gluten-free

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of these Homemade Protein Bars is the lack of protein powder. The recipe uses other sources of protein instead, including nuts and seeds. This results in a little under 8 grams of protein per serving, which is still a decent level.

 The bars would appeal to many people as the ingredients aren’t processed. Instead, you’re relying on natural options, including coconut oil and almond flour.

Image from Running on Real Food

Type of Recipe: Vegan, gluten-free

Here’s a slightly different recipe – No Bake Vegan Hemp Protein Bars. Hemp protein is a less common plant-based protein. You don’t see it used in many recipes, partly because it is lower in protein than alternative options. But, it does have other advantages, like being a good source of omega-3 and magnesium.

This recipe is a great way to take advantage of the protein type. The other ingredients mean that the bars still offer 8 grams of protein per serving, making them a decent source of protein. The finished bars can be stored in the fridge or in the freezer.

Image from Healy Eats Real

Type of Recipe: Paleo, vegan, gluten-free

The paleo-friendly nature of these No Bake Protein Bars would make them perfect for many people. But, you don’t have to be on a paleo diet to enjoy them. The protein bars would work well for anyone, especially if you’re looking for a substantial snack. Plus, the bars rely on healthy ingredients, making them a particularly good choice.

The entire recipe contains around 26 grams of protein and gives you five servings. That makes the bars a little lower in protein than other options, but they would still be very satisfying.

Image by Angela Liddon from Oh She Glows

Type of Recipe: Vegan, gluten-free

I love these Quick 'n Easy No-Bake Protein Bars, particularly because they're so simple to make. Involved recipes are often unappealing, especially when life is busy. The finished bars look great as well. You could also turn these into protein balls if you wanted to. 

If you follow the recipe as written, the bars each contain 8.3 grams of protein, which is a decent amount. The combination of flavors would work well for any audience, including kids. 

Image from Gringalicious

Type of Recipe: Vegan

These Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Protein Bars are another fun option to try out. They almost seem like a protein bar that you'd buy from the store, although these ones are much healthier. The bars also rely on natural protein sources, rather than protein powder. This will be an appealing feature to many people, especially as the finished bars look great.  

Image from Nutrition in the Kitch

Type of Recipe: Vegan

Who says you need to wait until Fall for pumpkin pie flavors? These Pumpkin Pie Protein Bars would be good all year round. They also look fantastic, especially with the pumpkin seeds and pecans giving the bars a splash of color. The bars offer 7 grams of protein per serving. This would make them great between meals, especially if you’re on the go.

The bars themselves are relatively soft and have a dessert-like flavor. As the author mentions, you can also make them denser by doubling the amount of protein powder used. This little trick makes them last longer and increases the protein content as well.

Image from Athletic Avocado

Type of Recipe: Baked, gluten-free, paleo, low carb

These Coconut Cookie Dough Baked Protein Bars would be perfect for any cookie dough fan. Comments on the recipe even suggest that the bars have a similar texture to cookie dough. That’s another win. The protein bars also end up with this wonderful color, which really makes them stand out.

On a side note, the bars are low carb but they probably wouldn’t be suitable for a keto diet (or any other very low carb approach). Nutritional information isn’t provided, so it’s hard to be certain, but maple syrup is used as an ingredient.

Image from Cotter Crunch

Type of Recipe: Paleo, gluten-free

It’s easy to see why these Mango Coconut Almond Paleo Protein Bars would be popular. Mango and coconut always go well together and tend to create fresh-tasting foods.

The finished bars contain around 11.6 grams of protein per serving. Of course, the exact amount would depend on the size of bar that you make and the protein powder that you use. The bars are also chewy, which is a style that many people love.

Image from Bakerita

Type of Recipe: Gluten-free, paleo, Whole30

These Pecan Pie Protein Bars are a must for anyone that loves the taste of pecan pie. Even if you don’t, they’re seriously worth checking out. The chewy nature of the bars just works so well (this also means you could make protein balls, if you prefer).

