These homemade paleo protein bars are chewy with a rich chocolate topping and subtly sweet flavor. Instead of protein powder, these bars are made with a blend of nuts, seeds and collagen peptides. They're delicious and satisfying - perfect for a protein packed snack!
I used to buy protein bars, thinking they were a healthy snack option. But diving into the ingredients, I learned that homemade is the way to go. Most store bought protein bars are filled with gut-irritating sweeteners, natural flavors (which may be far from "natural"), colorings and preservatives.
I prefer making my own protein bars when possible, and these homemade paleo protein bars are one of my favorite recipes!
They have a chewy base that's made with nuts, seeds and collagen peptides. They're lightly sweetened with maple syrup and topped with and optional dark chocolate topping. Simple, but satisfying and delicious!
Why You'll Love these Paleo Protein Bars
- Healthy - made with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Easy to Make - just blend ingredients, press into a pan and chill
- Delicious - tasty without being overly sweet
- Made without Peanut Butter
- Low in Sugar
Ingredients
The full recipe for these homemade protein bars can be found in the recipe card below, but here's a list of what you'll need to make them:
- almonds - I used organic raw almonds, but dry roasted would work too
- unsweetened shredded coconut
- collagen peptides - you can use any flavor collagen
- hemp hearts/seeds
- salt - enhances the flavors
- maple syrup - used to sweeten the protein bars. You can leave this ingredient out or swap it for another sweetener of your choice.
- vanilla extract - for flavor
- water - needed for the proper dough texture
- dark chocolate - for the optional topping
- unsweetened almond butter - for the optional topping
Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions
- Swap the almonds for another nut like pecans or walnuts
- Skip the chocolate topping and mix chopped chocolate into the bars
- Use a chocolate collagen instead of unflavored
- Swap the maple syrup for honey
How to Make Paleo Protein Bars
These protein bars are no-bake, all you have to do is blend the bar ingredients in a food processor, then press them into a lined loaf pan and add the chocolate topping. Here are the steps:
- Line an 8" x 4" loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Add the dry bar ingredients to your food processor and blend.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and blend until the dough is sticky and moldable.
- Press the mixture into your lined loaf pan.
- Melt the dark chocolate, then mix in the almond butter. Pour the topping over the bars.
- Set the bars in the fridge and chill for at least one hour to set.
- Once set, cut the bars to desired size. (I cut them into 12 small rectangles.)
Storage
These paleo protein bars can be kept out at room temperature for a few days, but do best stored in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. For longer storage, place them in a baggie and store in the freezer for up to two months.
FAQ
You can leave out the collagen if you don't have it on hand, but that will greatly decrease the protein content for this recipe. If omitting the collagen, you may not need any water...so be sure to add that ingredient last, only if needed.
While I try my best not to buy bars, sometimes I need to for convenience. These are our favorite paleo friendly protein bars: Feel, Thunderbird, Mammoth, Bulletproof.
More Paleo Protein Bar Recipes
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Homemade Paleo Protein Bars (No Protein Powder)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 protein bars 1x
Description
Healthy homemade paleo protein bars made with real food ingredients! Gluten free, grain free, dairy free, protein powder free and no refined sugar.
Ingredients
Bars
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup unflavored collagen peptides
- ¼ cup hemp hearts/seeds
- pinch of salt
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp water (if needed)
Topping (optional)
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened almond butter
Instructions
- Line an 8" x 4" loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In your food processor, combine the almonds, coconut, collagen, hemp seeds and salt. Blend until well pulverized.
- Add in the maple syrup and vanilla. Blend.
- If needed, add in the water, one tablespoon at a time. You want the mixture to clump and it should easily hold it's shape when pressed together.
- Scoop the bar mixture into your lined loaf pan. Firmly press it into the pan in a nice, even layer.
- Melt the dark chocolate* for the topping, then mix in the almond butter.
- Pour the topping over the bars and spread out to the edges.
- Place the bars in the fridge for at least one our to firm.
- Once the bars have set, cut them to desired size (I cut mine into 12 small rectangles).
- Best stored in an airtight container in the fridge, up to two weeks.
Notes
*To melt the dark chocolate: place the chocolate in a small dish and melt in the microwave at 20-30 second intervals, stirring between heating. Or, place the chocolate in a small saucepan. Melt over very low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently until melted.
Katie
My family and I love these protein bars! Enjoy!
Kelly
New favorite! Thank you -- I think I'll probably always have a batch of these in my freezer or fridge.
Katie
I'm so glad you like them! 🙂