Fit as a Mama Bear

Helping make fitness, healthy food and natural living PRACTICAL for busy moms!

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
    • Snacks
    • Breakfast
    • Smoothies
    • Main Meals
    • Desserts
  • Motherhood
    • Healthy Pregnancy
  • DIY
  • Get Fit
    • Full Body Workouts At Home For Moms
    • Basic Weight Loss Calculator
  • Healthy Living
  • Podcast
  • Shop
    • Organic Beauty Products
    • Energizing Coffee
    • Diy Beauty Ingredients
    • Pantry Ingredients

Disclosure: I have an advertisement relationship with the stores and ads in this post. Check out my disclaimer here.

You are here: Home / Healthy Recipes / Easy Snacks / Homemade Nut-Free Protein Bars With Chocolate (dairy-free, gluten-free)

Last Updated on Jan 6th, 2021 fitasamamabear

Pinterest image with text: two images of nut-free protein bars with chocolate on top, the top image of bars being stacked and the bottom of them spread out
Pinterest image with text: three nut-free protein bars with chocolate stacked together with a scoop of proten powder and more bars lined up behind it
Pinterest image with text: two images of nut-free protein bars with chocolate on top, the top image of bars being stacked and the bottom of them spread out
Pinterest image with text: three homemade protein bars with chocolate on top stacked with a hand placing the last one on top
Pinterest image with text: three nut-free protein bars with chocolate stacked together with a scoop of proten powder and more bars lined up behind it
Pinterest image with text: three homemade protein bars with chocolate on top stacked with a hand placing the last one on top

Homemade Nut-Free Protein Bars With Chocolate (dairy-free, gluten-free)

An easy, healthy no-bake snack to keep on hand! These homemade nut-free protein bars are made with vegan protein powder to make a healthy snack or fueling post-workout option. Soft, chewy, and topped with chocolate, these no-bake protein bars are a great meal prep recipe!

Pinterest image with text: three homemade protein bars with chocolate on top stacked with a hand placing the last one on top

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Nut-Free Protein Bars

  • an easy, no-bake recipe
  • school safe
  • great for a post-workout snack
  • topped with chocolate

Truly, no-bake snacks like this are a busy mom staple! Due to the fact that they’re easy to whip up and even easier to eat while you’re rushing around.

 

Don’t want to read? JUMP to the recipe!

 

Notes On Vegan Protein Powder

While these homemade nut-free protein bars were originally made with whey protein, given I am now dairy-free they use a vegan protein powder (learn more about making dairy-free living easy here).

If you’re making the switch to vegan protein powder, there are a few things you should note:

  • vegan protein powder absorbs liquid. So, most recipes with whey are not directly interchangeable
  • vegan protein powder tends to be less sweet than whey. This means that you normally have to add a bit more sweetness to counter the flavor
  • each vegan protein powder is slightly different based on its blend (pea/rice/etc). Meaning, one protein powder may absorb better than another

Thus, the protein powder you choose for these no-bake protein bars will affect the flavor of the bars.

 

Choosing A Protein Powder For The Homemade Protein Bars

Since making the swap to a vegan protein powder I now have a few brands I love. Orgain Protein Powder is one of them and what I used for these chocolate protein balls.

Orgain protein powder is allergy-friendly (no soy, gluten-free, kosher, etc), has no added sugar and no artificial sweeteners, and actually won Preventions Cleanest Packaged Food Award!

Likewise, it has 21 grams of vegan protein per scoop and it’s a clean enough brand that I feel comfortable giving it to my girls. If you want to give it a try, check it out and use code mamabear30 for 10% off your first-ever order.

I also adore Genuine Health as a brand as well as Botanica.

 

Options For The Healthy Chocolate Topping

Given I tend to make my own chocolate more often than not, you’ll find these nut-free protein bars topped with that.

The chocolate topping is a blend of cacao butter and cacao powder (learn more about the benefits of cacao powder and the difference between it and cocoa powder).

However, if you want something a bit more simple you can still make these healthy protein bars! Simply melt a bit of coconut oil (1-2 tsp) with paleo chocolate chips. I’d start with 2/3 cup and see if that covers it.

 

Substitutions & Add-Ins For The Homemade Nut-Free Protein Bars

The thing with homemade protein bars is that you can always tweak them. I’ve kept this protein bars recipe extremely simple so that just about everyone can whip it up.

However, there are lots of ways you can tweak it to suit your preference:

  • nut butter can be used for Sun Butter if you don’t need to avoid nuts
  • you can add in mini chocolate chips for a sweeter profile
  • top the chocolate with shredded coconut if you have any
  • mix in a few dried cranberries to sweeten it

These homemade, no-bake protein bars are soft, chewy, and a great post-workout snack. Likewise, they make a tasty grab and go option in a rush.

