Healthy Almond Butter Protein Bars (Gluten Free)

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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.

Stack of three almond butter protein bars.

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.

Ingredients needed to make almond butter protein bars.

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

Do I have to use pea protein?

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.

Can these protein bars be made vegan?

Yes, swap the honey for maple syrup to make these protein bars vegan.

The dough is too dry. What do I do?

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.

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