healthy homemade no bake protein candy bars
if you’re craving something sweet but want to keep it healthier, these no bake protein candy bars are perfect.
they taste like candy but come with the bonus of being packed with protein and clean ingredients. you get the indulgence without the belly ache!
taste and texture
these bars have the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and a sweet, chewy caramel layer made from medjool dates aka, nature’s candy.
the base is soft yet sturdy with a subtle sweetness from the maple syrup, while the rich chocolate coating on top adds a slight crunch when you bite into it.
the balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavors makes them feel like a treat, but they’re much better for you than traditional candy bars.
why they’re better than candy
lots of candy bars are loaded with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, (which i don’t mind on occasion), but as an every day treat, i want more wholesome.
these bars are different—they’re made with better for you ingredients like peanut butter, dates, and protein powder.
you still get that delicious candy-like flavor and texture, but with extra protein and fiber, so they’re more satisfying and won’t leave you with a sugar crash.
plus, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
substitution options
if you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can easily swap it for almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
you can also use any flavor of protein powder you like—chocolate, vanilla, or even a blend of both for extra flavor.
add-in options
you can make these bars even more exciting by adding in some fun ingredients.
mix in some chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or mini dairy-free chocolate chips into the base for extra texture.
for a little extra crunch, try adding puffed quinoa or rice cereal to the base layer.
you can also drizzle some extra peanut butter on top of the chocolate layer for a fancier finish.
how to make them
making these bars is super easy and doesn’t require any baking!
you just mix the base ingredients, press them into a pan, and top them with the creamy date caramel.
after freezing to set, you cut them into bars, melt some chocolate, and spread it over the top. a final chill in the freezer and they’re ready to enjoy.
Healthy Homemade No Bake Protein Candy Bars
Course: Snacks, Sweet
Ingredients
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for the base:
2/3 cup vanilla or peanut butter protein powder (used truvani)
1/2 cup runny peanut butter
3/4 cup gluten-free oat flour
3/4 cup dairy-free milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp maple syrup
for the date peanut butter caramel:
8-10 medjool dates, pitted
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup dairy-free milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
for the chocolate topping:
3/4 cup unsweetened chocolate chips
1 tbsp coconut oil
Directions
- in a large mixing bowl, combine the protein powder, peanut butter, gluten-free oat flour, dairy-free milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. stir until a thick dough forms.
- line a bread loaf pan with parchment paper and press the dough mixture into an even layer at the bottom of the pan.
- in a food processor or blender, combine the medjool dates, peanut butter, dairy-free milk, and vanilla extract. blend until smooth and creamy.
- spread the date peanut butter caramel evenly over the base layer in the pan. place the pan in the freezer for 3-4 hours to set.
- once set, cut into bars. melt the unsweetened chocolate chips with the coconut oil in the microwave or on the stove. stir until smooth.
- top each bar with the melted chocolate and return them to the freezer for another hour. enjoy your healthy homemade no bake protein candy bars! store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
