These healthy almond butter protein bars have a chewy almond base and creamy chocolate topping. They're a great high protein snack or healthy dessert option. Furthermore, this protein bar recipe requires just 5 ingredients and is gluten free, dairy free and paleo friendly.
Almond butter and chocolate make a delicious combo and packing them together in a protein rich treat makes them even better!
These almond butter protein bars have a chewy, slightly crumbly base that's made with almond butter, pea protein and honey. They're topped with a creamy chocolate fudge that's made with dark chocolate chips and almond butter.
This recipe isn't just high in protein, but it's also gluten free, dairy free and paleo friendly. Plus, these protein bars are no bake, so you can assemble them in minutes.
Why You'll Love these Protein Bars
- Healthy - made with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Gluten Free and Dairy Free - the perfect paleo protein bar
- Oat Free - these protein bars are made without oats, making them grain free
- 5 Ingredients - all you need is almond butter, protein powder, honey, water and dark chocolate
- No Bake - these protein bars are assembled, then chilled in the fridge to set
- High in Protein - packed with protein to keep you satiated and balance your blood sugar
Ingredients
This recipe for almond butter protein bars requires just 5 simple ingredients. Here's what you need:
- pea protein - I used an unflavored pea protein, but any flavor would taste good.
- almond butter - just dry roasted almonds
- water - to thin the batter
- honey - for a little sweetness
- chocolate chips - I used 85% dark mini chocolate chips, but any chocolate will work.
How to Make Almond Butter Protein Bars
These protein bars don't require any baking and take little time to prep. Here are the step by step instructions:
- First, line an 8" x 4" loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine the ingredients for the base and mix until well combined.
- Press the base into your lined loaf pan.
- Melt the chocolate for the topping, then mix in the almond butter.
- Pour the topping over the base.
- Place the protein bars in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours.
- Remove the bars from the fridge and cut to desired size.
Tips and Tricks
- Use pea protein: Pea protein is very absorbent and is the only protein powder I tested for this recipe. So, for best results please use a pea protein.
- Adjust the amount of water as needed: Depending on the protein powder you use, you may need more or less water for the bars.
- Switch up the sweetener: you may swap the honey for maple syrup or another liquid sweetener.
Storage
These almond butter protein bars are best kept in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last well up to two weeks. For longer storage, place them in an airtight baggie and keep in the freezer, up to two months.
Protein Bar Additions/Mix Ins
If you're looking to add more flavor or mix-ins, here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Use a vanilla or chocolate protein powder instead of unflavored
- Sweeten the bars with maple syrup instead of honey
- Mix vanilla or almond extract into the base
- Add cinnamon or pumpkin spice into the dough for the base
- Swap the chocolate topping for white chocolate or coconut butter
FAQ
Pea protein is the best protein powder for this recipe. It is very absorbent and many other protein powders (like whey) are not. That being said, if you try another protein powder, play around with the amount of water. You may not need as much.
Yes, swap the honey for maple syrup to make these protein bars vegan.
If the dough for the base is too dry, then add a bit more water, one tablespoon at a time. If your dough is too wet, add more protein powder. The mixture should be easy to shape, not sticky and have a playdough like texture.
More Healthy Protein Bar Recipes
PrintHealthy Almond Butter Protein Bars (Gluten Free)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Fills an 8"x4" loaf pan 1x
Description
These healthy almond butter protein bars are made with just 5 ingredients; all gluten free, dairy free and paleo friendly. They have a chewy almond butter base and creamy chocolate topping.
Ingredients
Base
- ½ cup almond butter (just dry roasted almond)
- ½ cup pea protein (55g)
- 2 Tbsp raw honey
- 3 Tbsp water*
Topping
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp almond butter
Instructions
- Line an 8" x 4" loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the base.
- Firmly press the base into your lined loaf pan.
- Melt the dark chocolate for the topping.
- Mix in the almond butter.
- Pour the topping over the base and use a spatula to spread the topping to the sides.
- Place the bars in the fridge for at least 4 hours to set.
- Remove bars from the loaf pan and cut to desired size.
- Best stored in an airtight container in the fridge, up to 2 weeks.
Notes
*Depending on the protein you use and how accurately you measure ingredients, you may need more or less water. I recommend adding the water 1 tablespoon at a time until you get the desired dough texture. It should be easy to mold and shape, similar to playdough.
Katie
My family and I love these protein bars! Enjoy!