These Mint Chocolate Protein Bars are the perfect no-bake snack with 8 grams of protein, 11 grams of healthy fats and 4 grams of fiber to keep you feeling full! No-bake, vegan, cheaper than store-bought, and only 30 minutes in the freezer.
Remember when I said I ran out of nut butter and I needed some for my next recipe? Yup, these Mint Chocolate Protein Bars are why. I had my heart set on them for two reasons: because I wrote them down in my blogging calendar for today’s post, and I wanted homemade snacks for this week.Yup, that’s pretty much it. Not to mention they’re easy, quick, cost-effective, and tasty.
What You Need
- plant protein powder (I used MRM Veggie Vanilla)
- almond, hazelnut, or cashew meal
- cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa)
- hemp protein powder*
- natural nut or seed butter (no oil/sugar added)
- brown rice syrup (or honey if not strictly vegan)
- extra virgin coconut oil, melted
- peppermint extract
- unsweetened non-dairy milk
- dairy-free mini chocolate chips
HOW YOU MAKE THEM
The process is super simple and pretty much goes like this ::
dry ingredients ^^
add your wet ingredients (minus milk) ^^
![dough for Mint Chocolate Protein Bars [Fit Mitten Kitchen]](https://www.fitmittenkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Mint-Chocolate-Protein-Bars-3.jpg)
after combined, add milk 1 TBS at a time ^^
![dough for Mint Chocolate Protein Bars [Fit Mitten Kitchen]](https://www.fitmittenkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Mint-Chocolate-Protein-Bars_hand-1-1.jpg)
Mix with your hands at the end until the dough is thick and moist ^^
![dough with chocolate on top of Mint Chocolate Protein Bars [Fit Mitten Kitchen]](https://www.fitmittenkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Mint-Chocolate-Protein-Bars-5.jpg)
Press into pan, working dough into all the corners and cover in melted chocolate ^^ Then pop in freezer for 30 minutes
![cut Mint Chocolate Protein Bars [Fit Mitten Kitchen]](https://www.fitmittenkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Mint-Chocolate-Protein-Bars-6.jpg)
And voilà! You’ve got yourself homemade protein bars that are just as tasty (if not tastier) as store-bought. Plus, CHEAPER. I went through the cost breakdown in my Gingerbread Protein Bars, which you can see here. ?
![Mint Chocolate Protein Bars [Fit Mitten Kitchen]](https://www.fitmittenkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Mint-Chocolate-Protein-Bars-7-150x150.jpg)
Mint Chocolate Protein Bars [no-bake, vegan]
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Prep Time: 5 mins - Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
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Yield: 10 bars -
Category: snack -
Method: no-bake -
Cuisine: American
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
These Mint Chocolate Protein Bars are the perfect no-bake snack with 8 grams of protein, 11 grams of healthy fats and 4 grams of fiber to keep you feeling full! No-bake, vegan, cheaper than store-bought.
Ingredients
- 2 scoops (3/4 cup) plant protein powder (I used MRM Veggie Vanilla)
- 1/4 cup almond meal/ or flour
- 2 TBS cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa)
- 2 TBS hemp protein powder*
- 1/2 cup natural nut or seed butter (no oil/sugar added)
- 3 TBS brown rice syrup (or honey if not strictly vegan)
- 1 TBS extra virgin coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 3 TBS unsweetened non-dairy milk*
- Chocolate Topping:
- 2 TBS dairy-free mini chocolate chips
- 1 tsp extra virgin coconut oil
- 1/8 tsp peppermint extract
Instructions
- Line a medium-large bread pan with parchment paper, letting hang over sides and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine protein powder, almond meal, hemp protein powder, and cacao powder. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
- Add in nut or seed butter, brown rice syrup, melted coconut oil, and peppermint extract. Stir gently until well combined.
- Add one tablespoon of milk at a time, until mixture forms into crumbled dough texture (see picture in post). Dough should be moist, but slightly crumbly. Use your hands if necessary to make sure everything is well mixed at the end.
- Press mixture into prepared pan with slightly wet hands. Flatten as much as you can. (I used the overhang of parchment paper to press and get really flat.)
- In a small microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together, 10-30 seconds, in increments, until chocolate is completely melted, then add in peppermint extract and stir again.
- Pour melted chocolate over bars and place in freezer for 30 minutes, or refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set. Lift parchment paper from pan and cut into 10 bars.
- Store bars in airtight container in fridge up to 2 weeks, and in freezer well wrapped for up to 3 months.
Notes
*If you don’t have hemp protein or coconut flour, sub with 2 TBS of more protein powder, then adjust liquid at the end accordingly.
*Make sure to add milk only 1 TBS at a time, stirring in between. All protein powders are different and will absorb liquid differently.
-I like to individually wrap bars and store in fridge and/or freezer for a quick snack or easy lunch packing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 178
- Sugar: 6
- Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 8
LIKE THE RECIPE? PIN IT
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
I’ve seen lemon and now CHOCOLATE! I am so loving these bars packed with protein. Protein bars can get so pricey and if you can do this on your own, then why not right?! Thanks for the great recipe! 🙂
Ashley says
I agree! I like to test the package ones every once in a while, but then I just prove myself right in that I can do it better 😉 Muahaa. Thanks Taylor!
rachel @ athletic avocado says
woah mint chocolate is totally my jam! I love making my own protein bars but I love how these have a chocolate topping too,yes!
Ashley says
Sometimes a little extra chocolate is just all a recipe needs 😉
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
Mint chocolate is always a delicious combo, and I love that you squeezed protein into these. Brownies that fill you up=win!
Ashley says
YES. Mint chocolate forever.
Emilie @ Emilie Eats says
HOLY ISH Ashley, these look fantastic! Believe it or not, mint chocolate has never been my favorite but I don’t think I can resist these. And the pics are stunning as always!
Ashley says
These aren’t overwhelmingly mint/chocolate. I think you’d like em 😉 Thanks so much Emilie <3
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
I have to admit that my favorite step is the one where you pour on the chocolate 😉 . There’s nothing better than homemade bars and the store-bought ones can often NEVER compete! These look great!
Ashley says
That step was highly anticipated for myself as well (because that means you get to lick the spatula after) 😉 Thanks so much Christine!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes girl!!! These are some fancy dancy minty chocolate chewy looking perfect protein bars!!! (Send me some???)
Ashley says
Thanks Rebecca! It was a great suggestion 😉
I need to start selling these bad boys, I tell ya!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
I’m all for making my own protein bars. I have not met one pre-packed that I’ve liked yet. They’re so easy to make and a lot cheaper too!
Ashley says
So glad I’m not the only one! They keep coming out with new ones though so my expectations are always so high. But more often than not I like mine better 😉
Cailee says
YUM! These look beyond amazing. I just pinned them! So healthy and nourishing… love it 🙂 Also, I’m so glad that you made them g.free vegan! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Ashley says
Thanks for pinning! And thanks for the feedback on the gf and v! I’ll keep that in mind for future bars 😀
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Oh wow – these look amazing Ashley! I’ve gotta agree, some store bought protein bars can be super pricey and not as satisfying as these look to be!
Ashley says
So glad you agree, Shashi 🙂
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
I can’t get on board with any of the store bought bars sigh. I want to try the RX bars since the ingredients seem pretty on point. But I totally agree, even when the ingredients are “healthy” it’s usually more of them than I want to consume. Yay for homemade! And I love chocolate and mint so these are a must try, pinning!
Ashley says
Oh yes, RX is another bar I’d like to get my hands on. Thanks so much for pinning, Sam!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
I’d take these over packaged protein bars any day! I love the ingredient list and that they’re so easy to make. Plus…nut butter. Automatically makes them a win in my book. Pinned! 🙂
Ashley says
Thanks so much Sarah! 😀
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
STOP! Shut your FREAKING face. I am 110% obsessed with mint chocolate. Oooooo I am SO trying these. I need something sweet yet nutrient/protein dense after my workouts. You are a Goddess, and I mean that….
Ashley says
Hahaha. Oh Chrissa. You make me laugh <3 Thanks so much love, I feel the same way about you 😉
Jess @hellotofit says
Okay, can I say how much I’m digging the step-by-step photos? I can NEVER wrap my head around how people get from dry ingredients, wet ingredients, to these magical delicious-looking bars!!
I don’t like packaged bars – too sweet, too chalky, too dry. I NEED to try these. PINNING
Ashley says
Jess I’m so glad you enjoy the step-by-step! I think it definitely helps for these types of bars.
Thanks so much for pinning, you da best.
Sarah Grace says
I ALWAYSSSS make my own bars every week as snacks 🙂 But I do love my quest bars when I’m lazy!
xo,
Sarah Grace
Ashley says
Haha, I can definitely relate to being lazy every once in a while. 😉 Thanks Sarah Grace!
Katie @ 24 Carrot Life says
These look AMAZING as usual! I love the chocolate layer on top. You can never go wrong with chocolate 🙂
Ashley says
That is for DARN sure. When in doubt, add more chocolate… That goes for both baking and life in general 😉
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie says
How did you know mint + chocolate is one of my favorite flavor combinations?! 😉 But seriously, these look delicious & I need to make these ASAP!
Alexa [fooduzzi.com] says
YUM! I’m loving this so much! <3 Mint Chocolate is one of my all-time favorite flavor combinations!
Ashley says
Thanks Alexa! They’re pretty darn good 🙂
Margaret @ youngandrungry says
I saw these on instagram and I couldn’t help but come see them for myself! I’m glad someone is as picky with packaged and protein bars as I am! I haven’t tried macros bars and it’s probably for that same reason! I haven’t tried my hand at making my own yet, but the pictures of the ingredients in the bowl is making my mouth water!
Ashley says
Thanks for coming over Margaret! The macro bars are good for when you’re in a bind, but definitely not my favorite one I’ve tried so far. I just picked up an RX bar because I was curious about those. But you should really try your own! So cost-effective 😉 Thanks again!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
i love homemade snacks as well..i have yet to try peppermint flavored protein bars..so this will happen soon 🙂
Ashley says
Oh you’ll have to give a try! I LOVE these bars. Thick, soft, chewy, and amazing 😉 Thanks Dixya!
Stephanie says
Oooof. Looks like all your other commenters are either food bloggers or trainers, and I’m just a mom, but I wanted to let you know i made these this morning and the fam gives all thumbs up. I subbed kale powder and hemp hearts for the hemp powder (went generous on both) and they are delicious (totally can’t taste the kale). I mean I have to hide them they are so delish.
Thanks for the recipe!
Ashley says
Hi Stephanie! Thank you SO much for letting me know your fam loves the bars. That truly means so much you stopped by again to share! Your comments are ALWAYS welcome, so keep ’em coming. 🙂 And I’m so glad your substitutions worked! It’s always nice to hear the other options avaialable, and reader’s appreciate seeing them too. Thanks again so so much!
Margaret @ Simple Fit Foodie says
Oooo yum! Mint and chocolate is one of my favorite combos!! Homemade bars are the best. You really so same money and they taste better:)
Ashley says
I AGREE. Who doesn’t love saving money!?
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple says
These look too tasty to be healthy 🙂 I like it!! Mint + chocolate is one of my favorite combos, and I can’t have whey protein bars, so these are right up my alley 🙂
Ashley says
Thanks Liz! You can’t beat the classic mint + chocolate, that is for sure!
Abby says
Definitely going to try this! Can I substitute the protein powder (3/4 cup) for more hemp protein? 🙂
Ashley says
Hi Abby! I have not tried that exact sub before, but it could work! You just may need to add a bit more (or less) liquid at the end. Like I mention in the post, start with a little liquid at a time, until you get that thick, play-dough like consistency. Your dough should be only the slightest bit dry/crumbly when pressing into the pan. Let me know how it goes for you!