Almond Chocolate Protein Bars
Try these wholesome, plant-based Almond Chocolate Protein Bars
that are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, protein and whole grains.
They are chewy, lightly sweet, and kid and mom-approved!
I’m writing this two weeks postpartum with my fourth baby. I’m in need of quick energy and more calories than normal (breastfeeding burns around 500 extra calories a day!). I made these before having my baby and kept them in the freezer for this time, and they disappeared fast. Thankfully, they are easy to whip up again. The problem is, the snacks I keep making for myself keep getting eaten up by my family in mere hours. It makes me happy to see them enjoying a treat though, so it’s ok.
How to Make Almond Chocolate Protein Bars
These no-bake bars just take a few minutes.
First, heat up almond butter and maple syrup in a small pot on the stove until melty and smooth.
Then, stir it into a mixture of oats, a little salt, protein powder, shredded coconut (can be omitted for lower fat), and super-beneficial chia seeds. I stir the chocolate chips in here, too, so they melt into the mixture.
Press it into a pan and pop it into the freezer for a few minutes to firm up. Voila! You’re done!
What are Some Advantages of Making Homemade Protein Bars?
Some protein bars from the store have an ingredient list a foot long! Just because a bar has a lot of protein in it doesn’t automatically make it a health food. These bars, however, have a short ingredient list and no chemicals from ultra processing. They are fresh and no preservatives. Overall, homemade is almost always healthier than factory-made and store-bought!
What Type of Protein Powder Should I Use?
I am protein powder’s most pathetic fan. Haha. I prefer to get my protein from whole foods (like whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, even broccoli!). Most of us have some protein powder sitting on a shelf in our kitchens though, and I find that this is a great way to use it and boost protein intake.
I’ve used both vanilla protein powder in these and plain/unsweetened. The vanilla I used was Just Ingredients Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder (use code FAITHR for free shipping!). The plain I’ve used is Naked’s plain pea protein powder. Both were good! The vanilla version was sweeter, but also had a slight stevia after taste.
Basically, any protein powder will work, they will just affect the flavor differently.
More Healthy Protein Treat Recipes
Chocolate Protein Smoothie (without protein powder!)
Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Pudding
Almond Chocolate Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond butter (can sub peanut butter or other)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 TBSP chia seeds
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup plant-based protein powder (vanilla, chocolate, or unflavored/unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup dark vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a loaf pan (approximately 9x5 inches) with parchment paper. For a double recipe, use an 8x8 in square pan or 9x13 for thinner bars.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, salt, protein powder, shredded coconut if using, and chocolate chips. If you don't want the chocolate chips to melt into the bar, add them later when it's cooled, but I like them melted in.
- In a small saucepan, stir together the almond butter and maple syrup. Heat gently and stir until well combined. Remove from heat and add the vanilla or almond extract.
- Pour the heated mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spoon and/or your hands to thoroughly mix it all together. The chocolate chips will melt and make it into a chocolate bar. Press the mixture into the pan tightly. Set in the freezer until hardened. Cut into bars. Keep in the fridge, or preserve them in the freezer for a longer time.
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Hi Faith,
I absolutely loved reading this post especially coming from someone who’s two weeks postpartum and still finding time to share wholesome recipes like these. Huge respect! Your Almond Chocolate Protein Bars sound like the perfect mix of nourishing and family-friendly. I appreciated your honesty about protein powders too it’s refreshing to hear from someone who values whole food sources but also makes practical use of pantry staples. The chia seeds and almond butter combo is such a smart way to pack in nutrition. Definitely trying this recipe soon and probably doubling the batch to keep up with my own snack-hungry crew.
I always thought I could get all my protein from whole foods, but when all my fingernails broke off in the same week, I knew I wasn’t getting enough. My husband started buying protein bars from Costco, but I was suspicious of the ingredient list. When this recipe was published, I decided to give it a try. They turned out delicious, but a little crumbly, so next time I think I’ll add a few less rolled oats. I didn’t have chocolate chips, so I added 3 tbsp cocoa to the almond butter mix in the saucepan. I had never used protein powder, so I bought some. I bought the Complement brand unsweetened/plain because the Vanilla and Chocolate versions had ingredient lists that I didn’t understand.