Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (2024)

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4.73 from 11 votes

These no-bake chocolate protein bars are super soft, gooey, fudgy, and delicious. This vegan recipe contains only 6 ingredients and is very easy to make! Watch the video below to see the easy instruction steps!

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (1)

Super Soft Chocolate Protein Bars

Say hello to these soft, gooey and fudgy chocolate protein bars which are currently my new favorite dessert! I love all kind of bars such as brownies, peanut butter bars or blondies. I thought a combo of a blondie bar and chocolate might be extraordinarily delicious. And honestly, these bars really didn’t disappoint!

They look similar to homemade Butterfingers, however, they aren’t crunchy. I am pretty sure it would be easy to change the recipe a bit and turn these cashew butter bars into homemade vegan Butterfingers. These protein bars are my new favorite because they are:

  1. Healthier than most chocolate candy bars.
  2. Quick and easy to make without an oven!
  3. Vegan and protein-rich.

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Just 6 Simple Ingredients

I am not kidding! This recipe is really simple and contains only the following 6 ingredients:

  • Vegan protein powder
  • Nut-butter or seed butter of choice
  • Liquid sweetener of choice
  • Banana
  • Dairy-free chocolate chips
  • Coconut oil

I used a vanilla flavored protein powder which is already sweetened. Therefore, I only added 3 tbsp (60 grams) of sweetener. If your protein powder isn’t sweetened, I would suggest adding about 70 grams of sweetener.

Nut butter: I used cashew butter, however, you can also use almond butter, peanut butter, coconut butter, sunflower seed butter, and even tahini if you don’t mind the slightly bitter taste of tahini.

Liquid sweetener: I used maple sure, but you can certainly also use agave syrup, rice malt syrup, Yukon syrup or any other liquid sweetener.

I also added half of a small banana which acts as a binder and holds the mixture together. Applesauce might work as well (I didn’t try it though) or maybe two flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax seeds mixed with 5 tbsp hot water).

You can use dairy-free chocolate chips or any dark chocolate of choice.

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How To Make Chocolate Protein Bars?

I recommend using a food processor because it’s easier than using a blender. The procedure is really simple and straight forward:

  • First, process the ingredients for the protein layer in your food processor.
  • Melt the dairy-free chocolate with the coconut oil in a water bath or in a microwave.
  • Pour the chocolate onto the protein layer and put the pan in the freezer to set.
  • Remove the pan from the freezer and cut the deliciousness into bars.
  • Check my step-by-step VIDEO right under the recipe instructions!

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How To Store?

You should store the protein chocolate bars in the refrigerator (for up to 5-6 days) or for up to 3 months in the freezer. I always make sure to have a batch in my freezer, because you never know when the sweet cravings kick in, right?! 😀

When you freeze the bars, make sure to let them thaw for about 20 minutes before serving.

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (5)

These Chocolate Protein Bars are:

  • Vegan (dairy-free)
  • Can be made gluten-free (check your protein powder)
  • No-bake, which means no oven required
  • Healthier than most protein bars
  • Quick and easy to make with only 6 ingredients
  • A delicious dessert

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Should you try out this delicious chocolate protein bars recipe please leave a comment and rating below. Also, don’t forget to tag me in your Instagram or Facebook post with @elavegan and #elavegan because I would love to see how it turned out!

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Make sure to also check out the following vegan chocolate bars:

  • Homemade Snickers
  • Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
  • Cookie Dough Bars
  • Homemade Bounty Bars
  • Chocolate Chip Blondies
  • Oat Breakfast Bars

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (9)

No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars

Author: Michaela Vais

These no-bake chocolate protein bars are super soft, gooey, fudgy, and delicious. This vegan recipe contains only 6 ingredients and is very easy to make!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 197 kcal

Ingredients

Protein Layer

Chocolate Layer

Instructions

  • Watch the video (scroll down a bit) for easy visual instructions. I recommend using a kitchen scale for this recipe.

  • Line a pan with parchment paper with an overhang on all sides (for easy removal). My pan measures 6x6 inches resp. 15x15 cm (inside measurements). If your pan is much bigger, you should better double the recipe, otherwise, the bars will turn out too thin.

  • Process all ingredients for the protein layer in a food processor. Scrape down the sides of the container and mix again. The dough should stick together when you press it between your fingers. If it's too dry, add more liquid sweetener or banana. If it's too sticky, add more protein powder.

  • Press the dough evenly into the lined pan and put the pan in the freezer.

  • Melt the chocolate chips in a double-boiler or in a microwave and pour the melted chocolate on top of the protein layer.

  • Put the pan back in the freezer for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate is firm.

  • Cut into bars and enjoy! Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer!

Notes

  • I used a vanilla flavored protein powder which is already sweetened. The main ingredient is powdered oat flour. If you use unsweetened protein powder, I would suggest adding more sweetener.
  • You can use almond butter, peanut butter, etc. instead of cashew butter. For a nut-free version, I would suggest sunflower seed butter or coconut butter.
  • I left out the vanilla extract because my protein powder has an intense vanilla flavor which I love!
  • Nutrition facts are for one bar when you cut the batch into ten bars.

