Protein Berry Bar

If you’re looking for healthy snacks that are nutritious, simple, and loved by babies, toddlers, and adults alike, this protein berry bar recipe would be a great choice. It’s made with just a handful of pantry staples like ripe bananas, juicy berries, oats, and smooth nut butter. No refined sugar, no dairy, no eggs; just whole ingredients that fuel the body.

These soft, naturally sweet bars are perfect for baby-led weaning or toddler snack time. They're also fantastic for lunchboxes or quick breakfasts on the go. And the best part? They’re freezer-friendly, so you can prep once and have a stash ready whenever hunger strikes.

Why You’d Love This Protein Berry Bar

• Perfect for babies, toddlers, and adults alike
• Naturally soft, easy to chew, and great for self-feeding
• Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
• Freezer-friendly and easy to prep ahead
• Customizable for food allergies or dietary preferences
• A sneaky way to add fruits to your child’s plate without the struggle
• Made with 5 wholesome ingredients—no refined sugar, dairy, or eggs
• Great for lunchboxes, quick breakfasts, or anytime

Prep time: 7 minutes

Cook time: 25–30 minutes

Yields: 3–4 portions

How to Make this Protein Berry Bar

Ingredients 

• 2 ripe bananas (peeled)
• ⅓ cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• ⅓ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp smooth nut butter 
• 1 cup rolled oats

Instructions 

1. Prep your Oven

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease or line a small baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Mash the Bananas

Mash the bananas directly in the dish using a fork or a masher until they become smooth.

3. Combine Ingredients

Add the berries, nut butter, and rolled oats to the mashed bananas. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined. Flatten the mixture into an even layer using the back of a spoon or spatula.

4. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and firm to the touch.

5. Cool and Serve

Cool for 10 minutes, then slice into bars or squares. Make sure it cools completely before serving or storing.

Tips for success

Use overripe bananas

Overripe bananas aren’t just easier to mash, they’re also naturally sweeter and more flavorful. Their soft texture binds the ingredients better, which is especially helpful when you’re not using eggs or added sugars. Look for bananas with brown spots or fully browned skins.

Swap nut butters in case of an allergy

If your child has a nut allergy or your child’s care setting (like nursery or daycare) has a no-nuts policy, you can easily swap almond or peanut butter for seed-based alternatives like sunflower seed butter or tahini. These still add creaminess, fat, and protein without triggering allergies.

Mix gently if using frozen berries

Frozen berries can bleed color into the mixture and create excess moisture. To prevent soggy bars or overly wet batter, add them frozen (not thawed) and stir gently. This keeps the color distribution nicer and the texture more consistent.

Press firmly for better bars

Pressing the mixture down evenly and firmly in the pan helps the bars bake into a solid, cohesive shape. If you skip this step or press too lightly, they may fall apart or become crumbly after baking. Use the back of a spoon, a spatula, or even slightly wet hands to compact the mixture.

Serving suggestions

Slice the cooled bars into small sticks or soft bite-sized cubes. These are great for self-feeding babies from 6 months who are ready for finger foods. Their soft texture makes them easy to hold and chew (or gum).

Serve the bars with a side of plain Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or soft cheese to create a more balanced mini-meal. These additions provide extra fats and proteins, which support healthy development.

These bars stay intact and travel well. They make a great lunchbox snack paired with fruits, veggie sticks, and a small sandwich. They're also tasty when cooled, which is ideal for preschool or school snacks.

Warm a bar slightly and drizzle with a little more seed or nut butter for a cozy, nutrient-dense breakfast. Serve with milk or a fortified plant-based alternative to round out the meal.

How to store

In the Fridge (short-term)

Let the bars cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Chilling helps firm up the bars even more and maintains their freshness and texture.

In the Freezer (long-term)

Wrap each bar individually in parchment or wax paper, then store in a reusable freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, or pop into a lunchbox straight from the freezer, and they’ll defrost by snack time.

Nutrition

 (Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 175 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2mg
• Potassium: 290mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Vitamin A: 25 IU
• Vitamin C: 4 mg
• Calcium: 20 mg
• Iron: 1 mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on pasta type, cheese, and bean variety used.