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    Home » All Recipes » No Bake Chocolate Protein Bars

    No Bake Chocolate Protein Bars

    Published: Jul 6, 2021 · Modified: Sep 6, 2021 by Kaylie Grace · 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read the affiliate disclosure here. 

    No bake chocolate protein bars are a quick, easy, and healthy snack! They are vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free, and easily customizable for keto and paleo diets. These homemade protein bars taste like a delicious dessert, but they are secretly good for you. Combine your favorite chocolate protein powder with peanut butter, cocoa, almond flour, and maple syrup to make this nutritious post workout treat. Made in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients!

    a stack of homemade vegan chocolate protein bars

    Homemade vegan protein bars

    If you have ever browsed the protein bar section of a grocery chain, you’ll know what I mean when I say there’s an endless supply of options to choose from. However, those options are not always the best. After scanning the ingredients label on nearly every bar, you’ve probably (a) walked away in disappointment or (b) knowingly settled for a mediocre bar.

    You may have wondered, “Why are they all filled with weird ingredients? Why is sugar the first ingredient in so many of these bars? Wait, why is refined sugar even IN these supposed health bars?” If you’ve been searching for a protein bar that’s made with minimal ingredients, truly healthy, and tastes DELICIOUS, I have just the recipe for you!

    These homemade chocolate protein bars are made with no refined sugar, no dairy, and no additives. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a high protein snack that tastes like dessert. Nobody will guess that they are actually good for you!

    These chocolate protein bars are:

    • Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and grain-free
    • Soft, chewy, peanut buttery, and rich with chocolate flavor
    • Keto and paleo-friendly
    • A low carb & high protein snack
    • Super quick & easy // ready in 10 minutes
    • Refined sugar-free & sweetened with real maple syrup
    • A nutritious way to satisfy your chocolate cravings!
    no bake chocolate protein bars on white parchment paper with one of them on its side

    What are chocolate protein bars made of?

    • Chocolate protein powder: The key ingredient! This is the main source of protein and it provides chocolate flavor. You can use any type – like pea, brown rice, hemp, and more. If you aren’t vegan, the recipe will still work with non-vegan powders like whey protein.
    • Peanut butter: I absolutely love the flavor of peanut butter, but you can replace it with another variety like almond butter, cashew butter, or even hazelnut butter. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead.
    • Maple syrup: These are made with no refined sugar, so they are sweetened with maple syrup instead. You can substitute it with another liquid sweetener and achieve pretty similar results, like agave nectar or coconut nectar. Honey will work, but it is thicker and stickier so just keep that in mind. You may want to adjust the other ingredients if you use honey.
    • Almond flour: Ground almonds, also known as almond flour, helps bind the dough together. It is grain-free and gluten-free, so don’t be tricked by the word “flour” in its name.
    • Cocoa powder: For rich chocolate flavor, add cocoa or cacao powder to the dough.
    • Chocolate chips: Top them with your favorite chocolate chips.
    • Coconut oil: This is an optional ingredient used in the chocolate topping, but I really recommend adding it. Coconut oil helps to create a runnier consistency so the melted chocolate spreads more easily. Additionally, it softens the chocolate layer so it won’t break apart when you slice the bars.
    • Vanilla extract: For added sweetness and warmth. I’m a firm believer that no treat is complete without a dash of vanilla extract.
    • Salt: A pinch of salt complements the rich chocolate. Don’t skip it!
    bowls of chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, almond flour, peanut butter, chocolate chips, maple syrup, and vanilla extract

    How to make 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, combine the peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, maple syrup, almond flour, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl. Mix the ingredients together to form a chocolate dough.

    chocolate protein powder, peanut butter, almond flour, cocoa powder, and maple syrup in a glass bowl
    mixing chocolate dough for vegan protein bars in a glass bowl

    Next, line a square baking dish with parchment paper. This helps prevent the dough from sticking to the pan.

    Then, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir in between, then microwave for another 30 seconds. Pour the melted chocolate over the dough and evenly spread it.

    chocolate protein bar dough pressed across the bottom of a square baking dish
    pouring melted chocolate over homemade protein bars in a square baking dish

    Chill them in the freezer for 5 minutes or until the chocolate sets. After, slice into bars and enjoy!

    no bake chocolate protein bars on white parchment paper with flaky sea salt on top

    Recipe variations

    This recipe is so versatile. You can customize it and make adjustments meet your specific dietary needs.

    • Keto: use sugar-free maple syrup and stevia-sweetened chocolate chips
    • Paleo: be sure to use almond butter instead of peanut butter, and paleo versions of the other ingredients
    • Sugar-free: simply use maple syrup, protein powder, and chocolate chips that contain no added sugar
    • Peanut-free: use another nut butter, like almond butter or cashew butter
    • Nut-free: skip the nut butter and use sunflower seed butter or a sweetened tahini instead

    Tips for perfecting this recipe

    Add flaky salt on top. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the bars to decorate. It also adds a delicious sweet and salty flavor!