However, there are so many ways to customize them don’t be afraid to add!

 

How To Store The Protein Bars

The best part about homemade protein bars is that they hold well in both the freezer and the fridge!

Store in air-tight containers for both. In the freezer, they will freeze solid so you’ll need to move them to the fridge or room temperature before eating. Or, you can pop them from the freezer into a lunchbox in the morning and they’ll b good to go by snack time.

They should last about a week in the fridge. Though personally, we never have them that long as we gobble them up pretty quickly 😉

 

Ingredients In The No-Bake Protein Bars

  • vegan protein powder
  • regular gluten-free oats
  • coconut oil
  • sun butter
  • maple syrup

Chocolate Topping

  • coconut oil
  • cacao powder
  • cacao butter
  • honey

You can grab all these ingredients from my favorite one-stop-shop or peek at my favorite brands in my Pantry Staples.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

  • Mixing bowls
  • Silicone spatula
  • Measuring spoons

 

How To Make The Healthy Protein Bars

In a large bowl, mix together the protein powder and oats.

White mixing bowl with protein powder and oats in it

In a small bowl, whisk the sunflower seed butter and syrup until smooth.

Glass bowl with sun butter, maple syrup and coconut oil being mixed with a fork

Pour the butter into the oat mixture and mix until combined. 

Oats and protein powder being mixed in a green mixing bowl

Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. Dump the mixture into the pan and use another piece of parchment paper on top to press the oats into the pan evenly. Press down hard to make them really stick together,

Baking tray lined with parchment paper with no-bake protein bars pressed into it

Place in the freezer.

While the bars are freezing, make the chocolate coating.

In a small pan, heat the coconut oil and cacao butter over low heat until melted. Slowly add in the honey and cacao powder. Then, whisk until no clumps remain.

Remove the bars from the freezer and pour the mixture over top making sure to get all areas- use a silicone spatula for this.

Homemade chocolate poured over bars in a baking tray

Once covered, return the bars to the freezer t set (about thirty minutes).

Remove from the freezer and cut into 8-10 bars. Keep in the freezer until ready to eat and thaw for 5-10 minutes before consuming.

Don’t forget to pin these Homemade Nut-free Protein Bars!

Pinterest image with text: two images of nut-free protein bars with chocolate on top, the top image of bars being stacked and the bottom of them spread out

Grab Your Printable

Featured image with text: three homemade protein bars with chocolate on top stacked with a hand placing the last one on top
0 from 0 votes
Print

No-Bake Protein Bars Topped With Healthy Chocolate

An easy, healthy no-bake snack to keep on hand! These nut-free protein bars are made with vegan protein powder to make a healthy snack or fueling post-workout option. Soft

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 bars
Calories 282 kcal
Author Fit as a Mama Bear

Ingredients

  • 3 scoops vegan protein powder about 3/4 cup
  • 1 cup regular oats gluten-free
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil measured solid
  • 3/4 cups sunflower seed butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • Chocolate Topping
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil measured solid
  • 1/8 cup cacao butter
  • 2 tablespoons cacao powder
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the protein powder and oats.
  2. In a small bowl, melt the coconut oil and whisk the sunflower seed butter and syrup until smooth.

  3. Pour the butter into the oat mixture and mix until combined. It will be sticky.

  4. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper. Dump the mixture into the pan and use another piece of parchment paper on top to press the oats into the pan evenly. Press down hard to make them really stick together,

  5. Place in the freezer.
  6. While the bars are freezing, make the chocolate coating.
  7. In a small pan, heat the coconut oil and cacao butter over low heat until melted. Slowly add in the honey and cacao powder. Whisk until no clumps remain.

  8. Remove the bars from the freezer and pour the mixture over top making sure to get all areas- use a silicone spatula for this.
  9. Once covered, return the bars to the freezer to set (about thirty minutes).

  10. Remove from the freezer and cut into 8-10 bars. Keep in the freezer until ready to eat and thaw for 5-10 minutes before consuming.

Recipe Notes

Grab the ingredients you need from my Pantry Staples

Nutrition Facts
No-Bake Protein Bars Topped With Healthy Chocolate
Amount Per Serving
Calories 282 Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Sodium 7mg0%
Potassium 116mg3%
Carbohydrates 24g8%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 13IU0%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 49mg5%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and filling snack this is it! No-bake protein bars are tasty, easy to make, and are perfect for school lunches, play dates, or munching on in the car while you’re running around. Thus, make a big batch, keep them n your freezer and you’ll be thankful you had something healthy to grab while running out the door!

