Vegan Coconut Chocolate "Almond Joy" Protein Bars Recipe

Don't you sometimes crave that crunchy, chewy texture of coconut paired with chocolate? Try these Vegan Coconut Chocolate "Almond Joy" Protein Bars! Made with just a few simple ingredients, including coconut flakes, chocolate chips, almond butter, and protein powder, these bars are a great way to get a boost of energy and protein - it also tastes a lot like Almond Joy Candy Bars! They're perfect for on-the-go snacking, pre- or post-workout fuel, or a tasty dessert that won't derail your healthy eating goals.

Here's why I love this recipe

• Soft, chocolatey and so fudgy!
• No-bake and easy to prepare - only takes a few minutes to make!
• high-protein and high-fiber, so it'll keep you fuller longer
• the best dessert alternative & post-workout snack

Ingredients used to make Coconut Chocolate "Almond Joy" Protein Bars

_{**I've linked some of these ingredients to amazon.com to give you an idea of what they are, but you should also be able to find them in your local grocery store (usually, the natural & organic food section). They are also affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission as an Amazon Associate if you decide to purchase the items. The price will be the same for you, link or no link 🙂}

• Protein Powder – You can use any protein powder for this, but for this recipe I used a plant-based chocolate protein powder, like this one below. You can also use vanilla protein powder, too. Just add an extra teaspoon of cocoa powder.

• Oatmeal / Oat Flour - Oat flour is a whole grain flour that’s made out of rolled oats. You can buy from the store, or online, but it's easy to make your own oat flour by blitzing either old-fashioned (rolled) or quick-cooking oats in a blender (like how I made it below with my mini blender). If you want to keep this strictly gluten-free (some oats are produced in the same facility as wheat), be sure to buy the one with the GF label like this one.

• Nut Butter of Choice - The nut butter works as a binder in this recipe and also gives the protein bars a nice boost of flavor as well as some protein and fiber. You can use nut butters like almond butter, peanut butter or cashew butter - it's up to you!

• Cocoa powder - (OPTIONAL) the chocolate protein powder is enough for the chocolate flavor and color, but I like to add additional cocoa powder to boost the chocolate flavor and coloring. Feel free to omit if using chocolate protein powder!

• Coconut Flakes - for that crunchy, chewy texture

More Protein Powder Recipes (HERE)

Step by Step

Recipe Variations and Optional Add Ins:

• Feel free to experiment with natural flavoring / extracts. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract (I didn't feel like it was essential so I left it out in this recipe), or other flavorings or extracts, such as lemon extract or raspberry extract

Just keep in mind that some extracts contain alcohol, and since this is a no-bake recipe, the alcohol won't have a chance to fully evaporate. If serving this to kids, or if you're sensitive to alcohol, be sure to use non-alcoholic extracts or flavorings. Here are some non-alcoholic brands, here: Non-alcoholic peppermint extract, non-alcoholic vanilla extract

How to Make Protein Bars Healthier

• Make this even healthier by adding a handful of nuts, seeds and old-fashioned oats to add texture and nutrition. Even better, add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.

How to Store

• You can keep the protein bars out at room temperature for 1 day but for maximum freshness and best texture, it's best to store these protein bars covered in the fridge. They'll be fresh for up to 5-7 days.
• These protein bars also freeze very well! Seal them inside an airtight container or Ziploc bag and freeze them in a single layer so that they don't stick together. I recommend double-bagging if you want to keep out the fridge smell. They can be frozen for up to 4 months.

MORE PROTEIN BAR RECIPES HERE