These No-Bake Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bars taste just like an oatmeal raisin cookie! Made from just 5 plant-based ingredients, these make the perfect snack for after school or after a workout. A delicious vegan treat.
Whole Foods, Plant-Based Protein Bars
Store-bought protein bars will often contain processed ingredients like isolated soy protein, refined grains, and lots of sugar. However, these homemade cinnamon raisin bars are made from just a few simple, whole foods, plant-based ingredients.
Whole grain oats provide the base for these bars. Dried raisins add sweetness while applesauce adds moisture. A dash of cinnamon adds a pop of flavor. These ingredients all naturally contain healthy fiber, protein, and other plant-based nutrients (like potassium and iron).
What Kind of Vegan Protein Powder is Healthy?
A good-quality protein powder can be a healthy supplement for vegan nutrition. Many people on a plant-based diet often worry about getting enough of a few key nutrients like iron, zinc, B-12, and protein. While you shouldn’t depend on powders alone, they can be a helpful way to add these nutrients to your plate.
However, you want to ensure you’re choosing a high-quality plant-based vegan protein powder. Avoid whey powders, as whey is a byproduct of the dairy industry. Also, check the ingredient label to avoid powders with added sugars. My go-to favorite brands of Vegan Protein powder are Kos, Orgain, and Veeg. The Orgain and Kos brands even have single-serving packets, perfect for a recipe like this.
Are Raisins Good For You?
Yes, raisins are an incredibly healthy ingredient to include in your whole foods, plant-based diet. Raisins, made from dehydrated grapes, are a healthy source of fiber. This helps with cardiovascular health, colon health, and helps build a healthy gut microbiome.
Plus, raisins have potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B-6. These all aid with joint health and reducing inflammation. In addition, raisins are one of the best sources of phenols, which helps to ward off cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
On top of all of this, raisins are a budget-friendly, easy snack to throw in kids’ lunchboxes or adults’ travel bags. They make a great go-to snack on airplanes and in cars. They also make a wonderful addition to Baked Pumpkin Seed Granola, Oatmeal Raisin Pancakes, and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Are These No-Bake Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bars Healthy?
Yes, these plant-based Cinnamon Raisin are very healthy! There is a ton of whole foods, plant-based nutrition in oats, dried fruit, and protein powder.
However, dried fruit and uncooked oats are calorie-dense foods. While they offer lots of nutrition, they are also higher in calories. In turn, it’s best to moderate how much of these foods you eat. In other words, 1 or 2 bars is fine. Enjoy them as a small snack. Or, if you want something more, have them with an apple, a banana, or a Get Your Greens Vegan Protein Breakfast Smoothie.
Chef Katie’s Plant-Based Baking Tips
Gluten-Free Celiac: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can be processed in a facility near wheat. If this is a concern, check for “Certified Gluten-Free” oats.
Weigh Your Ingredients: For precise measuring and consistent results, always weigh your ingredients. A small kitchen scale makes this easy to do. This will save you time and give you more delicious muffins and breads.
Applesauce Instead of Oil: This recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce. That is one of those small snack-sized cups. I keep a 6-pack of unsweetened applesauce snack packs in my pantry for using in baking recipes like this one. You can swap out oil for applesauce in almost any baking recipe.
Parchment Paper: Line your baking pans with parchment paper to avoid using baking spray. This is healthier. Plus, it won’t leave your food with a greasy coating.
No-Bake Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bars
- Servings: 16
- Ready In: 40 minutes
- Yield: about 16 bars
No-Bake Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup 240g raisins, divided
- 3 cups 240g old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup 113g unsweetened applesauce
- Dash salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 scoop 46g vegan Vanilla protein powder (like Veeg, Vega, or Orgain)
Instructions
- To make the Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bars: Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- In a food processor, combine 1 cup (180g) of the raisins, all of the oats, applesauce, salt, cinnamon, and protein powder. Puree for 15-20 seconds, until the oats and raisins are well-chopped.
- With the food processor running, drizzle in 2-4 tablespoons of water. You want just enough water that the mixture clumps into a ball. Avoid adding too much water or else the mixture will be too sticky.
- To check the mix, remove the lid of the food processor and grab a small ball of the bar mixture. It should clump easily but not stick to your hands. If it’s not clumping, drizzle in a bit more water. If it’s too sticky, add an extra scoop of oats.
- Once you have the right consistency on your bars, add in the last 1/2 cup (80g) of raisins. Pulse 5-7 times, just to combine the raisins into the mix.
- Transfer the bar mix to your pre-lined baking pan. Cover the top of the bars with a layer of parchment or plastic wrap. Press down the bars by inserting another 8×8 baking pan on top and adding a few heavy cans or boxes of almond milk.
- Place the bars in the freezer for 25 minutes, to set.
- Remove the bars from the freezer, peel off the parchment or plastic wrap, and cut into 16 squares.
- Refrigerate bars for up to 10 days, freeze for longer.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 recipe)
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings 16.0 | |
| Amount Per Serving | |
| calories 115 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 2 g | 2 % |
| Saturated Fat 0 g | 1 % |
| Monounsaturated Fat 0 g | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g | |
| Trans Fat 0 g | |
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0 % |
| Sodium 22 mg | 1 % |
| Potassium 119 mg | 3 % |
| Total Carbohydrate 24 g | 8 % |
| Dietary Fiber 2 g | 10 % |
| Sugars 11 g | |
| Protein 3 g | 5 % |
| Vitamin A | 0 % |
| Vitamin C | 1 % |
| Calcium | 1 % |
| Iron | 5 % |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. | |
Shopping and Gear List
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Quick Cooking Oats
- Veeg All in One Protein Smoothie Powder
- Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, Vanilla Bean
- Santa Cruz Organic Apple Sauce
- Sun-Maid Organic California Sun-Dried Raisins
- Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale and Baking Scale
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