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Soft and chewy Chai Spice Protein Bars that are sure to keep you full! They're an easy grab-and-go breakfast or post-workout option, and they're ready in under 30 minutes.Â
I don't know about you, but I'm always searching for tasty and filling things to eat after a cardio-heavy workout.
I love my chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie and my protein overnight oats, but these protein bars are a tasty option, too.
The best part is that they're easy to make ahead of time, so you can store them in the refrigerator and have them ready to go when you need a quick snack!
Ingredient notes:
Oat flour - I've tested these with whole wheat flour and with gluten free 1:1 baking flour too, so you can use those if you don't have or don't want to make your own oat flour.
Coconut sugar - Can sub cane sugar or even monk fruit
Protein powder - Any kind! I'd opt for something plain or vanilla-flavored rather than chocolate though, since they are chai spice bars.
Flax eggs - Can use 2 regular eggs if you prefer.
Method
First: Stir dry ingredients. First, whisk the flour, sugar, protein powder, baking soda, and spices together in a large bowl.
Second: Whisk wet ingredients. Next, whisk the flax eggs, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla together in a separate bowl.
Third: Combine and bake. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then use a rubber spatula to fold everything together. Scoop the mixture into a lined or greased 8x8 baking dish, using the spatula to smooth it out.
Bake the bars for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges have set. Wait for the bars to cool before cutting them.
Tips and tricks
- Prepare the flax eggs first, then wait 5 minutes before adding them in with the other ingredients.
- Make sure the coconut oil is at room temperature before adding it in with the other wet ingredients.
- Feel free to use your favorite brand of protein powder, preferably plain or vanilla flavored (if you want to keep these vegan, use a vegan-friendly powder)
- Adding the glaze on top, along with a sprinkle of cinnamon, makes these bars even more delicious.
How should these be stored?
Store bars in a sealed container for up to 5 days. They can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
More protein-heavy recipes
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Chai Spice Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups oat flour
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 2 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon all spice
- â…› teaspoon ground cloves
- â…› teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoon flaxseed meal+5 tablespoon water)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
for the glaze (optional):
- 2 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond milk or milk of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350°.
- Combine flour, protein powder, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, all spice, and nutmeg in a large bowl and set aside.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together flax eggs, syrup, oil, and vanilla together.
- Fold wet and dry ingredients together with a spatula, then transfer them to a parchment-lined 8x8 baking dish.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until edges are set. Remove from the oven, then wait until the bars cool before cutting them.
- Optional: drizzle glaze overtop.
Notes
Nutrition
UPDATE NOTE: This post was originally published in January 2016. It was updated with new text and photos in February 2021.
Hannah says
Since I don't have protein powder, can I make these without protein powder entirely or is there something I can replace it with?
Erin says
You can just omit the protein powder and they should turn out fine!
TJ says
Can you post the nutritional break down? Curious how much protein is in these.
Deryn @ Running on Real Food says
Love the chai flavour in these! I wish I was a sit down breakfast eater but since I head to the gym before 6 am, I'm a eat breakfast at my desk person. Except weekends then it's pancakes at home! These look great, thanks!
Bobbie Dumond says
Can I make these bars to follow the Paleo diet?
Melissa @ Now You're Cookin' says
I'm so excited I found this recipe! I've had the vanilla plantfusion protein for about a year now and it doesn't really work too well in my protein pancakes. It works great in smoothies, but I very rarely make smoothies, so the tub has just been sitting around gathering dust. I'll give this recipe a try!
Marisa | Uproot Kitchen says
Somehow I missed these! They look AMAZEBALLS !
Hilary says
That cashew icing, oh my gosh sounds amazing! I need to get some cashews asap! I love using my protein powder to bake/make tasty treats with too! One of my favorites is protein waffles right now!
Hollie says
These look good, thank you for sharing. I've been loving chai lately myself!
Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says
I have chai Vega that I have been wanting to use in something... this looks perfect for it!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
I thought these were blondies at first look! They look amazing and that cashew drizzle is a must, IMO. I would be more than happy to stuff my face with one of these after a workout! Now I just need to get to the working out part, lol. 😉
Beverley @ sweaty&fit says
i've been meaning to bake something that has chai in it for a while now! couldn't decide if i wanted cookies or muffins tho. Instead i'm going to make these breakfast bars!!
She Rocks Fitness says
Lately breakfast has been consumed in front of the computer screen...On the weekend I try to slow down and enjoy it! I haven't had protein powder in a while, but have gotten the craving for green smoothies again and they taste so good.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
The ONLY protein I use! Cookies n cream and vanilla chai ....the best!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
LOVE Plant Fusion. They definitely have some of the best tasting powders out there, and I love that they're plant-based and don't mess with my stomach. Best in smoothies and bars. And oats. And "frostings"
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
Love anything with protein powder as my post workout snack. We normally have at least one batch of protein brownies or cookies but I never make bars!! That's gotta change. And that cashew drizzle - I can't wait to try that!!
Erin says
The cashew drizzle is where it's at. Let me know if you try them!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
OOh look at that texture! I adpre cardamom and love your use of it in these protein packed bars! And love that you snuck in a tad bit of protein into them too!
Erin says
Cardamom is my new favorite--glad to hear you love it too!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
I love chai! I'm all about these ? Definitely as a snack though. I'm a sit doe breakfast eater. And it is always eggs of some sort!
Erin says
Me too! I typically eat eggs for breakfast and pack a bar to snack on while driving 😀
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen says
These sound INCREDIBLE. You know I am all about the protein baked goods! I'm always looking for good plant protein to try, this one might be next!
Erin says
Yes it's so good!
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food says
Oh yum! These look awesome. I usually try to sit down and eat breakfast, but there are definitely days when my workout runs over and I'm rushing out the door.
rachel @ athletic avocado says
I also hate that feeling when I leave my house and I know that I didn't eat enough and I can't eat until a few hours later, that's the worst! I like that these breakfast bars have some quality protein to prevent any hunger!
Erin says
Yes! It's seriously the worst feeling.