Creamy, chocolatey and easy to prepare, these No-Bake Cookies & Cream Protein Bars turn a classic dessert flavor into a convenient make-ahead snack. Mix, press, chill and slice—no oven required.
Why You’ll Love These Protein Bars
- No baking required
- Approximately 14–18 grams of protein per bar
- Easy to portion for busy mornings or post-workout snacks
- Made with simple, customizable ingredients
- Refrigerator- and freezer-friendly
Ingredients
Makes 10 protein bars
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1 cup vanilla or cookies-and-cream protein powder
- 1/2 cup natural almond butter or cashew butter
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3–6 tablespoons milk, as needed for texture
- 8 chocolate sandwich cookies, roughly crushed
- Optional topping: 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt mixed with 2 tablespoons protein powder and additional cookie crumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on two sides to lift out the chilled bars.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
Add the oat flour, protein powder and salt to a large mixing bowl. Stir until evenly combined and break apart any clumps.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the nut butter, Greek yogurt, honey and vanilla. Mix until a thick dough forms. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the mixture is soft enough to press but not sticky or runny.
4. Fold in the Cookie Pieces
Reserve a small amount of crushed cookie for the top, then gently fold the remaining pieces into the dough until evenly distributed.
5. Press and Chill
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it firmly into an even layer using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup. Add the optional protein-yogurt topping and reserved crumbs, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
6. Slice into Bars
Lift the chilled mixture from the pan and cut it into 10 equal bars. For cleaner slices, wipe the knife between cuts.
Estimated Nutrition
Per bar, based on 10 bars: approximately 230–280 calories, 14–18 grams of protein, 25–32 grams of carbohydrates and 9–13 grams of fat.
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on the protein powder, nut butter, yogurt, sweetener, milk, cookies and optional topping used.
Meal-Prep and Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the bars individually and freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Separation: Place parchment paper between stacked bars to prevent sticking.
- Texture: Different protein powders absorb liquid differently, so adjust the milk gradually.
- Serving: Keep the bars chilled until shortly before eating for the firmest texture.
Easy Swaps and Variations
- Use chocolate protein powder for a double-chocolate version.
- Swap almond butter for cashew, peanut or sunflower-seed butter.
- Add mini dark chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor.
- Use reduced-sugar sandwich cookies if they better fit your nutrition goals.
- Roll the mixture into bite-size protein balls instead of pressing it into bars.
Food-Safety Note
This recipe is designed to be eaten without baking. Use commercially produced oat flour or heat-treated flour intended for no-bake recipes. Because the bars contain Greek yogurt, keep them refrigerated and do not leave them at room temperature for extended periods.
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