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.

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. 

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.

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!

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

• 4 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge
• Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
• Peanut Butter and Jam Overnight Oats
• No Bake Peanut Butter Balls
• Homemade Snickers Chocolate Bars (Vegan & Gluten Free)

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