Protein bars are one of my favorite snacks between meals. Sure, I’d like a candy bar or French fries, but for me to be satisfied, I need some protein. Some of my favorite high protein snacks include protein brownies, a protein cookie, or a snickers protein bar. You may have seen Snickers protein bars at health food stores and online but honestly, they are NOT healthy at all. They contain just as many calories as standard snickers bars and tons of sugar. Like my favorite coconut protein bars, you can make your own homemade version!
Why you’ll love this snickers protein bar
No baking required. No ovens required, and it’s a three layer process to perfection. Vegan and gluten free. No dairy and no grains needed, so it ticks the diet boxes.Over 15 grams of protein each. This makes the perfect high protein snack.
What I love about this recipe is how similar it tastes to the original candy bar. This homemade version is made up of a thick, chewy bar, a layer of caramel, a thin layer of crushed peanuts (or almonds) and covered in chocolate. Same texture makeup, same layers of ingredients, and just as delicious.
Ingredients needed
For nougat layer
Coconut flour– Keeps the base sturdy and thick, without evident coconut flavor. Protein powder– Vanilla or unflavored protein powder. I used brown rice protein powder, but casein or pea protein work.Maple syrup– Adds some sweetness and natural sweetness. Water– Only add if the mixture is too thick/crumbly.
For caramel layer
Peanut butter- What is a snickers bar without peanut butter? Choose creamy peanut butter with no added sugar. Maple syrup- Acts as a binder and sweetener. Coconut oil- You can skip adding coconut oil, but by adding it, the batter will be firmer. Peanuts– Finely chopped to add a delicious crunchy element!
For chocolate coating
Chocolate- Either vegan chocolate chips or sugar free chocolate chips.
How to Make Snickers Protein Bars
Line a pan with parchment paper: Take an 8 x 8 or deep dish pan to line it with parchment paper. Once done, set this pan aside. Make the nougat base: Combine the coconut flour, protein powder, and maple syrup into a mixing bowl and mix until combined. If the mixture is too thick, add some water. Transfer the mixture into the lined pan. Prepare the caramel: Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-second spurts until everything is melted. Whisk together until smooth and pour over the nougat. Freeze: Freeze the nougat/caramel bars for at least an hour. Once firm, slice into bars. Coat with chocolate and refrigerate: Moving quickly, dip each bar in melted chocolate. Refrigerate them until the chocolate has firmed up.
Dietary and ingredient substitutions
Make it sugar free. Use sugar free chocolate chips and keto maple syrup for the sweetener. Swap out the peanuts. Almond butter and chopped almonds are a fantastic alternative. Make it coconut free. Swap out the coconut flour for either almond flour or oat flour.
Storing and freezing instructions
To Store: Leftovers can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to four weeks. To Freeze: Place the snickers protein bars in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
More protein bar recipes to try
Cookie dough protein barsCoconut protein barsKeto protein barsChocolate protein barsCarrot cake protein bars
