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Gluten Free Vegan Protein Bars (Plant Based Energy)

These Gluten Free Vegan Protein Bars are one of the best homemade protein bars with clean ingredients. Made with plant-based protein, healthy fats, real dark chocolate and other simple ingredients, they are perfect for a busy day.

a hand holding a vegan high protein energy bar with peanut butter, nuts and seeds

I’ve given up on shiny-wrapper protein bars because these high-protein snack bars are SO MUCH better and also ridiculously easy to make! Not to mention, they are no-bake, you guys. 

This high-protein snack bar isn’t like your average Clif bar or rise bars, these are much more delicious! I love knowing that they are made with natural ingredients, no artificial sweeteners, and contain over 10 grams of protein per bar.

Just like these Healthy Oatmeal Protein Cookies or these 15 High Protein Overnight Oats Recipes, I know for a fact they are made with gluten-free ingredients and they have minimal grams of sugar per bar.

You know me, I love to bake with protein powder but I also sneak scoops of it into my no-bake treats. Thanks to the added protein powder, these babies have 9 g of protein if you cut them into 8 bars and only about 200 calories. 

a hand holding a healthy vegan protein energy bar with one bite taken

As you can see in the pictures, these dairy-free protein bars hold up pretty well at room temperature! This makes the vegan protein bars a great option for on-the-go and easy to take to the office or tucked in your gym bag for a quick post-workout snack.

My no bake protein bars are also super adaptable. Once you have the base of peanut butter, oats, coconut oil and protein powder, you can get creative and add any dried fruit or nut that you crave. 

I am obsessed with these vegan bars and I know you will love these as well! Let’s do it! 

INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING THIS NO BAKE PROTEIN BAR RECIPE 

  • Honey – use maple syrup, agave or tapioca syrup if vegan.
  • Coconut oil 
  • Vanilla extract – real vanilla is always the best choice 
  • Vegan protein powder – I like using vanilla protein powder in these.You can substitute for whey protein powder, brown rice protein, or pea protein if you don’t require them to be vegan.
  • Certified gluten-free oats
  • Rice crispy cereal for that perfect light crunchy texture – popped amaranth or quinoa would also work 
  • Ground flaxseed – ground chia seeds would also work
  • Pinch of salt – helps bring out the sweetness
  • Cinnamon – add a seasonal twist by adding pumpkin pie spice or chai spice instead
  • Nuts – I did 1/4 cup almonds and approximately 1/8 cup cashews and 1/8 cup pumpkin seeds but you can use whatever you like. Sunflower seeds
  • Dried fruit – I used 1/4 cup cranberries and 1/4 cup raisins
  • Chocolate chips – your favourite brand, or vegan chocolate chips if you want to keep this energy bars recipe vegan. Unsweetened chocolate also works.

HOW TO MAKE THE DELICIOUS VEGAN PROTEIN BARS

Line a bread loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches of overhang on two of the sides like handles. Set aside.

In a medium size microwave safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. Heat till completely melted then add vanilla.

a hand holding a healthy gluten free vegan protein bars over a plate if snack bars

In a large bowl combine the protein powder, gluten free oats, rice crispy cereal, flaxseed, salt and cinnamon. Mix then add the nuts, dried fruit and chocolate chips.

Once fully combined, add in peanut butter mixture and stir till combined.

Add to prepared bread loaf pan, press down firmly, then add more nuts, dried fruit and chocolate chips to top if desired.

Add bars to fridge for minimum 4 hours or overnight. Cut into 4-8 bars and enjoy!

WHY THESE ARE THE BEST VEGAN PROTEIN BARS

  • They are seriously the best gluten-free protein bars and are perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
  • They’re also perfect for a plant-based diet as they’re so easily adaptable and don’t contain any animal products. You could even drizzle some dark chocolate overtop for a chocolate coating to make them more indulgent.
  • You can remove the dried fruit and add more chocolate chips to make them similar to chocolate chip cookie dough bars.
  • There is about 10 g protein per bar.

