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Brownie protein bars are vegan, gluten-free, no-bake, and a healthy post-workout dessert! These homemade protein bars are loaded with chocolate. The quick and easy recipe is made with almond butter, almond flour, chocolate protein powder, and maple syrup. Satisfy all of your chocolate cravings with this high protein, healthy dessert alternative!
Are you a chocolate lover but looking to eat a bit healthier? These brownie protein bars are perfect for you! They'll satisfy your sweet tooth while providing wholesome nutrition in every bite.
Due to the healthy ingredients (like almond flour, protein powder, and almond butter) each bar contains 16 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. They contain no dairy, no gluten, and no refined sugar. The recipe is quick, easy, and foolproof.
From start to finish, you can make this high protein snack in 30 minutes or less. Simply combine the ingredients in one bowl, press the dough into a pan, and slice. There's no food processor and no oven required.
You can enjoy these bars on any occasion. They are great for pre-workout fuel, a post-workout reward, or to curb chocolate cravings after dinner!
These brownie protein bars are:
- No-bake, vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free
- A high protein dessert option for weight loss
- Refined sugar-free & naturally sweetened
- Made with 8 ingredients
- Keto-friendly and paleo-friendly
- A healthy alternative for chocolate cravings
What are chocolate brownie protein bars made of?
- Almond flour: This flourless "flour" is made from ground almonds. It is rich in nutrients and naturally gluten-free.
- Chocolate protein powder: Protein powder is the key ingredient for making this high protein dessert. Be sure to use a chocolate flavor for the best results.
- Almond butter: Almond butter provides a creamy texture. Alternatively, you can use peanut butter or cashew butter.
- Cocoa powder: Cocoa powder, or cacao powder, provides a rich chocolate flavor.
- Maple syrup: Since these are refined sugar-free protein bars, we will sweeten them naturally with real maple syrup.
- Chocolate chips: In particular, I recommend using mini chocolate chips. If you have regular chocolate chips, roughly chop them so they are a bit smaller.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla is needed to achieve a real brownie-like flavor.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the rich flavor.
How to make brownie protein bars
For the full ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
First, line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some of the paper hanging over the edges. This will allow you to easily remove the bars from the pan later on.
Next, add almond butter, chocolate protein powder, almond flour, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt to a large bowl. Mix together until evenly combined. Add mini chocolate chips and mix together again.
Then, transfer brownie dough to the loaf pan. Using clean hands, firmly press the dough across the bottom of the pan in an even layer. If desired, press extra chocolate chips into the top of the dough.
Store inside the refrigerator for 30 minutes (or freezer for 5-10 minutes) to set the dough. After, gently lift parchment paper to remove the dough from the pan. Slice into 8 protein bars. Enjoy!
Recipe variations
This chocolate brownie protein bar recipe can be adjusted for specific dietary needs, like paleo, keto, sugar-free, and nut-free diets. Simply follow the ingredient swaps below.
- Paleo: choose a paleo-friendly protein powder
- Keto: use keto-friendly ingredient swaps, like stevia-sweetened maple syrup
- Sugar-free: use sugar-free chocolate chips and sugar-free maple syrup
- Nut-free: use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter & oat flour instead of almond flour (if the dough is dry, add extra maple syrup)
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are chocolate protein bars healthy?
Many people wonder, are protein bars good for you? The answer depends on the type of protein bar you're asking about. There are several brands that are healthy, while others are filled with junk food ingredients.
Are chocolate protein bars good for weight loss?
Oftentimes, yes! Protein bars can be included in a weight loss diet as long as other parameters for weight loss are being met.
How many calories are in a brownie protein bar?
Depending on the brand and ingredients, protein bars can be anywhere from 200 to 400 calories. These homemade protein bars are about 330 calories.
What are the highest quality protein bars?
The answer to this question varies depending on the qualities you prioritize. Some bars are low carb and low sugar, but contain preservatives and nasty ingredients. Others are lower in protein, but contain wholesome ingredients.
In my opinion, the cleanest protein bars are always going to be homemade. That's why I enjoy making them myself!
How to store homemade protein bars?
Store these chocolate chip brownie protein bars inside a sealed container. Place in the refrigerator and enjoy within 1 week.
Can I freeze protein bars?
Yes! Place a piece of parchment paper between the protein bars to prevent them from sticking together. Store for up to 3 months. Let thaw before enjoying.
More vegan protein bar recipes
- Cookie Dough Protein Bars (Vegan and Gluten-Free)
- No Bake Chocolate Protein Bars
- Birthday Cake Protein Bars
- No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
- No Bake Coconut Protein Bars
If you try these Brownie Protein Bars, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!
Print
Brownie Protein Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Homemade brownie protein bars are healthy, no-bake, vegan, and gluten-free! This high protein snack doubles as a delicious post workout dessert for weight loss. The easy recipe is made with chocolate protein powder, almond flour, almond butter, and maple syrup. Enjoy them on the go, as a pre-workout snack, or to kick chocolate cravings after dinner! #proteinbars #proteinbar #proteinrecipe #postworkout #proteinpowder #highprotein #veganprotein
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter (or peanut butter, cashew butter, etc.)
- ¾ cup chocolate protein powder
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoon almond flour
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some of the paper hanging over the edges. This will allow you to easily remove the bars from the pan later on.
- In a large bowl, add almond butter, chocolate protein powder, almond flour, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix together until evenly combined. You should be able to press the dough together with your hands. If it is too dry and crumbly, add extra maple syrup to bring in more moisture. After, add mini chocolate chips and mix together again.
- Next, transfer brownie dough to the loaf pan. Using clean hands, firmly press the dough across the bottom of the pan in an even layer. If desired, press extra chocolate chips into the top of the dough.
- Store inside the refrigerator for 30 minutes (or freezer for 5-10 minutes) to set the dough.
- Gently lift parchment paper to remove the dough from the pan. Slice into 8 protein bars. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store these protein bars in a sealed container inside the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longterm storage, store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 16g
Keywords: brownie protein bars, chocolate protein bars
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