Vegan Protein Bars Recipe

These delicious, homemade vegan protein bars are a perfect combination of oats, almond butter, and chocolate with a boost of plant-based protein. They’re easy to make, require no baking, and are ideal for a quick snack or post-workout treat!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats (or gluten-free oats if preferred)
  • 1 cup almond butter (or other nut butter of choice)
  • 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (for melting and topping)
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup vegan protein powder (use your preferred brand, vanilla or chocolate flavored)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (or agave nectar for sweetness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup almonds, roughly chopped (optional, for added crunch)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (to help melt chocolate)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, cocoa powder, and vegan protein powder. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
  3. Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated and forms a thick, sticky dough. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a splash of plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) to help bring it together.
  4. Optional Add-ins: Fold in chopped almonds for added texture and crunch.
  5. Shape the Bars: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  6. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the vegan chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
  7. Top and Chill: Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed mixture and spread evenly. Place the dish in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and the chocolate topping has set.
  8. Slice and Serve: Once firm, remove the bars from the dish using the parchment paper, and slice them into squares or bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Nutrition Information (per bar):

  • Calories: Approx. 210
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 9g

Tips:

  • Customizable: Feel free to swap the almond butter for peanut butter or another nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter.
  • Protein Boost: Add more vegan protein powder if you prefer a higher protein content.
  • Chocolate: For extra chocolate flavor, mix some chopped dark chocolate into the dough before pressing it into the pan.