Nutrition Facts

No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars

Amount per Serving

Calories

197

% Daily Value*

Fat

7.2

g

11

%

Carbohydrates

19.5

g

7

%

Fiber

1.9

g

8

%

Sugar

14.3

g

16

%

Protein

12.5

g

25

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically

Equipment

Kitchen scale*

Food processor*

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (10) Simple and Delicious Vegan Cookbook by ElaVeganCLICK HERE to order!

If you are using Pinterest, feel free to pin the following photo:

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (11)

Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (2024)

FAQs

What makes a protein bar vegan? ›

Traditional protein bars often use whey protein from dairy, whereas vegan protein bars get their protein from plant sources, including peas, brown rice, beans, nuts, and seeds. These protein bars avoid other animal-derived products like egg and honey.

What is a substitute for protein powder in bars? ›

For example, in place of protein powder, you can use: whole or chopped nuts: peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews. nut or seed butter: peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower, tahini. seeds: hemp, flax, pumpkin, sunflower, chia.

Should vegans eat protein bars? ›

Whether you're following a vegan diet or simply seeking a nutritious and satisfying snack, incorporating vegan protein bars into your routine can be a game-changer. They offer a convenient and portable option for those on-the-go, while providing a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

What is the best plant-based protein bar? ›

Best low carb, low sugar vegan bar

The Dang line of vegan protein bars is the first that we believe deserves a rating higher than 3 out of 5. They offer six flavor varieties and the sugar quantities are very low. Dang bars are full of nuts and seeds and other good, wholesome natural ingredients.

What is the cleanest protein to buy? ›

Editor's choice. The Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate offers a clean, protein-packed mix with less lactose and no sugar. This powder's nutrient profile isn't limited to just protein, either. It's also rich in calcium, iron, and potassium, making it our team's top pick for best clean protein powder.

Which milk has no protein? ›

Milk and milk alternatives: Nutrition comparison per 8 fluid ounces
CaloriesProtein
Almond milk (unsweetened)402 g
Soy milk (unsweetened)807 g
Rice milk (unsweetened)1200 g
Coconut milk beverage (unsweetened)500 g
3 more rows

What is the safest non-dairy milk? ›

Rice Milk. Rice milk is made by soaking uncooked brown rice in water for at least 12 hours, then blending and straining it. Because it is not made with dairy or nuts, it's safe for those with multiple food allergies or sensitivities. Rice milk is thinner than soy or almond milk, with a slightly grainier flavor.

Is it cheaper to make or buy protein bars? ›

Serving per serving, homemade protein bars are less expensive than pre-made protein bars. Better Quality. By making them yourself you can better control for ingredients used.

What is better than protein bars? ›

Protein shakes: Protein shakes typically contain fewer carbohydrates and fats than protein bars, making them a more concentrated source of protein. A serving of protein powder usually provides 20 to 30 grams of protein with minimal carbohydrates and fats.

What is a good substitute for peanut butter in protein bars? ›

Coconut Oil: This helps bind the protein bars together without adding peanut butter or another nut butter. If needed, you can substitute with unsalted butter. Sweetener: You can use maple syrup or honey.

Can vegans eat too much protein? ›

It is possible for a person to have too much protein in their diet. Research suggests that for most people, eating more than 2g/kg/d could cause long-term health problems.

Can vegans survive without protein? ›

But only two of those are necessary to survive! Without fat and protein, you will die, but you can live just fine without carbohydrates. Even though the body needs glucose to feed certain body parts, your body can create its own sugar from the fat or protein that you eat. This process is called Gluconeogenesis.

What to avoid in vegan protein powders? ›

What shouldn't be in your protein powder
  • Artificial sweeteners. The most common sweeteners are sucrose (E954) and aspartame (E951). ...
  • Soya protein. Some soy proteins have their origin from genetically modified soy, which means they contain chemical compounds. ...
  • Casein + WPC. ...
  • Gluten. ...
  • Dextrin/Maltodextrin.

How is vegan protein different? ›

Vegan protein comes from sources such as peas and rice, which are easy to digest. Many vegan proteins are also a source of fibre and contain digestive enzymes, and even though it is lower in calcium than whey, it is higher in iron.

What is the difference between vegan and non vegan protein? ›

Whey protein powder is a high quality protein derived from cow's milk that contains lactose. Plant-based protein powders are made from various plants, such as brown rice, soy, or pea, and are vegan-friendly and lactose-free.

What is the difference between protein and vegan protein? ›

Differences Between Whey and Plant-Based Proteins

Whey comes from cow; plant-based proteins do not contain animal products, making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Whey protein is always complete; some plant proteins or blends may be incomplete, depending on their mix of vegetable based proteins.

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