Related Posts:

  • Homemade Vegan Protein Bar Recipe (dairy-free, gluten-free, healthy)Homemade Vegan Protein Bar Recipe (dairy-free,…
  • Homemade Energy Bars - Mint Chocolate ChipHomemade Energy Bars - Mint Chocolate Chip
  • Healthy store bought Snack OptionsHealthy store bought Snack Options
Last updated on 01/06/2021

Filed Under: Easy Snacks, Healthy Recipes Tagged With: dairy free, gluten free, snacks

Comments

  1. Erica says

    08/27/2017 at 12:45 am

    I made my own protein bars out of whey protein about a year ago. I should do it again. Your bar recipe looks amazing. I love that they’re no-bake! So easy!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      08/27/2017 at 12:50 am

      I love protein bars and only go with no bake- mainly because I’m lazy haha but also because baking whey makes the bars taste dry to me- give this recipe a shot and let me know how you like them!

      Reply
  2. Priyadarshini Rajendran says

    08/27/2017 at 9:46 am

    They look yummy, thank you for this post. Now I will start keeping healthy snacks on hand too.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      08/28/2017 at 1:25 am

      Life is so much easier when you have something healthy to reach for instead of having to make something in the moment!

      Reply
  3. Sim @ Simslife.co.uk says

    08/27/2017 at 6:51 pm

    These look and sound delicious! I really do need to give protein powder a try and get baking again! Sim xx

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      08/28/2017 at 1:24 am

      My advice is t =o just find the right kind of protein powder for YOU. There’s so many options out there so do your research! And then enjoy tastiness 😀

      Reply
  4. Ophelia Tang says

    08/27/2017 at 9:32 pm

    These no bake protein bars sound awesome. They are so simple to make and they looks so delicious and healthy. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      08/28/2017 at 1:24 am

      Thanks Ophelia! I love everything no bake haha makes life so much easier!

      Reply
  5. Elise Cleary says

    08/28/2017 at 2:25 am

    Adding these to my must try list! FYI, these would be super easy to make gluten free as well.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      08/28/2017 at 4:32 pm

      Let me know how you like them- and yes, they are easy to make gluten free! I always forget to brand them that way… thanks!

      Reply
  6. Jolina says

    08/28/2017 at 7:31 pm

    Since we started taking our workouts seriously, we’ve been experimenting with bars as pre- and after-workout snacks. I think this would fit the bill nicely! Love how it’s no bake. I’m not sure what kind of protein powder we have…I will check later. Thanks for the tip!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      08/29/2017 at 12:29 am

      Homemade protein bars are awesome! There’s soo many ways to make them (so stay tuned!). I personally like making no bake ones as I find baking with whey dries them out. Regardless, find one you love and enjoy!

      Reply
  7. Gloria Harvley says

    08/29/2017 at 1:10 am

    I can’t wait to try these out!! Looks great!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      08/29/2017 at 1:21 am

      Thanks! I have a multiple batches in my freezer 😀 Let me know how you like them!

      Reply
  8. Nicole Paler says

    08/29/2017 at 1:23 am

    If ever I am to replace stevia with something else (as we don’t have it here) do you think that honey will do? if yes, how much do you think I should add in? This recipe looks so convenient and healthy and I’m pretty sure that vs those treats you get at your local coffee shop or starbucks store this is way healthier and cheaper so YAY! <3

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      08/29/2017 at 12:48 pm

      Definitely a healthier version that a store bought one 😉 As for stevia, it’s potent sweetener so you normally don’t need as much. For this recipe you can use 2 tablespoons of whatever sugar you wish (I like cane sugar or coconut palm sugar). But truthfully, since the stevia is just for the chocolate topping I would start with two tablespoons, taste test to see if you like the sweetness and then add more as needed. I like my chocolate fairly dark so it depends on preference!

      Reply
  9. Lisa says

    08/29/2017 at 3:13 am

    Yum! These sounds amazing and easy enough to make! Ill have to try it!

    XO-Lisa
    http://www.thatssodarling.com

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      08/29/2017 at 12:45 pm

      They’re super tasty!