There are only five ingredients in the recipe, making it easy to shop for. If you use the same portion size as the recipe, each bar will give you 9 grams of protein.

Image from Meat Free Keto

Type of Recipe: Vegan, keto, gluten-free, nut-free, low carb

Vegan keto bars are often hard to find but these Chocolate Vegan Keto Protein Bars are one such recipe. The bars contain around 8.3 grams of protein per serving and only contain 1.4 net grams of carbs, which is a pretty good balance. The nut-free aspect is also appealing, as so many bars rely on nuts as a source of protein.

Image from Real Food Forager

Type of Recipe: Paleo, gluten-free, AIP, GAPS, SCD

If you’re a fan of fruit in your bars, check out this Mango Coconut Protein Bar recipe. The bars are particularly good for anyone on an elimination diet like GAPS or AIP. This should also make the bars suitable for most people, even if they have multiple allergies.

The author estimates that the bars have somewhere between 7.5 and 9.7 grams of protein per serving, depending on how the protein is calculated. This is a good amount, especially if you’re having the bars between meals. The main limitation is that the bars are high in sugar, so they’re best as a treat, not something that you eat regularly.

Image from ifoodreal

Type of Recipe: Vegan, gluten-free

I love the way these Homemade Protein Bars look. They have a fantastic texture and you could easily cut them into whatever size you want. If you stick with the serving size from the recipe, you’re getting 9 grams of protein per serving.

Unlike many of the recipes on this list, the bars are high in fat, with lower amounts of carbs and sugar. As the author points out, healthy fats are always a much better choice. There are still too many carbs for the bars to be included on a keto diet. But, they might be a good choice for some more flexible low carb diets.

Image from Sweetly Raw

Type of Recipe: Vegan, paleo, gluten-free, nut-free, low carb

These Vegan Chocolate Protein Bars are another option that relies on hemp protein. I personally love how professional the bars look. At first glance, you might even think that they were a regular chocolate bar, which is pretty cool. The recipe does have some sweetness but not an excessive amount.

Image from Build Your Bite

Type of Recipe: Vegan, gluten-free

If you’re a chocolate fan (who isn’t?), these Chocolate Cashew Protein Bars could be a good choice too. They’ve got plenty of chocolate flavor throughout and the inclusion of cashews is a nice touch too. The recipe is also very easy to make. You probably have most of the ingredients at home already.

Image from The Full Helping

Type of Recipe: Vegan

If you want a customizable recipe, check out these Higher Protein Raw, Vegan Snack Bars. The bars offer around 10 grams of protein for a regular serving. However, the protein amount will vary based on the size of bars you make and the specific ingredients. The author offers various details about substitution options, such using different types of nuts or dried fruit.

Image from Jay’s Baking Me Crazy

Type of Recipe: Paleo, gluten-free, Whole30, dairy

The recipe for these Paleo Chocolate Protein Bars was designed to copy RXBars. But, unlike RXBars, these protein bars rely on whole food ingredients. This makes them a much healthier alternative. Plus, you know exactly what you’re eating.   

The nutritional composition is also pretty close to RXBars and you’re getting 12 grams of protein per serving. There is a decent amount of sugar in the finished product (from dates), so don’t overdo it on these bars.

Image from Desserts with Benefits

Type of Recipe: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan

For a treat-like option, check out these Healthy Mo-tella Fudge DIY Protein Bars. The visual appearance and texture make these look like snack bars, so they’d be perfect for picky eaters. But, the nutritional profile is incredibly powerful. One bar contains 16 grams of protein and only 1 gram of sugar. That’s very impressive. In fact, these are some of the highest protein bars on the list.

Image from Amy’s Healthy Baking

Type of Recipe: No bake

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars really do look like cookie dough, which is a pretty fun style overall. Unlike regular cookie dough, the recipe doesn’t contain eggs, so there is no baking needed. Each serving contains 5.4 grams of protein, putting them at the low end of the scale. But, they’re also just 88 calories each, so the bars are perfect as a high protein snack or a sweet treat.