    How to make clean-cut slices: Place the knife under hot running water for 15 seconds. Dry the knife with a clean paper towel, then slice the bars. Be sure to wipe the knife clean between each cut.

    Use your favorite protein powder. The powder is one of the main ingredients in this recipe. Therefore, make sure you use a brand that you truly love! You can get creative and use a uniquely-flavored protein, like mint chocolate, caramel, coffee, etc.

    Do not pack the protein powder. Instead, gently spoon the protein powder into a measuring cup. If you pack the protein powder into the measuring cup, you will use too much and the protein bars will be very dry.

    Storage: Store these vegan protein bars in a sealed container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 1 week. The bars are also freezer-friendly; they’ll keep for up to 3 months inside the freezer. I recommend placing a square of parchment paper between each one to keep them from sticking together.

    three no bake chocolate protein bars stacked on top of each other

    More vegan protein bar recipes

    • Cookie Dough Protein Bars
    • Brownie Protein Bars
    • Birthday Cake Protein Bars
    • Protein Truffles
    • No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
    • Peanut Butter Protein Balls

    If you try these No Bake Chocolate 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
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    a stack of homemade vegan chocolate protein bars

    No Bake Chocolate Protein Bars

    ★★★★★ 5 from 3 reviews
    • Author: Kaylie Grace
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: 12 bars 1x
    • Category: Snack, Dessert
    • Method: Mix, no-bake
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    No bake chocolate protein bars are a quick, easy, and healthy snack! These homemade protein bars are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, low carb, and customizable for keto and paleo diets. They’re made in 10 minutes with peanut butter, almond flour, cocoa, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. That’s right – no refined sugar! Enjoy them as a post workout dessert. #protein #proteinbar #chocolatepeanutbutter #peanutbutterbars #nobakedesserts #vegansnack


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 1 cup peanut butter
    • ¾ cup chocolate protein powder
    • ¼ cup maple syrup
    • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
    • 2 tbsp almond flour
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • ½ cup chocolate chips (or more)
    • 2 tsp coconut oil (optional, see notes)

    Instructions

    1. Combine peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, maple syrup, almond flour, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl. Mix together to form a ball of dough.
    2. Line a square baking dish with parchment paper. Press the dough across the bottom of the dish.
    3. Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir together, then microwave for another 30 seconds. Pour melted chocolate over the dough and spread in an even layer.
    4. Chill in the freezer for 5 minutes or until the chocolate sets. Slice into 8-12 bars, depending on your preferred size. Add flaky sea salt on top (optional) and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Coconut oil is an optional ingredient, but it provides two benefits. First, it helps to create a runnier consistency so the melted chocolate spreads easily. Second, it softens the chocolate layer so it won’t break apart when you slice the bars. I highly recommend keeping it in the recipe.
    • Store the bars in a sealed container inside the refrigerator. They will keep for 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
    • Nutrition information below uses stevia-sweetened chocolate chips.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 bar
    • Calories: 230
    • Sugar: 6g
    • Fat: 13g
    • Carbohydrates: 15g
    • Fiber: 4g
    • Protein: 15g

    Keywords: homemade protein bars, no bake chocolate protein bars

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @purelykaylie on Instagram and hashtag it #purelykaylie

    This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, and love!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Amanda

      March 14, 2023 at 1:12 pm

      I am allergic to maple; is there an alternative I could use? Would love to try these! As a newbie vegan, I have found your site to be extremely helpful and informative. I’ve found several recipes I’m going to try. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        March 14, 2023 at 1:32 pm

        Hi Amanda! Yes, if you are OK with eating honey, I would use that instead of maple syrup. Alternatively, you can try coconut nectar but the consistency is a little bit different from maple syrup (so you may have to play around/adjust the amounts slightly for the other ingredients). I’m so glad you have found my site helpful on your journey! Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Susan

      September 08, 2022 at 11:40 pm

      Is there a substitute for almond flour?

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        September 09, 2022 at 9:29 am

        Hi Susan! I recommend following the recipe exactly as it is written. You can use oat flour instead, but the bars will be a bit more dry. You will likely have to add a little extra maple syrup or nut butter if you use oat flour.

        Reply
    3. Katja

      July 28, 2022 at 4:41 am

      Made this, love it! Recommended!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        July 28, 2022 at 6:15 am

        Thanks so much, Katja! Happy to hear you love & recommend these homemade chocolate protein bars 🙂

        Reply
    4. Carey

      February 11, 2022 at 7:09 am

      Sooooo good! Tastes like a Reese’s!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        February 11, 2022 at 10:46 am

        Thank you, Carey! I’m so glad you enjoyed these homemade protein bars 🙂

        Reply
    5. Candace D.

      October 10, 2021 at 6:45 pm

      These bars are so delicious and easy to make. My high school son, who is very into nutrition and working out, begs me to make these each week. 5 stars!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        October 11, 2021 at 12:43 pm

        So happy to hear that, Candace! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

        Reply

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    Hello, I’m Kaylie!

    Welcome to the Purely Kaylie kitchen! I share plant-based recipes with simple, healthy ingredients. Whether you’re vegan or not, take a look around. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy! About Kaylie →

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