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Homemade Chocolate Protein Bars

By Holly Darnell, RD

January 26, 2023

The afternoon slump is a real thing. Whether you're trying to get through a long work day, or you or loved ones are about to exercise, it's the best time of day for a tasty snack that deliver on all levels: adequate amounts of the three macronutrients (carbs, fat and protein), refilling energy stores, plenty of nutrients and delights your taste buds.

This homemade protein bar with chocolate accomplishes all of that through great ingredients that happen to blend extremely well together. They're led by Multi Collagen Protein Chocolate, one of our most popular protein powders that offers joint, skin, hair and gut benefits.

The nutrition facts for these homemade chocolate protein bars are ideal for a snack: 204 calories per bar, with 15 grams of carbohydrates, 14 grams of fat and 8 grams of protein.

How to Make Chocolate Protein Bars

If you're going to forgo the store-bought bar (good call, as that usually means unhealthy ingredients and preservatives), you want a protein bar recipe that's easy to follow and quick. This one fits the bill.

Simply, in a medium bowl, mix together almond butter, brown rice crisp cereal, almond flour, Multi Collagen Protein powder, vanilla extract, unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup and sea salt. Stir until fully combined.

Fold chocolate chips into the mixture.

The texture is out of this world because of the combo of the softer, moldable ingredients like almond butter, protein powder and maple syrup next to the brown rice crisp and dark chocolate chips. Yum!

Line a 8x8 baking dish with parchment and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. Refrigerate and allow to set for at least two hours. 

Lift the bars out of the baking pan and set them on a cutting board. Slice into 12 bars.

These homemade protein bars will last up to one week and need to be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Consider this your base recipe. You may also try these variations.

Vegan Protein Bars

• Sub out the collagen protein for Plant Protein Chocolate.

Keto Protein Bars

• Instead of the maple syrup, use a sugar-free pancake syrup. Ideally one featuring monk fruit.

Nutty, Seedy, Fruitier Protein Bars

• Add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

• Add chopped up almonds or cashews.

• Add chopped up dried fruit, like cranberries, raisins, apricots or figs.

Other Homemade Protein Bar Recipes

• Carrot cake protein bars

• Blueberry macadamia protein bars

• Lemon protein bars

• Birthday cake protein bars

• Almond butter banana protein bars

• Protein fig bars

• Almond butter oatmeal bars

Recipe developed by Holly Darnell, RD. Holly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who unlocked self-love at the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living. She’s passionate about helping others make simple, positive lifestyle changes on their individual path to healing.

Homemade Chocolate Protein Bar Recipe

Category

Snacks, Desserts

Servings

12

Time

2 hrs 30 min (Prep time: 30 min)

Calories

204

Author

Holly Darnell, RD

Want to make your own sports bar? This is your shot and it's easy as can be. These nutrient-dense ingredients blend together very easily and deliver a perfectly balanced chocolate protein bar. Also consider the variations above.

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy almond butter, preferably unsalted

• 1 cup brown rice crisp cereal

• ¼ cup almond flour

• 2 scoops Multi Collagen Protein Chocolate (or Pure)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips, optional

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together all the ingredients except for the chocolate chips. Stir until fully combined.

2. Fold in chocolate chips.

3. Line a 8x8 baking dish with parchment and press the dough evenly into the bottom of the dish.

4. Refrigerate and allow to set for at least 2 hours. 

5. Lift the bars out of the baking pan and set them on a cutting board.

6. Slice into 12 bars.

Nutrition

Serving Size 1 bar (39g) Calories 204, Carbs 14.9 grams, Fiber 3.3 grams, Sugar 5.8 grams, Fat 14.1 grams, Saturated Fat 1.7 grams, Unsaturated Fat 11.1 grams, Trans Fat 0 grams, Cholesterol 0 milligrams, Protein 8.2 grams, Sodium 197 milligrams (13% DV)

homemade protein bars | chocolate protein bar recipe