Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (2024)

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4.73 from 11 votes

These no-bake chocolate protein bars are super soft, gooey, fudgy, and delicious. This vegan recipe contains only 6 ingredients and is very easy to make! Watch the video below to see the easy instruction steps!

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (1)

Super Soft Chocolate Protein Bars

Say hello to these soft, gooey and fudgy chocolate protein bars which are currently my new favorite dessert! I love all kind of bars such as brownies, peanut butter bars or blondies. I thought a combo of a blondie bar and chocolate might be extraordinarily delicious. And honestly, these bars really didn’t disappoint!

They look similar to homemade Butterfingers, however, they aren’t crunchy. I am pretty sure it would be easy to change the recipe a bit and turn these cashew butter bars into homemade vegan Butterfingers. These protein bars are my new favorite because they are:

  1. Healthier than most chocolate candy bars.
  2. Quick and easy to make without an oven!
  3. Vegan and protein-rich.

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (2)

Just 6 Simple Ingredients

I am not kidding! This recipe is really simple and contains only the following 6 ingredients:

  • Vegan protein powder
  • Nut-butter or seed butter of choice
  • Liquid sweetener of choice
  • Banana
  • Dairy-free chocolate chips
  • Coconut oil

I used a vanilla flavored protein powder which is already sweetened. Therefore, I only added 3 tbsp (60 grams) of sweetener. If your protein powder isn’t sweetened, I would suggest adding about 70 grams of sweetener.

Nut butter: I used cashew butter, however, you can also use almond butter, peanut butter, coconut butter, sunflower seed butter, and even tahini if you don’t mind the slightly bitter taste of tahini.

Liquid sweetener: I used maple sure, but you can certainly also use agave syrup, rice malt syrup, Yukon syrup or any other liquid sweetener.

I also added half of a small banana which acts as a binder and holds the mixture together. Applesauce might work as well (I didn’t try it though) or maybe two flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax seeds mixed with 5 tbsp hot water).

You can use dairy-free chocolate chips or any dark chocolate of choice.

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How To Make Chocolate Protein Bars?

I recommend using a food processor because it’s easier than using a blender. The procedure is really simple and straight forward:

  • First, process the ingredients for the protein layer in your food processor.
  • Melt the dairy-free chocolate with the coconut oil in a water bath or in a microwave.
  • Pour the chocolate onto the protein layer and put the pan in the freezer to set.
  • Remove the pan from the freezer and cut the deliciousness into bars.
  • Check my step-by-step VIDEO right under the recipe instructions!

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How To Store?

You should store the protein chocolate bars in the refrigerator (for up to 5-6 days) or for up to 3 months in the freezer. I always make sure to have a batch in my freezer, because you never know when the sweet cravings kick in, right?! 😀

When you freeze the bars, make sure to let them thaw for about 20 minutes before serving.

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (5)

These Chocolate Protein Bars are:

  • Vegan (dairy-free)
  • Can be made gluten-free (check your protein powder)
  • No-bake, which means no oven required
  • Healthier than most protein bars
  • Quick and easy to make with only 6 ingredients
  • A delicious dessert

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Should you try out this delicious chocolate protein bars recipe please leave a comment and rating below. Also, don’t forget to tag me in your Instagram or Facebook post with @elavegan and #elavegan because I would love to see how it turned out!

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (7)

Make sure to also check out the following vegan chocolate bars:

  • Homemade Snickers
  • Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
  • Cookie Dough Bars
  • Homemade Bounty Bars
  • Chocolate Chip Blondies
  • Oat Breakfast Bars

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (9)

No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars

Author: Michaela Vais

These no-bake chocolate protein bars are super soft, gooey, fudgy, and delicious. This vegan recipe contains only 6 ingredients and is very easy to make!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 197 kcal

Ingredients

Protein Layer

Chocolate Layer

Instructions

  • Watch the video (scroll down a bit) for easy visual instructions. I recommend using a kitchen scale for this recipe.

  • Line a pan with parchment paper with an overhang on all sides (for easy removal). My pan measures 6x6 inches resp. 15x15 cm (inside measurements). If your pan is much bigger, you should better double the recipe, otherwise, the bars will turn out too thin.

  • Process all ingredients for the protein layer in a food processor. Scrape down the sides of the container and mix again. The dough should stick together when you press it between your fingers. If it's too dry, add more liquid sweetener or banana. If it's too sticky, add more protein powder.

  • Press the dough evenly into the lined pan and put the pan in the freezer.

  • Melt the chocolate chips in a double-boiler or in a microwave and pour the melted chocolate on top of the protein layer.

  • Put the pan back in the freezer for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate is firm.

  • Cut into bars and enjoy! Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer!

Notes

  • I used a vanilla flavored protein powder which is already sweetened. The main ingredient is powdered oat flour. If you use unsweetened protein powder, I would suggest adding more sweetener.
  • You can use almond butter, peanut butter, etc. instead of cashew butter. For a nut-free version, I would suggest sunflower seed butter or coconut butter.
  • I left out the vanilla extract because my protein powder has an intense vanilla flavor which I love!
  • Nutrition facts are for one bar when you cut the batch into ten bars.

