Your favorite sweet and spicy flavor with a hint of warmth rolled into an easy, no-bake snack. These gingerbread protein bars are soft, chewy, and perfect for fuel. Totally grain-free and dairy-free these no-bake protein bars make an ideal treat or post-workout snack.
Once the cool weather comes I am all about all things comfort. And gingerbread is a cold-weather staple!
But these gingerbread protein bars embrace all the classic flavors of ginger and cloves but with a little bit of a protein twist (these Snickerdoodle protein bars do the same!).
Only a few simple ingredients and these bars come out ultra chewy, filling, and perfect for on-the-go days (just like these low-calorie protein balls and mint chocolate protein bars). They also make a thoughtful snack for new moms who are always ravenous because they’re so full of healthy fats and protein!
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I use these gingerbread bars for everything from an easy, mid-afternoon snack or some post-workout fuel. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp it up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make and done in just a few minutes
- 25g of protein
- Can be stored in the fridge or freezer for perfect meal prep
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, paleo, and vegan
- Soft and chewy with a sweet spicy flavor
Ingredients You Need
If you have a well-stocked gluten-free pantry, you’ll be on your way to making these easy, no-bake, gluten-free protein bars in no time (and these double chocolate protein bars no nuts!).
Below is an image of the ingredients you need. Know that the almond butter can be replaced with any nut butter just make sure it's fresh as it helps it mix better.
And if you love the gingerbread flavor don't forget to keep these gingerbread protein cookies on the list too.
How To Make Them
- Step 1: Combine the protein powder and spices in a large bowl. Gently stir.
- Step 2: One by one, add in the wet ingredients.
- Step 3: Mix together and add almond milk if needed.
- Step 4: Press the gingerbread protein bars into a silicone mold and smooth the top.
- Step 5: Store in the fridge or freezer.
Expert Tips To Make Them
The protein bars can be eaten as soon as you make them. However, they thicken up after sitting in the fridge for an hour or so making them easier to hold.
Learn everything you need to know about how to make homemade protein bars.
The amount of almond milk you need will depend on the protein powder you choose (notes below). You want the batter to be semi-dry and not crazy sticky. But it does need to hold together.
How To Store The Bars
Store the gingerbread bars in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freeze the protein bars in a reusable baggie or airtight container for up to three months. simply let them thaw in the fridge before consuming.
Meal prep the bars by storing them individually wrapped in parchment paper for grab-and-go days.
Choosing A Protein Powder
The kind of protein powder you choose will make a difference in the texture and flavor of the gingerbread protein bars.
These bars are best made with brown rice or coconut-based protein powder. This is because rice protein powder absorbs liquid so that it holds together but doesn’t absorb as much as pea protein powder in which you’d need more liquid. Learn more about how to choose a protein powder for your goals.
I use a vanilla vegan protein powder and though many rice blends are ultra chalky, Botanica Perfect Protein isn’t so it’s my go-to.
It’s a great-tasting protein and more similar to whey in that it doesn’t absorb or fluff like many other protein powders.
Grab Botanica Perfect Protein or use something like Orgain Protein.
Silicone Molds
I like to use a silicone baking loaf for homemade protein bars because it’s easier to get the bars out.
However, you could also use a regular loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
A fun prep hack (especially if you make these for teens!) is to portion them individually into a rectangle muffin tray so that they’re already pre-cut for size.
Variations And Add Ons
These gingerbread protein bars are tasty as-is.
However, they’re also fun to dress up if you want something a bit more indulgent or are serving them at a party (yes, I have totally done that!).
If that’s the case you can use any of the below add ons.
- Dusting of icing sugar on top
- Drizzle the protein bars in dairy-free caramel sauce
- Top them with dairy-free chocolate ganache
- Mix in toasted pecans
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Protein Bars
Though whey protein may work and would taste delicious, the bars won’t hold together as well. You’d need to add a thickener or something like coconut flour to keep the bars from getting too sticky or falling apart.
Homemade protein bars can easily be part of a healthy diet and are a versatile way to get in extra nutrients. You want to make sure that your bars have over 10 grams of protein per serving and less than that in grams of sugar. This makes it so that the protein bar is keeping you full while also giving you energy.
Protein bars can be a great, quick, snack choice to help fuel up after a workout since they’re normally a balanced blend of macronutrients. Since protein is needed to help repair muscles, so long as the protein bar you’re choosing is high in protein it can help muscle recovery. Ideally, you want 20-30 grams of protein after a workout so you may need to adjust your serving size.
More Gluten-Free Protein Snacks
- Nut-free protein bars
- Peanut butter protein muffins
- Nut free protein bars
- Pumpkin protein overnight oats
- Salted chocolate protein powder mug cake
Gingerbread Protein Bars (Gluten-free)
Video
Equipment
- 9x3 Silicone loaf pan
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Vanilla vegan protein powder
- ¼ teaspoon Ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground ginger
- ⅔ cup Almond butter runny
- 2 tbs Blackstrap molasses
- 2 tbs Maple syrup
- 2 tbs Almond milk as needed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the protein powder and spices.
- Add in the almond butter, molasses, and maple syrup one by one.
- Stir well and slowly add in the almond milk a tablespoon as a time as needed.
- Mix and press the batter down. You want as little milk as possible in there. Ideally, you want a semi-dry dough that holds together.
- Portion the batter into a silicone baking loaf and use a fork or silicone spatula to press it down smoothly.
- Pop it into the fridge for 30 minutes to set before slicing into rectangles.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Bonnie McDonald says
I made these this morning. Interesting. I will make them again and increase the spices also try using another protein powder. May even add some mini chocolate chips for extra fun. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
fitasamamabear says
So happy you tried them! I make them with more cinnamon than ginger if I'm making them for my kids so definitely adjust the spices. If you need a dessert drizzle with homemade caramel sauce 😉
Anna M. says
This worked exactly as written, thanks! Took it with us for hiking snack.
Kara says
We loved these! I can't wait to make them again during the holidays.
fitasamamabear says
They're so tasty!
Gwen says
Thank you for sharing this recipe. They were yummy!
fitasamamabear says
Glad you liked them!
Rebecca says
I love gingerbread, and this recipe is so the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
fitasamamabear says
it's such a yummy flavor.
Juliette says
This worked exactly as written, thanks! My first time making protein bars and they went so good!
Andy Scott says
I’m loving these gingerbread protein bars! They are dairy-free, which really helps my aunt because she has sensitivities. I'm happy to have been able to surprise her with these this week!
Alisa says
These gingerbread bars paired perfectly with your dairy-free caramel sauce! So so yum!
fitasamamabear says
Mmm caramel on ANYTHING is the best!
Vladka says
I am a big fan of these healthy snacks packed with protein. These gingerbread protein bars are easy to make and delicious. I will make them again.
fitasamamabear says
Gingerbread bars are totally a house favorite here too lol
Angela says
I love how quickly is!