Image from The Big Man’s World

Type of Recipe: Paleo, vegan, gluten-free, low carb

Here’s another type of protein bar that almost sounds like candy - Healthy Homemade Snickers Protein Bars. The bars are surprisingly easy to make, even though they have two layers and a chocolate coating. You can also omit the protein powder if you don’t want to use it. Of course, if you did that, you’d just end up with a sweet snack.

Image from Paleo Gluten Free Eats

Type of Recipe: Paleo, gluten-free

If you like the flavor of peanut butter, check out these Paleo "Peanut Butter" Protein Bars (the full recipe is here). The bars are interesting, as they have all the flavor you’d expect from a chocolate and peanut butter bar, but they don’t actually include any peanut butter. The bars look great visually too, which is always a bonus.

Image from Food Faith Fitness

Type of Recipe: Paleo, gluten-free, baked

These Paleo Protein Bars are simple and easy, using just five main ingredients (six if you count the salt). The bars offer 4.3 grams of protein per serving, which is lower than many of the other recipes. But, they are also relatively low in calories, making them great as a snack.

Besides, you have to admit that they look amazing. I also love the choice of flavor. Many of the bars on this list have focused on chocolate, so it’s always nice to see something a little bit different.

Image from Fit Mitten Kitchen

Type of Recipe: Paleo, gluten-free, refined sugar-free

If you want to try another unusual flavor combination, you can check out these Coconut & Almond Butter Protein Bars. These contain 9 grams of protein per serving and are relatively low in sugar as well. While the bars aren’t vegan, the only non-vegan ingredient is honey and the author provides some substitution instructions.

Image from Hurry the Food Up

Type of Recipe: Vegan

These No Bake Protein Bars mightn’t be the prettiest options on this list, but don’t let that stop you from trying them out. They’re easy to make and don’t use protein powder (unless you want to). Instead, the protein comes from nuts and seeds. In this case, you’re getting 6 grams of protein per serving.

There are some interesting flavors in the mix too, which would make these bars taste particularly good. But, don’t take my word for it, try them out for yourself.

Image from Keto Connect

Type of Recipe: Keto, low carb

Keto Connect is always a great source for keto recipes and these Homemade Keto Bars are no exception to that rule. There is even a video with the recipe, so you can follow every step of the process. The bars themselves have 7.5 grams of protein each, along with 3.1 grams of net carbs and 23 grams of fat.

That balance of protein versus fat is intentional, as keto is generally viewed as a moderate protein diet. Healthy fats are also a very important aspect of the process and this recipe is a good source of those fats.

Image from Feasting on Fruit

Type of Recipe: Vegan, paleo, gluten-free

If you’re after a treat, check out these Cookie Dough Protein Bars. The recipe has 12 grams of protein per serving. The author manages all of this without using any protein powder. The finished bars look impressive too, especially with that layer of chocolate on top.

Image from Vanilla Crunnch

Type of Recipe: Vegan

This Raw Chocolate Protein Bar is promoted as ‘the ultimate chocolate lovers snack’, which seems a pretty accurate description. The recipe has a great combination of ingredients that helps ensure that finished bar tastes sweet but not too sweet. There is no baking required, making this a very easy recipe to prepare. Plus, the bars rely on whole food ingredients.

Image from My Organic Dairy

Type of Recipe: Vegan, gluten-free

These Superfood Protein Bars offer a great way to boost your health and get some extra protein in your diet. The recipe is a very versatile one. You can easily switch out various ingredients or add more protein. This makes it easy to customize your bars so that they meet all of your needs.

Image from Clean Food Crush

Type of Recipe: No bake

These Pumpkin Spice Protein Bars are another cool choice, regardless of the season. The bright color is particularly appealing. Honestly, I recommend trying the recipe out for the color alone. And, of course, we can’t forget about the pumpkin spice flavor profile.