No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars are the perfect snack for when you're on the go! They're made with simple, healthy ingredients like almond butter, chocolate collagen, and cacao powder. And best of all, they taste like a soft chocolate candy bar!

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Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• 🍴Ingredient Notes
• Recipe Variations
• 🍴Step by Step Instructions
• Expert Tips
• How to store leftovers
• Recipe Card
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• 💬 Reviews

Why You'll Love This Recipe

If you've never made your own protein bars before, you are truly missing out! Not only do they cost less per bar, but they are also made with wholesome ingredients.

Enjoy them as a healthy post-workout snack, grab and go breakfast, or even dessert. I love to meal prep an extra batch to have on hand in my freezer for whenever a craving strikes.

Easy

The recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes and all you need is a mixing bowl, spatula, parchment paper, and a small loaf pan.

Healthy

Unlike most store-bought protein bars, this recipe is made with simple ingredients like almond butter, honey, and chocolate collagen.

Plus, this recipe contains healthy fats from the almond butter and about 20 grams of protein from the collagen. This combination is what makes these no bake protein bars so filling and satisfying!

They're also low in sugar and have about 7 grams of fiber per serving.

🍴Ingredient Notes

• Chocolate Collagen Powder - I used Primal Kitchen Chocolate Collagen, but any chocolate collagen powder will work with this recipe.
• Almond Butter - Creamy, drippy natural almond butter works best with this recipe. I love Costco almond butter because it's a great price for the size that you get. You can also sub with cashew butter or peanut butter.
• Cacao Powder - For a rich, dark chocolate flavor, I like adding in raw cacao powder! It's also loaded with vitamins and minerals like magnesium. (Cocoa powder will work too.)
• Chocolate Chips - My favorite dairy-free and soy-free chocolate chip brands are Pascha and Hu Kitchen. Both make dark chocolate chips with clean ingredients.
• Honey - You can substitute with maple syrup.
• Coconut Oil - To give the bars a softer texture, you'll need a little melted coconut oil.
• Coconut Flour -  I have not tested this recipe with any other gluten-free flour. For more information on coconut flour, check out my post on why coconut flour should not be used interchangeably with other gluten-free flours.
• Vanilla Extract - For a homemade brownie flavor, you will need real vanilla extract for this recipe.

Recipe Variations

• Swap the dark chocolate chips for sprinkles to make a healthy cosmic brownie protein bar!
• Pour melted chocolate on the chocolate dough mixture before chilling to make a thick chocolate layer on top.
• For a nut-free version use unsalted Sunbutter which is made with sunflower seeds. You can also use chocolate sunflower seed butter!
• Fold in coconut flakes to add some crunch.
• To make chocolate peanut butter protein bars, swap the almond butter for peanut butter! You can use creamy or chunky peanut butter.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the bars for a sweet and salty combo!

🍴Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix Ingredients

Add almond butter, chocolate collagen, cacao powder, melted coconut oil, coconut flour, honey, and vanilla extract into a large bowl. Stir together with a spatula or spoon until a thick dough forms.

Step 2: Press Dough into Pan

Next, pour the cookie dough mixture into a parchment paper lined bread pan. Use a spatula to flatten it out. Pour the chocolate chips on top and gently press them into the dough.

Step 3: Chill Protein Bar Dough

Chill the dough for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 4: Cut into Bars

Finally, use the parchment paper to pull the mixture out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and carefully cut 12 bars out with a warm knife. (Run the knife under hot water and dry with a towel.)

Place the bars in an sealed container in the refrigerator until you're ready to enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Use a spatula to mix the dough together. Make sure you scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything together.
• They will get soft and sticky at room temperature so it's best to keep them in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper so the bars don't stick. Use the parchment paper to easily pull the bars out of the bread pan.
• For best results, run hot water on a sharp knife and dry with a towel before you cut into the bars. This will ensure clean cut each time.
• Use a smaller bread pan to make thicker bars.
• It's important to chill the bars for at least 2-3 hours before you remove them from the pan. If they're too soft, pop them in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up.

If you love protein packed recipes like this, try my Chocolate Protein Pancakes, Cookie Dough Protein Bars, or Protein Cookie Dough Energy Balls!

How to store leftovers

Leftover protein bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

You can also store them in the freezer for 2-3 months!

More snack recipes!

After you make these No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!

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