These No Bake Oreo Protein Bars are a fun and tasty treat! Made with crushed Oreos and protein powder, they pack a chocolatey punch without the need for an oven.
You’ll love how quick and easy they are! I enjoy whipping up a batch to keep on hand for a sweet snack—perfect for those cravings that strike when you’re busy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo Cookies: These are the star of the show! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free sandwich cookies instead. They’ll have a similar chocolatey taste.
Protein Powder: Vanilla or cookies & cream protein powder works best here, but you can swap it for chocolate protein powder if you prefer a richer flavor. It’s a great way to boost the protein content!
Cream Cheese: Low-fat cream cheese keeps these bars creamy and rich. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but it may change the texture slightly.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is my choice, but feel free to use any milk you like. Cow’s milk or oat milk works perfectly too!
Chocolate Drizzle: Dark chocolate chips add a nice touch. You can substitute with white or milk chocolate if that’s more to your taste. A sugar-free chocolate option is also available for those watching their sugar intake.
How Do You Make the Perfect Base Layer?
The base layer is essential for your No Bake Oreo Protein Bars. Crushed Oreos form a tasty crust that holds everything together. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use a food processor for fine crumbs or a zippered bag for manual crushing.
- Press the crumbs firmly into the pan to avoid a crumbly base. A measuring cup works great for evenly compacting!
- Using parchment paper makes for easy removal and cutting the bars later.
Taking these small steps ensures a sturdy base for your delicious treats!
No Bake Oreo Protein Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Essential Ingredients:
- 20 Oreo cookies (divided)
- 1 cup vanilla or cookies & cream protein powder
- 1 cup low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or melted chocolate (for drizzling)
- Optional: pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time to mix everything together, plus 2-3 hours for chilling in the refrigerator. Just a little patience while they set, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious protein bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oreo Base:
Start by taking about 15 Oreos and crushing them finely. You can use a food processor for a quick job or place them in a ziplock bag and smash them with a rolling pin. Once they’re all crumbly, press these crumbs firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan to create an even base layer. Make sure it’s compact so it holds up when you slice the bars later. Set aside!
2. Make the Protein Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, protein powder, powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract. With a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy. You want it to be creamy but not runny!
3. Add Chunky Oreos:
Now, take the remaining 5 Oreos, chop them roughly, and gently fold them into the protein mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to have nice chunks of Oreos throughout for extra crunch and flavor.
4. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the delicious protein filling evenly over the Oreo crust layer in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top so it looks nice and neat. It’s going to be scrumptious!
5. Chill:
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let the bars chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until they’re firm enough to cut. This part takes a little waiting, but it’s totally worth it!
6. Add Chocolate Drizzle:
Once the bars are set, melt the dark chocolate chips using a microwave (15-20 seconds at a time) or a double boiler. Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over the chilled bars for a delicious finish.
7. Serve and Store:
Now comes the fun part! Slice the bars into squares or rectangles to serve. Enjoy them right away or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Perfect for a quick snack or a high-protein treat!
Enjoy your creamy, chocolatey No Bake Oreo Protein Bars packed with flavor and protein! These are a fun twist on traditional bars and will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you fueled.
Can I Use Regular Cream Cheese Instead of Low-Fat?
Absolutely! Regular cream cheese will make the bars richer and creamier. Just keep in mind that they’ll be a little higher in calories and fat.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make these bars vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative, use non-dairy milk, and opt for vegan Oreo cookies. This way, you can still enjoy the yummy chocolatey flavor without any animal products!
Can I Freeze These Protein Bars?
Yes! You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
What’s the Best Way to Cut the Bars?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before cutting the bars. Wipe the knife clean after each cut to prevent sticking and ensure neat squares!
