I went to the store on a mission to find options. Pink options. Natural pink options.
Pure pomegranate juice costs more than my apartment. Beets stain my hands. And who honestly wants to wait an hour to roast one? Now raspberries....
LETTUCE ALL BREATHE A SIGH OF RELIEF. They may have weird fuzzy tendrils and a bamboozling silent "p," but man oh man do they taste dreamypants in any way, shape or form. I nearly fell over when I saw that they were on sale.
It's almost that one holiday that everyone hates or loves, and these are the most perfect of all ways to tell that special someone you adore them. I love dark chocolate like a sister so regardless of my relationship status, I don't mind V-Day. You better believe there's a strong handful of chocolate chippers in these bars!!
I've made Angela's Quick N' Easy No-Bake Protein Bars a handful of times and they do not dissapoint. I wanted to experiment with an option that had a) a boatload of my beloved Vega Protein + Greens protein powder and b) less added sugar. Vega is sweetened with stevia, so in my humble opinion, these delightful little guys have just the right amount of sweetness with half the added sugar. Ding dong win wong.
I wanted these to be BRIGHT pink. With my refusal to use beets or red #5, I was left with pinkish beauties studded with the juicy red razzes. After mixing in a full half cup of raspberries to the batter, realizing they were too wet, and then adding more oat flour, I proceeded to gracefully smush bits and pieces of raspberries into the top of the bars.
I'm not saying they'd win a beauty contest, but they have the taste and texture of an angel. AND...and...they only require one bowl and get this---no food processor!! Flawless. No flaws.
Let's talk ingredients for a sec! I used Bob's Red Mill oat flour, but feel free to grind old-fashioned oats in the food processor or blender if you don't have oat flour on hand. And now for the fun part!
GIVEAWAY (CLOSED): My friends at Vega are giving one lucky reader a tub of Vanilla Protein + Greens, a tub of Chocolate Protein + Greens, AND a shaker bottle! How amazing is that? To enter, simply leave a comment telling me you favorite way to use protein powder. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end Sunday, January 24th at 12am EST. The winner will be notified via email. Good luck!
Print
No-Bake Raspberry Protein Bars
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Cuisine: Snack
Description
These easy, one-bowl, gluten-free raspberry protein bars taste like dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups oat flour (or old-fashioned oats ground into flour)
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- ½ cup vanilla plant-based protein powder (I use Vega Vanilla Protein + Greens)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup creamy almond butter (the drippy kind)
- ¼ cup almond milk (I used pomegranate juice, either will work)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup raspberries (plus more for topping)
- 3 tbsp mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8x8inch square baking dish with parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Place oat flour, flax, protein powder, and salt in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add almond butter, almond milk, and pure maple syrup. Using your hands, stir mixture until fully combined. Stir in chocolate chips. It will seem dry!
- Add fresh raspberries and use your hands again to break down raspberries into batter until fully combined (the "dough" should start to turn light pink).
- Press mixture evenly into pan until smooth. Press additional raspberries into dough if desired.
- Freeze bars for at least an hour before slicing into 12 bars. Store in the refrigerator for optimal texture.
Notes
Inspired by Oh She Glow's Quick N' Easy No-Bake Protein Bars
[Tweet "No-Bake Raspberry Protein Bars + enter to win 2 tubs of @Vega_Team via @TheHummusapien #giveaway"]
Disclosure: I was not asked to write this post nor was I compensated. I was provided with free product. All opinions are my own.
Ashley says
My favorite way to use protein powder is in my oatmeal!!! I'm a huge fan of overnight oats so I love the added flavor to go with my usual recipe- rolled oats, unsweetened vanilla almond milk and a mix in- favorites are definitely chopped dates, muesli and other misc dried fruit.
Ana R. says
I love protein pancakes and protein balls! I have never tried Vega before so fingers crossed I win 🙂
Kaley says
VEGA GIVEAWAY! Been wanting to try!
Would definitely use this for my new adventures in homemade protein bars!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
I love to bake protein cookies and make energy bites with protein powder. Protein powder is usually in my oats and always in my green smoothies too. Yum. These bars are my must make list. Love the chocolate and raspberry combo!!
Sarah says
I love to use protein powder in my morning smoothies! It helps to keep me fuller longer during work.
Jenna says
I like to add Vega Protein + Greens to morning smoothies, unsweetened yogurt and granola. My favorite smoothie combos are Vega vanilla protein powder with cherries or the chocolate with blueberries. Love Vega!
Christine says
I add it to my oatmeal!
Monica says
These look amazing! My favorite way to use protein powder is to bake it into banana bread!!
Katie Jansen says
I use protein powder in everything! In the Winter I mix chocolate protein powder with warm almond milk for hot chocolate yum!,
Annie B says
I love using Vega powder for smoothies and protein garbanzo bean blondies! The Protein + Greens blend is soo tasty!
Jessica Flory says
Mmm I love making protein bars and these look fantastic!!
Molly Linenfelser says
I've used protein powder in smoothies a long time ago. Since developing a milk allergy, I haven't used any at all. Vega would be perfect for recipes like this one!
