Homemade Cookies and Cream Protein Bar Recipe
This Homemade Cookies and Cream Protein Bar Recipe is my take on the Cookies and Cream Hero Bar from Quest! It is one of my favorite protein bar flavors. These healthy protein bars with simple ingredients has 8 grams of protein per serving with 14 grams of sugar.
Lately, I have been supplementing my diet with protein powders and protein bars. I like to supplement my smoothies, shakes, baked goods, and even pasta! I follow a semi-pescatarian or Flexitarian diet. Moreover, while I am training for races and weight lifting at my gym, I need to ensure I am consuming adequate amounts of protein for recovery and wellness.
In this article, I will review the ingredients in this Homemade Cookies and Cream Protein Bar recipe, step-by-step instructions on how to make it. Additionally, it will offer insights into the benefits of supplementing protein powder in your diet, including explanations of what protein powder is, why one might supplement with protein, and how to incorporate it effectively.
Healthy Ingredients for This Cookies and Cream Protein Bar Recipe
Below are the ingredients for this Cookies and Cream Protein Bar recipe.
- Toasted rice cereal (Rice Krispies)
- Crumbled and Crushed Oreos
- Cookies and Cream Protein Powder – in a pinch you could use vanilla, chocolate, or both. I prefer whey protein powder however, vegan protein powder is an option as well. I enjoy Earth Fed Muscle protein Husky Dunkers Protein powder. This brand has the least amount of artificial ingredients that I have found and I love using it in some of my favorite recipes.
- Almond butter (cashew butter works well too)
- Maple syrup
For The White Chocolate Outer Coating
- White chocolate
- Coconut butter (or coconut oil)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep:
Below are the steps to make this no bake recipe made with oreo cookies. Prep your 9×9 or 8×8-inch pan by lining it with parchment or wax paper.
Dry Ingredients:
Mix Rice Krispy cereal and crushed Oreos in a bowl. Set aside.
Wet Ingredients:
Warm almond butter and maple syrup in the microwave or on the stove. Once warm (not hot) pour in protein powder and mix with a rubber spatula until combined. Pour into dry ingredients bowl.
Combine and Pour:
Stir and combine ingredients. For this step, I like to use my hand to help incorporate the ingredients.
Pour the crunch bar mix into a square or rectangular cake pan. Press the dough to the edges until the top is uniform and smooth.
Chocolate Layer:
Melt vegan white chocolate and coconut butter (or oil) in a double boiler or microwave.
Microwaving White Chocolate:
(For the microwave, place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 15 min increments. Remove from the microwave and stir the chocolate. Once the chocolate is almost completely melted, stop microwaving and continue to let the chocolate melt as you stir. This step should be done with a rubber spatula and stirred until velvety smooth.)
Pour the white chocolate over the top of the crunch mix. Smooth the white chocolate layer over top of the crunch bars.
Chill & Eat
Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 min preferably 2-3 hours, to set and chill. Remove from the refrigerator, and use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the cake pan. Cut your delicious bars into desired sizes and enjoy. I like to eat these no bake protein bars after a hike but the chewy texture would pair well with ice cream and mini Oreos, or perhaps a lower fat, extra protein variation, serve with chocolate protein powder mixed well into non-fat Greek yogurt.
Storage
These bars may be stored in an airtight container for 3 days at room temperature for 1 week in the fridge.
Variations of these Protein Bars
You can create different variations of this recipe with various ingredient swaps.
- Vegan vanilla protein bars: Omit the oreo cookies and including vegan vanilla protein powder and topping it with some delicious white chocolate.
- Chocolate peanut butter protein bars: Omit the oreo cookies and use natural peanut butter with chocolate protein powder.
Additionally, make a smaller batch by adjusting the ratio of ingredient and pressing it into a loaf pan.
The Why, What, How of Protein Powders
Why?
First, ask yourself why would you benefit from this supplement such as a Quest Cookies and Cream Crunch Bar.
Most Americans consume adequate amounts of protein, some say even a little too much. However, for many vegetarians and vegans, it can be difficult to meet adequate protein needs (especially if you are a super active person).
Below are a few of the many reasons you could benefit from a protein supplement:
- Illness and/or injury. Protein needs to increase (or decrease) depending on an individual’s health status.
- Increased activity. For example, endurance training and strength training.
- Vegan, Vegetarian, or Flexitarian Lifestyle. Even a balanced diet may need supplementation.
- Adherence to a restrictive diet for health reasons
What?
Now, for whatever reason, you feel you could benefit from a protein supplement. Then, you may ask yourself, where do I start? I recommend a grass-fed whey or plant-based protein powder. These generally are better for the environment. Additionally, try to purchase a third-party tested protein supplement.
Some examples include:
- Thorne
- Earth Fed Muscle
- Legion
- Vital Proteins
Looking for a deep dive into the best protein powders according to a registered dietitian? Check out the articles below!
- The Best Whey Protein Powder – The Real Food Dietitians
- 18 Best Protein Powders by Type, According to a Dietitian – Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, Ph.D., RD, PMP, MBA, CSCS — By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD
How?
Below are some ways you might choose to incorporate a protein supplement into your diet.
Mix protein powders into:
- Shakes & Smoothies
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Baked goods
- Homemade pasta
- Soup
- Salad Dressing/Sauces
- Oatmeal
Note, that when using a whey-based protein powder, it will not mix well with hot liquids and food. I prefer to use a collagen powder for this or a plant-based protein powder.
More High-Protein Recipes
Below are some more delicious high protein recipes.
Cookies and Cream Crunch Bar
Ingredients
- 3 cups rice krispy cereal or other TOASTED rice cereal
- 6 crushed oreos
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 96 g vegan cookies and cream protein powder 5 scoops
- 1/4 cup vegan white chocolate chips or use regular white chocolate chips if not keeping vegan
- 1 tbsp coconut butter or coconut oil
Instructions
- Prep your 9x9 inch cake pan by lining it with parchment paper.
Dry Ingredients:
- Mix Rice Krispy cereal and crushed Oreos in a bowl. Set aside.
Wet Ingredients:
- Warm almond butter and maple syrup in the microwave or on the stove. Once warm (not hot) pour in protein powder and mix with a rubber spatula until combined. Pour into dry ingredients bowl.
- Stir until combined. For this step, I like to use my hand to help incorporate the ingredients.
- Pour the crunch bar mix into a square or rectangular cake pan. Press the dough to the edges until the top is uniform and smooth.
White Chocolate Layer
- Melt vegan white chocolate and coconut butter (or oil) in a double boiler or microwave.
Microwaving White Chocolate:
- For the microwave, place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 15 min increments.
- Remove from the microwave and stir the chocolate. Once the chocolate is almost completely melted, stop microwaving and continue to let the chocolate melt as you stir. This step should be done with a rubber spatula and stirred until velvety smooth.
- Pour the white chocolate over the top of the crunch mix. Smooth the white chocolate layer over top of the crunch bars.
Chill & Eat:
- Place in the refrigerator for 45 to 60min to chill. Remove from the refrigerator, and use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the cake pan. Cut into desired sizes and enjoy.
Storage:
- These bars may be stored for 3 days at room temperature for 1 week in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!
0 Comments