These cereal protein bars are made with grain free cereal and topped with fudgy layer of chocolate. The base is crisp and crunchy and high in protein. These cereal bars are perfect for a low sugar dessert and they're paleo and gluten free.
If you haven't noticed by now...I'm a HUGE fan of Lovebird's grain free cereal. Not only is it grain free and paleo friendly, but this cereal actually tastes good and it has the perfect crunchy texture (a cereal necessity in my opinion).
Since I've finally found a paleo approved cereal that I adore, I've made it my mission to go all-out on the paleo cereal recipes.
I've already shared my recipe for chocolate covered cereal bars and Paleo puppy chow (both amazing by the way) and today I'm sharing these cereal protein bars.
These bars have a crunchy cereal base that's topped with a fudgy chocolate topping. They are rich in protein and low in sugar - perfect for a healthy dessert.
Why You'll Love These Cereal Protein Bars
- gluten free & grain free - thanks to Lovebird cereal
- lower in sugar - these bars don't contain any added sugar. They're only sweetened by the protein powder and dark chocolate.
- dairy free - no butter or milk
- no bake - simply assemble the bars and chill, then cut to size.
- only 5 ingredients - all you need is cereal, almond butter, coconut butter, protein powder and dark chocolate.
Ingredients
These cereal protein bars are made with just 5 ingredients! The full recipe can be found in the recipe card below, but here's an overview of what you'll need:
- cereal - I used Lovebird unsweetened cereal, which is paleo friendly.
- vanilla protein powder - I used Equip's vanilla beef protein isolate, but collagen peptides or a whey protein (not paleo) would work too. Since these bars don't contain any added sugar, I recommend using a sweetened protein powder (or collagen) rather than plain.
- almond butter - used in both the cereal base and the chocolate topping.
- coconut butter - this ingredient helps the bars hold their shape, even at room temperature. You can buy coconut butter from the store or make your own.
- dark chocolate - for the topping.
How to make Cereal Bars
Since this is a no bake cereal bar recipe, these bars are super easy to throw together. Here are the steps:
- First, line an 11x7 inch or 8x8 inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper.
- Combine the almond butter, coconut butter and protein powder in a large bowl.
- Mix in the cereal.
- Firmly press the mixture into your lined pan. Place the bars in the freezer while you make the topping.
- Melt the dark chocolate and then mix in the almond butter. Pour that over the cereal base.
- Place the bars in the fridge and chill overnight, or for at least 2 hours.
- Once the bars have set, cut them to desired size.
Storage
Store these bars in an airtight contain or baggie. While they do stay solid at the average room temperature, they will get melty if your home is warmer. Because of this, I recommend keeping them in the fridge. And don't worry, they maintain their texture and flavor this way.
FAQ
Yes, any cereal will work. I chose Lovebird cereal because it is low sugar and paleo friendly, but you can use any cereal you want.
I don't recommend a swap for coconut butter. Sometimes you can use coconut oil or cacao butter as a substitute, but I don't think those will work well for this particular recipe.
More Recipes using Lovebird Cereal
Cereal Protein Bars (Paleo, Gluten Free)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 11x7 or 8x8 inch pan 1x
Description
Healthy cereal protein bars with a crunchy cereal base and fudgy chocolate topping.
Ingredients
Cereal Base
- ½ cup almond butter (no sugar, no salt)
- ¼ cup coconut butter, melted
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder (I used a beef protein isolate)
- 3 cups cereal (I used unsweetened paleo cereal)
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (I love Pascha coconut sugar chocolate chips)
- ¼ cup almond butter
Instructions
- Line an 11x7 inch or 8x8 inch baking baking dish with foil or parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, coconut butter and protein powder.
- Mix in the cereal.
- Firmly press the cereal base into your lined pan.
- Freeze the bars for 15 minutes so that the base can set before you add the chocolate topping.
- Melt the dark chocolate. You can do this in the microwave or on the stovetop*
- Once the chocolate is melted, mix in the almond butter.
- Grab the cereal base from the freezer and pour the topping over it, spreading it out in a nice, even layer.
- Place the bars in the fridge and chill overnight, or for at least 2 hours.
- Once the bars have set, cut them to desired size.
- These are best stored in an airtight container or baggie in the fridge.
Notes
These bars will soften at warm temperatures.
*To melt your chocolate in the microwave: place the chocolate in a small, microwavable bowl. Melt on high at 20-30 second intervals, stirring between. For the stovetop: place the chocolate in a small saucepan. Put it on the stovetop and cook over very low heat, stirring frequently. Remove from heat once fully melted.
Katie
Enjoy!