If you’ve been following for long, you know I have a very strong opinion when it comes to store-bought protein bars. Sure, they are convenient, but they’re often filled with unnecessary sweeteners and additives. Plus, they usually don’t contain enough protein! That’s why I always make my own homemade protein bars, including banana protein bars, cinnamon protein bars, and apple pie protein bars.
Recipe highlights
Full of apple pie flavor. If you love the flavors of apple pie but need a more satisfying high-protein snack, these bars are for you. The texture. The applesauce combined with creamy almond butter adds a soft, moist texture to the bars, giving them the perfect bite. A no-bake recipe. I love an easy no-bake recipe, especially when it’s this hands-off. Diet-friendly. In my kitchen, I’m always in need of snacks that cater to various diets and lifestyles. Luckily, these bars are made without gluten or dairy, and they can easily be made sugar-free, too!
If you’re looking for more classic dessert-inspired protein bars, try my carrot cake protein bars or cookie dough protein bars.
Ingredients needed
The ingredient list may look long, but I promise, they’re all simple ingredients. If you’re a fan of high-protein snacks, you probably have most of them on hand already.
Coconut flour. My favorite high-protein, high-fiber flour that’ll give the bars a perfect cakey and chewy texture. Almond flour. I recommend using blanched almond flour instead of almond meal, which will give the bars a gritty texture. Protein powder. Use vanilla protein powder for the extra flavor boost. I used brown rice protein, but use whatever protein powder you have on hand. Granulated sugar. I used white sugar, but you can use light brown sugar or a sugar-free sweetener if preferred. Spices. I used apple pie spice plus extra cinnamon and nutmeg because I really love those spices, but you could just use apple pie spice if you prefer. Almond butter. To add protein and richness to the bars. Make your own or use a store-bought creamy almond butter. Not a fan of almond butter? Use any nut butter, like peanut butter or cashew butter, or a nut-free butter like tahini or sunflower seed butter instead. Maple syrup. For sweetness and to bind the ingredients together. I’ve also used monk fruit syrup for a sugar-free alternative. Applesauce. I prefer unsweetened apple sauce since we already add sugar and maple syrup to the bars. Milk. Just enough to thin out the batter. I used unsweetened almond milk.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to make apple pie protein bars
Step 1- Prep work. Line a large baking dish with parchment paper. Step 2- Combine dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour, protein powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple pie spice. Step 3- Add wet ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond butter and maple syrup and heat until melted. Pour the almond butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix to combine. Fold in the applesauce and continue mixing until the batter is crumbly. Step 4- Add milk. Using a spoon, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until a thick, firm batter is formed. Step 5- Shape. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and press firmly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe tips and variations
Add coconut flour. Occasionally, when I’ve made this recipe, the batter will become quite thin. When this happens, add a dash of coconut flour until the dough becomes firm. Use a food processor. When I want to save time, I’ll blend all ingredients in a food processor instead of mixing them by hand. Sweeten to taste. Taste the bar batter after you’ve mixed everything, and add more sweetener if desired. I find this essential if I’m using unflavored protein powder. Experiment with mix-ins. I like to fold in shredded coconut, white chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for a little extra flavor.
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. To freeze: Freeze leftover bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Let the bars thaw overnight in the fridge.
Frequently asked questions
More healthy no bake snack recipes to try
Peanut butter protein balls– The ultimate no-bake snack for peanut butter lovers. Larabars– You’ll never want to buy them again after you make your own! No-bake brownie bites– Rich, fudgy bites made without flour or refined sugar. No-bake oatmeal bars– Always a favorite in my house!
