Snickers Protein Bars (vegan + gluten-free)

These Snickers Protein Bars are for all of my candy lovers who also want to get their protein in (I’m not the only one right?! 😄)

They are gluten-free, vegan, and much lower in sugar than the classic store-bought Snickers— in fact, they don’t contain ANY refined sugar, wooooo!

And in my personal (and potentially slightly biased opinion 😉) they actually taste BETTER. Even though it’s possible I may be slightly biased due to the fact I created this recipe, I honestly believe you will agree! I don’t know what it is but as I get older, super “fake” tasting candy that I grew up with just isn’t as appealing to me. Although I typically stick to my healthier desserts/treats, I still eat the “unhealthier” version from time to time. The last time I ate a real snickers bar, it had been awhile, and I was expecting it to taste like the best thing in the world (just like I remembered!) and I have to say, I was less than impressed. And that’s coming from someone who grew up loving candy (and still does!)

What you’ll need for this recipe:

• protein powder— I recommend using vanilla! I typically use Sprout Living (discount code: callascleaneats)

• almond flour— you can likely use oat flour if you wish

• maple syrup— look for 100% pure maple syrup. Costco has a great organic one for a good price if you go through it quickly like me 🙂

• milk of choice— I typically use almond, cashew, oat, or coconut milk

• peanut butter— you want the all natural kind here. The only ingredients should be peanuts or peanuts and salt. Organic if possible!

• coconut oil

• peanuts— look for dry roasted as many roasted varieties contain inflammtory oils such as canola, peanut, or soybean

• chocolate chips— vegan, if needed. I also like to look for “lecithin” free varieties such as Good and Gather Organic, Nestle Tollhouse Organic Allergen Friendly, or Enjoy Life Foods.

Yes, that’s it!

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Snickers Protein Bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Keyword: candy, candy bar, chocolate, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, high protein, low sugar, peanut butter, plant based, protein, protein bars, protein powder, refined sugar free, snickers, vegan

Servings: 7 bars

Ingredients

Layer 1

• 2/3 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 6 tbsp non-dairy milk of choice** (start with less and add until you reach a thick "dough" consistency as different protein powders will have different effects!)

Layer 2

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• pinch sea salt
• 1/3 cup peanuts (+ more for topping)

Chocolate coating

• 1.5 cups chocolate chips
• 1.5 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

• Add layer 1 ingredients to a bowl and mix well. Press into parchment paper-lined loaf pan and set in the freezer.
• Add layer 2 ingredients (except peanuts) to a bowl and mix well. Stir in peanuts and pour over layer 1. Add extra peanuts on top. Set in the freezer 1-2 hours.
• Melt chocolate and coconut oil over the stovetop or in 30 second intervals in the microwave (stir between each).
• Remove bars from loaf pan and slice. Dip each bar into melted chocolate and place on a plate or tray. Top with sea salt. Set back in the freezer to harden and enjoy! 

Notes

**see my video on Instagram @callascleaneats for the proper dough consistency that you should have 🙂