These No Bake Oreo Protein Bars are a yummy and easy treat! With crushed Oreos, creamy peanut butter, and protein powder, they’re the perfect snack to keep you going.
Who knew getting a protein boost could taste so good? I love making a batch and keeping them in the fridge for a quick bite when I’m craving something sweet. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo Cookies: Traditional Oreos are what make these bars so tasty. If you’re looking for something different, you could try using gluten-free Oreos or a different sandwich cookie for variety.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a great creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, try a cream cheese alternative made from plant-based ingredients!
Greek Yogurt: I love Greek yogurt for its thickness and tanginess. You can sub with sour cream if you want a richer flavor, or even use a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version.
Vanilla Protein Powder: Choose your favorite protein powder; vanilla flavor works best here. If you don’t have protein powder, you could try using a bit of protein-rich nut butter instead—just note it might change the texture.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crust Without Baking?
Creating the crust is simple, but it needs to be sturdy. First, make sure to crush the Oreo cookies finely; this helps them stick together. Next, mix in melted butter until everything looks like wet sand.
- Use a non-stick pan or line it with parchment paper to make removal easier later.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan. This helps it hold together when you cut the bars.
Don’t rush this step; letting it chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling will help the crust set nicely.
No Bake Oreo Protein Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base Crust:
- 20 Oreo cookies (about 2 cups crushed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 1 1/4 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk or as needed (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup mini Oreos or crushed Oreos for folding (optional)
For the Topping:
- Dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
- Whole Oreos for decoration (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 4 hours of chilling in the refrigerator. You’ll spend a few moments mixing the layers and pressing the crust, making it a simple treat to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base Crust:
First, crush 20 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. You can do this using a food processor, or if you don’t have one, place the cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until fine. Then, combine these crumbs with the melted butter, mixing until the mixture looks like wet sand.
Next, press this Oreo mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a lined 8×8 inch (20x20cm) square dish or pan. Make sure it’s nicely packed! Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat this mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.
Now, add the vanilla protein powder and mix well until everything is fully incorporated. If the filling is too thick to spread, you can add the milk a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency. If you want a little extra texture, fold in some mini Oreos or crushed Oreos at this stage!
3. Assemble and Chill:
Spread the creamy protein filling evenly over the chilled Oreo crust in your pan. Smooth it out to ensure even thickness. Now it’s time to refrigerate! Allow the bars to chill for at least 4 hours, or until they are firm and set properly.
4. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once the bars are set, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the bars for a beautiful finish. If you like, you can also place a whole Oreo cookie on each bar for decoration!
Finally, cut into squares and enjoy your rich, creamy, protein-packed Oreo bars. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, if there are any!
Can I Use Different Types of Protein Powder?
Absolutely! You can use either whey or plant-based protein powder, depending on your preference. Just be mindful that different powders may lead to slight variations in taste and texture.
How Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, use vegan cream cheese, dairy-free yogurt, and a plant-based protein powder. Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and ensure your Oreos are vegan-friendly, as some brands contain dairy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them individually before freezing to maintain freshness!
Can I Add Different Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other ingredients like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to customize the flavor and texture of your protein bars. Just ensure not to overload the filling so that they hold together well.