Lidia says
My favorite way to use protein powder is in my morning pro-zoats (protein zucchini oatmeal)! It makes it extra creamy and slightly sweet... And it works great whether you do them hot or as overnight oats!!
Monique @ burpees to bubbly says
Vega is my absolute favorite protein powder and i generally just mix it with water after my workout 🙂
Kathy says
I like to use protein powder in smoothies!
Caitlin says
I've been on the hunt for a plant based protein powder and have always wanted to try vega! I would use it in smoothies 🙂
Ps - My dad would love these bars! Raspberry and chocolate is one of his favorite combinations!
Kim O. says
I use the vega protein powder in a plain ole shaker with almond milk for a super fast snack in the afternoon =)
Great website/blog here! Kim O. Dietitian
★★★
Alicia C. says
These look amazing! I love to use protein powder in my morning smoothies. Can't wait to give these a try!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
These look delicious!! I love homemade protein bars (and Vega) but with raspberries!? Even better!
Michelle says
I love making 'nice' cream with my protein powder! I also love making your vegan banana nut cookies 🙂
★★★★★
Sharon says
I love protein powder in a smoothie with blueberries or bananas, and skim milk and yogurt.
Jessie says
Smoothie bowls! Would love to try this kind of protein powder- never had it before!
Heather says
I've always wanted to try vega but am overwhelmed by the selection of protein powders and still working through my green superfood. I use in smoothies and protein balls!
Dana S says
I love to use it in smoothies!
Theresa says
I just have mine with soymilk in a shaker!
Karina says
In overnight oats or smoothies 🙂
Maria dorn says
I love protein powder in my after workout morning oatmeal along with fresh berries!
Molly says
I LOVE to stir a bit into my oatmeal. Gives me that added protein bonus!
masala girl says
yesss you're awesome! i love the post-workout in a smoothie, but usually just mix it with water. i'd probably make some sort of bars with them like this first 🙂
Nate B says
I like to use protein powder in a shake after a good workout
Sarah says
I absolutely LOVE using Vega for smoothies!
★★★★
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It says
My favorite way to use protein powder is in the form of a smoothie or in my morning bowl of oatmeal!! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
★★★★★
Molly K says
I have vega every day! My favorite way to enjoy vega is in a smoothie bowl, but during the winter months when I'm craving a warming breakfast I stir a small amount into my oatmeal for flavor and a little protein boost!
Jen says
I love protein powder in my banana, almond butter, almond milk smoothies!
Shannon Thompson says
I use protein powder in my smoothies and sometimes my baked goods. Those bars look so good! I can't wait to make them!
★★★★★
Elvia Saldana says
As a vegetarian, protein powder has become one of my holy grails recently. My favorite thing to do with protein powder is to experiment and find ways to sneak in protein powder for every meal. Chocolate and peanut butter protein balls? Yes! Vanilla protein powder "nice" cream? Yes! French toast dipped in chocolate protein powder maple batter? Yes! But protein powder doesn't just have to stay solely with sweet items, I love making black bean burgers and pizza crust! I love Vega and their products so much and I can't wait to try these bars too!
Sherwood says
I pretty much only use protein powder in baking and overnight oats. Vegan stuff is a must as my boyfriend cannot eat dairy.
Samantha says
My favorite way to incorporate protein powders in food is in smoothie bowls!
Erin G says
I use protein in my coffee, cookies, yogurt, fudge, cakes, milk shakes, smoothies, oatmeal and pancakes. I love proein powder!
Emilie @ Emilie Eats says
I love protein powder in my smoothies, but I also love baking with it!
elizabeth says
I like it in your blueberry, spinach and chocolate smoothie recipe.
Claire says
I LOVE putting protein powder in with my morning smoothie with tons of spinach, a banana and almond milk! I've been wanting to try the protein & greens for so long, I love Vega products and their recipes!
Nicole D. says
I use protein powder in smoothies!
Annamarie V says
I love protein powder in the morning for breakfast especially if I'm in a hurry and need quick breakfast. I usually add some chia seeds and powdered peanut butter to the mix. I need to try some recipes using protein powder so we can have healthy snacks on hand.
Jennifer says
I love it in muffins and smoothies, or just straight up with water!
Emily Eby says
I LOVE my vanilla Vega protein powder and am addicted to putting it in my spinach smoothie every morning. I want to try baking with it and haven't yet, so these bars look like a good place to start! (:
Kayla says
my absolute favorite way to use protein powder is in my smoothies!! it gives them such a boost of nutrition and flavor! i would love to try vega, it sounds amazing!
Rachel says
A big smoothie!
Right now my favorite is frozen spinach, frozen banana, frozen pineapple chunks with protein powder, almond milk, and chia seeds!
Jacky says
I love to use protein powders for workout recover but I also love to add them to my smoothie bowls and overnight oats for breakfast! I added some to my cold-brew coffee when I went on a trip over the weekend and that was great too!
Emily @ Sinful Nutrition says
Smoothies and protein mug cakes for a nighttime treat! Thanks for the giveaway!