HOW TO STORE THE HOMEMADE VEGAN PROTEIN BARS

To Store. You can store these no-bake vegan protein bars at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also store them in the fridge, but I find they taste best at room temperature.

To Freeze. Place the bars in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let these sweet treats thaw and and enjoy!

gluten free vegan protein bars with one bite taken CAN I TURN THESE INTO ENERGY BITES?

The mixture can also be shaped into balls instead of bars. However, you may need to play around with the peanut butter, oats, and protein powder ratios a bit to get the right consistency for rolling.

You can also add a chocolate coating to make these more of a candy bar. By removing the dried fruit and seeds, and adding more chocolate chips they could also become similar to cookie dough protein bars.

CAN I TRY RECIPE VARIATIONS FOR DIFFERENT FLAVORS?

Yes absolutely, you can try a few different flavors or variations for these gluten free vegan protein bars.

Lower-calorie protein bars can be made by omitting the chocolate chips and using all dried fruit. This is a good option if you’re watching your calorie intake.

Chocolate brownie protein bars can be made by using chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla. I would also recommend adding in some cocoa powder to give it a real chocolate taste.

Dark chocolate almond bars but omitting all the seeds and using almonds instead with dark chocolate chunks.

Chocolate peanut butter bars by keeping the peanut butter in and adding chocolate protein and cocoa powder.

You can use different ingredients like cashew butter in place of some of the coconut oil, oat flour instead of the oats for a smoother texture, sprinkle some extra coconut sugar in there if desired. Switching it up can be an easy and delicious way to ensure you’re getting your protein content in without getting bored of the same old flavors.

Other Delicious Peanut Butter Recipes You May Like To Try

Yield: 8 bars

Protein Energy Bars

Protein Energy Bars

These vegan protein energy bars aren't like your average clif bars or any other vegan energy bar, these are SO much better and easy to make as well!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Set Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup honey , or maple syrup if vegan
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, I used PEScience vegan vanilla but you can also use whey (use code BAILEY at checkout for $$ off all products)
  • 3/4 cup certified gluten free oats
  • 3/4 cup rice crispy cereal
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup nuts, I did 1/4 cup almonds and approx 1/8 cup cashews and 1/8 cup pumpkin seeds but you can use whatever you like
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit, I used 1/4 cup cranberries and 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips, vegan if desired

Instructions

  1. Line a bread loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches of overhang on two of the sides like handles. Set aside.
  2. In a medium size microwave safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. Heat till completely melted then add vanilla.
  3. In a large bowl combine the protein powder, gluten free oats, rice crispy cereal, flaxseed, salt and cinnamon. Mix then add the nuts, dried fruit and chocolate chips. Once fully combined, add in peanut butter mixture and stir till combined.
  4. Add to prepared bread loaf pan, press down firmly, then add more nuts, dried fruit and chocolate chips to top if desired.
  5. Add bars to fridge for minimum 4 hours or overnight. Cut into 4-8 bars and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 317Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 98mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 5gSugar: 24gProtein: 10g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

IF YOU TRIED THIS GLUTEN FREE VEGAN PROTEIN BARS RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

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8 Comments

  1. Heyyyyy can I substitute olive or avocado or grape seed with these babies?

    1. Hi Alex,

      Since it’s such a small amount that should work fine! I haven’t tested it myself personally but if you try I would suggest using the oil with the most mild flavor. Probably avocado oil would be best!

  2. Perfect for on the go breakfast!

  3. Karen Collison says:

    Very yummy, very versatile.

  4. How large of a scoop are you using for the protein powder? I want to try this with pea protein powder, but would like to know at least an estimate in grams as to how much I should use. Thank you!

    1. Hi Addie,

      The scoop is approx 30g! 🙂

  5. Hi, I really like this recipe but mine aren’t sticking together, they fall apart. I used cold pressed and unrefined coconut oil. Do you use regular coconut oil or should I adjust mine? I want to use these on vacation. Thank you for your time. Kathy

    1. Hi Kathy,

      Yes I use regular coconut oil. It could be your protein powder too as some are a lot more absorbent than others. You can add a bit more melted coconut oil if need be, or peanut butter to get everything to stick together!