Nutrition Facts

No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars

Amount per Serving

Calories

197

% Daily Value*

Fat

7.2

g

11

%

Carbohydrates

19.5

g

7

%

Fiber

1.9

g

8

%

Sugar

14.3

g

16

%

Protein

12.5

g

25

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically

Equipment

Kitchen scale*

Food processor*

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (10) Simple and Delicious Vegan Cookbook by ElaVeganCLICK HERE to order!

If you are using Pinterest, feel free to pin the following photo:

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (11)

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (2024)

FAQs

What to avoid when buying protein bars? ›

A good bar shouldn't have any trans fats and should be low in saturated fats (less than three grams per serving). Oils. Avoid any bars with palm oil or kernel oil (often included in bars coated with chocolate) Sugar.

Is it cheaper to make your own protein bars? ›

Is it cheaper to make your own Protein Bars? Absolutely! Making your own protein bars is much cheaper. Initially, the ingredients will cost more upfront, but with the amount you can make with those ingredients, homemade bars will end up much cheaper.

What can I have instead of protein bars? ›

Protein bars

If you do want to increase the amount of protein in your diet, healthy sources of protein include unsalted nuts, low-fat yoghurt and hard-boiled eggs.

What is a substitute for protein powder in bars? ›

For example, in place of protein powder, you can use: whole or chopped nuts: peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews. nut or seed butter: peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower, tahini. seeds: hemp, flax, pumpkin, sunflower, chia.

Is it safe to eat protein bars everyday? ›

While protein bars can be enjoyed regularly, consuming them as meal replacements or as your primary protein source isn't recommended. Pay close attention to nutrition labels, as many protein bars contain added sugars, saturated fats and other low-nutrient ingredients.

Why are RXbars so expensive? ›

Compared to other protein bars, such as CLIF bars, LARA bars, and Luna bars, the cost of RX BARS is comparable to their competitors. The cost of products like this often comes from the protein source. Whey protein isolate, a common form of adding protein to these bars, is expensive.

What is the least expensive way to get protein? ›

17 Cheap and Healthy Sources of Protein
  1. Natural peanut butter. For a plant-based option, peanut butter provides a solid dose of protein. ...
  2. Eggs. ...
  3. Edamame. ...
  4. Canned tuna. ...
  5. Plain Greek yogurt. ...
  6. Sunflower seeds. ...
  7. Black beans. ...
  8. Sardines.
Dec 25, 2017

Are protein shakes healthier than protein bars? ›

Essentially, both protein bars and protein shakes can be equally good for you, depending on the ingredients, or they can be equally bad. Some may have added sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives or other ingredients that can lead to you undoing some of the great work done during your workout.

What do vegans replace protein with? ›

Alternate sources of protein

Beans and legumes: Beans and legumes are a rich source of fiber and B vitamins. They are also a great replacement for meat as a source of vegetarian protein. Soy: One cup of boiled soybeans (172 g) contains around 29 grams of protein.

What is the healthiest snack bar to eat? ›

There are hundreds of bars on the market, but here are 10 you can feel good about grabbing whenever hunger strikes.
  • KiZE Bars Peanut Butter. ...
  • RBar Blueberry Breakfast. ...
  • Simple Squares Cinnamon Clove Protein Bar. ...
  • RX Bar Chocolate Sea Salt. ...
  • Health Warrior Organic Honey Cracked Pepper with Turmeric Pumpkin Seed Bar.

How do you get homemade protein bars to stick together? ›

A few other common ingredients are whole nuts and seeds, grains like oats and crispy cereal (which offer fiber and a granola bar–like texture), cocoa powder or chocolate chips, and liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, which help your bars stick together and taste delicious.

What is a natural substitute for protein powder? ›

Alternative protein sources to include in shakes
  • Milks: cow's milk, ultra-filtered milk (like Fairlife brand), pea milk, soy milk, hemp milk.
  • Other milk products: Greek yogurt (dairy or nondairy), cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, kefir.
  • Soy products: edamame, silken tofu, soy butter.
May 9, 2022

Is Greek yogurt better than protein powder? ›

Although this showed that Greek yogurt aids muscle production, it doesn't mean that Greek yogurt is any better or worse than other sources of protein, such as whey protein powder. Increasing protein from any source will help build muscle mass during resistance training.

Are all protein bars highly processed? ›

But while they pack a protein punch, most are also high in calories and many are high in unhealthy saturated fats. Most are also classed as ultra-processed foods. Studies into their health benefits are limited.

What are the ingredients in protein bars that are inflammatory? ›

Emulsifiers, such as polysorbates, carboxymethylcellulose, glyceryl, gums and carrageenan, are added to improve the consistency and shelf life of protein bars. However, they can damage the gut lining, cause inflammation, and increase gut permeability, leading to a condition commonly known as 'leaky gut'.

Are protein bars considered highly processed food? ›

Some examples of ultra-processed foods include packaged cookies, frozen entrees, protein bars, and flavored chips. “Most of the foods we eat every day are processed to some degree, but ultra-processed foods take things a step further,” Garone said.

How do you know if a protein bar is bad? ›

Common Signs of Spoilage
  1. Texture changes: Protein bars might become hard or overly chewy.
  2. Discoloration: Any unusual color changes could signal spoilage.
  3. Off-putting smell: An odd or rancid odor is a clear sign that a protein bar should not be consumed.
Feb 5, 2024

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