Chocolate Brownie Protein Bars Homemade Gluten-Free
These Chocolate Brownie Protein Bars aren’t your typical chalky protein bars! After years of testing in my busy kitchen, I perfected this fudgy, protein-packed recipe using almond butter, chocolate protein powder, oat flour, and dark chocolate chips. They’re a delicious, high-protein post-workout snack that’s better than store-bought!
These Chocolate Brownie Protein Bars aren’t your typical dry, chalky protein bars – trust me! After years of testing recipes in my busy family kitchen (and many interesting “attempts” that my kids still tease me about), I’ve finally nailed the perfect balance of fudgy texture and protein-packed goodness. Made with simple ingredients like almond butter, chocolate protein powder, oat flour, and dark chocolate chips, these bars have become our family’s favorite grab-and-go snack. They pack just the right balance of protein, fats, and carbs into a satisfying brownie bar that keeps us going through busy afternoons.
Whether you’re looking for post-workout fuel or just want a better-tasting protein bar option, I promise these homemade bars will change your protein bar game forever. The best part? You can pronounce every ingredient, and they cost a fraction of those fancy store-bought versions!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate No Bake Protein Bar Recipe
- Fudgy & Chocolatey: Made with cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, and chocolate chips for a rich, chewy texture.
- Simple Ingredients: No hard-to-find items—just real, whole foods you probably already have in your pantry.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These homemade protein bars store well, making them a great grab-and-go snack for busy days.
- Customizable: Use your favorite protein blend, swap nut butters, or add mix-ins like pumpkin seeds for extra crunch!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best homemade protein bars:
Almond Butter: Adds creaminess and a rich, nutty flavor. Swap with cashew butter, peanut butter, or sunflower butter for a different taste.
Oat Flour: Helps bind the bars together while keeping them soft. Here is a table with the additional flour options and measurements. The oat or almond flour will give the bars the best flavor!
| FLOUR | MEASUREMENT |
|---|---|
| Almond Flour | 2/3 cup |
| Gluten-Free Flour Blend | 1/3 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/3 cup |
Chocolate Protein Powder: Brings in extra grams of protein and that delicious brownie batter flavor. Use pea protein, whey protein isolate, or milk protein isolate for different textures. This is my favorite organic chocolate protein powder that tastes delicious! You can leave out the protein powder and replace it with an additional 1/3 cup of oat flour, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Then, add a little more oat flour or greek yogurt if needed to get the same consistency as in the video and photos.
Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the bars. You can substitute honey, agave syrup, or a sugar-free syrup.
Ground Flaxseed: Adds dietary fiber and helps with binding. Chia seeds or tapioca starch can be used instead.
Greek Yogurt: Gives the bars a soft, chewy texture. Swap with coconut yogurt, dairy-free yogurt, or mashed Medjool dates.
Coconut Oil: Helps create that smooth, fudgy texture. Sunflower oil or melted cocoa butter work well as alternatives.
Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor. You can use any variety you like or omit it and rely on the chocolate flavor from your protein powder.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor. If needed, use almond extract or a dash of cinnamon.
Sea Salt: Brings out the sweetness and depth of chocolate. Regular salt works too!
Chocolate Chips: Give the bars extra chocolatey bites. Swap with dark chocolate chunks, mini M&Ms, or cocoa mass pieces. I love using Hu Dark Chocolate Baking Gems for the clean ingredients and delicious flavor.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Optional, but they add a great chocolate fudge brownie texture!
How to Make My Chocolate Brownie Protein Bars Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making my easy homemade protein bars. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Blend the Dough
In a food processor or mixer, add the 1/3 cup almond butter, 1/3 cup oat flour, 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder , 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt and mix until a thick dough forms.
Step 2: Shape and Chill
Press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined pan. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips on top and gently press into the dough. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate
In a small bowl, add 1/4 cup chocolate chips and microwave in 25-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted.
Step 4: Drizzle the Chocolate
Remove the bars from the freezer and lift out of the pan. Cut into desired size. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top. Return to the fridge or freezer until firm and enjoy!
Expert Recipe Tips
Use a food processor: This makes mixing easier and gives the bars a smooth, chewy texture.
Chill before slicing: Refrigerating the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to cut into clean bars.
Swap protein powders carefully: Different protein blends absorb moisture differently. Adjust liquid if needed.
Melted chocolate topping: If using Hu Kitchen Dark Chocolate Gems you do not need to add coconut oil before microwaving. If using, a different chocolate brand, you may need to add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil until it’s a pourable consistency.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- As a post-workout snack: Packed with grams of protein, these bars are great for muscle recovery.
- Crumbled into yogurt: Break up a bar and stir it into Greek yogurt for a high-protein snack.
- Dipped in nut butter: Try dipping in cashew butter or peanut butter for an extra delicious brownie batter flavor.
- With a glass of milk: Enjoy them the classic way—with a cold glass of almond milk or regular milk.
- Frozen treat: Store in the freezer for a chewy, chocolate lovers snack.
- Drizzled with extra chocolate: Melt dark chocolate or cocoa butter and drizzle over the top for extra brownie points!
This Chocolate Brownie Protein Bar recipe is everything you love about homemade protein bars—rich, chewy, and easy to make with simple ingredients. Pin this easy recipe to your meal prep, protein snacks, or chocolate lovers board and enjoy a guilt-free treat anytime!
Here are Amazon links to my favorite naturally sweetened protein powders that are very affordably priced:
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Do you love protein bars? Check out more of my homemade protein bar recipes:
Chocolate Brownie Protein Bars Homemade Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup almond butter
- 1/3 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 3 tablespoons greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips https://amzn.to/4gwnuHt
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a food processor or mixer, add the 1/3 cup almond butter, 1/3 cup oat flour, 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt and mix until a thick dough forms.
- Press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined pan. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips on top and gently press into the dough. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
- In a small bowl, add 1/4 cup chocolate chips and microwave in 25-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted.
- Remove the bars from the freezer and lift out of the pan. Cut into desired size. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top. Return to the fridge or freezer until firm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe has been reviewed by a healthcare professional for its nutritional balance and alignment with healthy eating principles.
Dear Nicole, these protein bars are absolutely the best tasty snack /treat we have tasted . I love all four flavours, they are so good . They are super easy to make and they taste great straight from the freezer and they are so satisfying , they fill that little gap until mealtimes 😂🤗I will never stop making them , there an absolute pleasure to make and eat . Thanks Nicole XX
I appreciate the review, Susan!! Thank you so much 🙂
These are simply amazing.
We made these and the mint ones and love them both!!
That’s awesome, Hilari! Thank you 🙂
I cant wait to try these! What can I sub for the protein powder if I dont have it? Can i add more oat flour? Thx!!
Hi Bindu, that’s an excellent question 🙂 I included substitutions in the Ingredients & Substitutions section in this post. Here is the response I included…You can leave out the protein powder and replace it with an additional 1/3 cup of oat flour, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Then, add a little more oat flour or greek yogurt if needed to get the same consistency as in the video and photos.
I hope this helps. Please let me know how they turn out!
Thank you for sharing this recipe. Delicous!
I have been buying those expensive store bought protien bars, these taste better and are cheaper and better for you, thank you!
Thanks! This is the cleanest and best protein bar recipe I’ve found, awesome!
Thank you, Ray! I hope you enjoy making them 🙂
I was so excited to have all the ingredients and made them this morning. Holy cow…these are amazing! I used cashew butter instead of almond butter. I will be making these a lot!!
Hi Angela, thank you so much for the review 🙂
These brownie bars are so easy and satisfying and I’m excited for you to try them 🙂