5-Minute Gingerbread Protein Bars

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). 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.

Ingredients You Need

If you have a well-stocked gluten-free pantry, you’ll be on your way to making these easy, no-bake protein bars in no time.

Almond butter: Fresh almond butter works best because you want the oils in there so that it’s runny. It helps it mix best. Any nut butter workouts though.

Vegan protein powder: Rice protein works best for these gingerbread bars. You do need a vegan protein powder though as that’s what holds the bars together.

Molasses: Giving the bars a hit of nutrients and a savory, gingerbread feel.

Maple syrup: The only sweetener you need for these protein bars! Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.

Spices: You’ll need all the classics of ground cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The fresher your spices the more potent the flavor.

How To Make Them

• Combine the protein powder and spices in a large bowl. Gently stir.
• One by one, add in the wet ingredients.
• Mix together and add almond milk if needed.
• Press the gingerbread protein bars into a silicone mold and smooth the top.
• Store in the fridge or freezer.

Step By Step Photos

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Botanica Perfect Protein is a unique blend of quinoa, coconut, and brown rice. This makes it dairy, gluten, and soy-free, organic, vegan, vegetarian, and non-GMO.

It’s a great-tasting protein and more similar to whey in that it doesn’t absorb or fluff like many other protein powders.

Plus, the classic flavors of Botanica are delicious.

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

Unleash Your Energy

The ultimate roundup of high protein snack recipes for hectic lifestyles. 

Trying to lose weight postpartum and not feeling ravenous was frustrating with my first.

It took a whole other pregnancy for me to realize that eating more protein was the “secret” solution.

Unfortunately, living off eggs and chicken breasts sucked after a while.

The solution? I started creating high-protein recipes that tasted more like dessert to help boost my intake.

Say goodbye to mid-day slumps, slow metabolism, and constantly feeling hungry.

I gave the protein bars to a friend of mine with a gluten allergy; I usually can't give her the food I make so I saved these for her. She absolutely loved them, she said most of the protein bars she eats are way too dry but these were great! - Stephanie

They’re the secret to helping you stay energized, enjoy what you eat, and meet your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Protein Bars

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

Shelby aka Mama Bear