      Reply
  10. Mel says

    08/29/2017 at 12:00 pm

    Wow what a great idea and easy meal to have on the run! Not just great for mothers but all 🙂

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      08/29/2017 at 12:44 pm

      Yes! So much easier when everything is already made and in the freezer- I live off of grab and go 😀

      Reply
  11. GiGi Eats says

    08/29/2017 at 1:57 pm

    THESE LOOK SO STINKIN’ YUM!!!! I wonder if my husband would like them if I made them for him! He is always trying to find quick, on the go meals when he’s out and about during meal times!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      08/29/2017 at 4:35 pm

      Ah thanks so much lady! They’re pretty tasty! They make the perfect on-the-go snack because you can keep them in the freezer and then just grab and go. Tell him to give them a shot and definitely let me know!

      Reply
  12. LifestyleNama says

    08/31/2017 at 7:41 am

    It looks so yummyyyy. Will definitely try this yummy recipe.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      08/31/2017 at 3:26 pm

      It’s a really tasty one- I love it! Let me know what you think!

      Reply
  13. Lacey says

    01/13/2019 at 4:59 pm

    Oh my gosh, this recipe looks amazing! My girls (especially my youngest) is constantly asking for something to eat, and of course looks askance when all I offer is fruit! I’ll definitely be trying these!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      01/15/2019 at 12:17 am

      Omg all my girls DO is ask for snacks. I counted and one day it was NINE times. Nine! My girls are fruit fiends so I always need something to balance it with haha I hope your girls love them!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Chocolate Macadamia Protein Balls - Fit as a Mama Bear says:
    04/27/2018 at 2:34 am

    […] for more awesome, no bake snack ideas? Check out the No Bake Protein Bars With Chocolate Coating or No Bake Cherry Vanilla […]

    Reply
  2. Superfood Protein Balls - Fit as a Mama Bear says:
    07/24/2018 at 12:28 am

    […] balls, bars and snacks are kind of my thing. Truly, as a busy mom, I rely on having quick, easy, healthy snacks […]

    Reply
  3. Healthy store bought Snack Options - Fit as a Mama Bear says:
    07/24/2018 at 11:30 pm

    […] to say that I am a homemade snack fiend ? It’s almost practical to say that we live off of protein bars and energy balls! But like every other family, sometimes we get stuck. Regardless of the reason […]

    Reply
  4. 10 Healthy Back To School Snacks - Fit as a Mama Bear says:
    07/24/2018 at 11:31 pm

    […] complete sack if there ever was one! These bars have everything yummy in them and are nut free-s o ideal for school! If your kid is a big eater, […]

    Reply
  5. The Benefits Of Cacao Powder & Tasty Ways To Enjoy It - Fit as a Mama Bear says:
    04/10/2019 at 1:14 am

    […] bars or protein bars, chocolate goes in just about anything… so put it in […]

    Reply
  6. Spiced Apple Cider- Orange Cinnamon Infused - Fit as a Mama Bear says:
    07/31/2019 at 9:08 am

    […] any possible dessert!),  cold and refreshing treats in the summer (like watermelon slushies!),  easy no bake snacks in the spring when I finally emerge and want to be outside again and nice hot drinks in the fall. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Primally Pure Natural Deodorant that works

About Me

About Me

Hey There! I’m Shelby, a Certified Strength Coach (CSCS) and certified nutrition coach (PN) in everyday life as well as mama to two beautiful girls! I’m a chronic foodie, workout junkie and feeder of stray cats. I love heavy lifting but am a firm believer that as a mama you’ve got to do whatever the hell that works FOR YOU and I’m here to give you a few ideas. I believe food is fuel but indulgences are a must because well, as you’ll see… I’m a chocolate fiend!

Categories

RSS Fit As A Mama Bear Podcast

  • How To Start Eating Real Food (and make it practical for busy moms!)

Don't Miss a Post!
Get the Weekly Newsletter Sent Right to Your Inbox!

Top Post:

  • Pinterest image with text: homemade raspberry mocktail in a mason jar with fruit behind it Five Tasty, Healthy Pregnancy Mocktails For Summertime
  • Homemade body butter photos in different jars and text. The Do’s & Don’ts Of Natural Skincare Products
  • Four images of homemade bath bombs, the first of the bath bombs complete and being held and the other three of in process images making the bath bombs. How To Make Bath Bombs- Tips & Tricks
  • 6 Hip Exercises You Should Do While Pregnant
  • Pinterest image with text: yogurt pancakes on plate with jam on top and maple syrup behind in ramekin High Protein Yogurt Pancakes
Use Code mamabearfit For Discount
Use Code mamabear15 For Discount

Get the Newsletter

Sign up and get weekly updates sent right to your inbox!

DISCLAIMERS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The content on Fit as a Mama Bear is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No products mentioned are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

  • Contact
  • Podcast Guest
  • Work With Me
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
  • Advertise
DISCLAIMERS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The content on Fit as a Mama Bear is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No products mentioned are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy