No-Bake Gingerbread Protein Bars [vegan, gluten-free]

‘Tis the season for all things gingerbread! These No-Bake Gingerbread Protein Bars are the perfect filling snack with 13 grams of protein, both vegan and gluten-free.

Okay, so I know that doesn’t look terribly appetizing. In fact, it kind of resembles… ground beef. I’m literally laughing out loud now. This looks like ground beef… Let’s move on.

Now we have pressed ground beef. <I’m dying… I’m sorry for anyone that is scrolling through thinking I’m out of my mind. I promise I’m not. At least not entirely… Now you’ve probably just left. And I’m sorry if you’re a veggie or vegan… Okay, bye.>

Alright, clearly not ground beef. If you’re still with me, it is the brown rice protein powder mixture that is going to be delicious no-bake gingerbread protein bars. I promise they’re good guys!  Ugh I am so going to regret writing those things later…

There^^ Now I can focus. SO. These bars…. are so good. The funny thing is I didn’t even really plan to post these. They just kind of happened as I was preparing snacks for the week. I had just made some trial gingerbread muffins (fail, too dry, will come back to them later) and decided to keep the seasonal spices going while I was prepping these bars. After I let them set for a bit I tried one and was rather impressed with their resemblance to gingerbread, and thought it only fair to share.  I then proceeded to top them with chocolate because… well just because. There is no real reason. Do we need a reason to put chocolate on things? I’m thinking no, we most certainly do not. Plus chocolate and gingerbread just go together. Like chocolate and pumpkin, chocolate and strawberries, chocolate and mint. Chocolate is just pretty much amazing in that sense.

But I also wanted to bring something else to your attention. The COST of these bad boys. I just did some major math for you. Why? Because I wanted to show you just how cost-effective making your own protein bars can be. And for those of you that don’t know me that well, I kind of hate math. So… you’re welcome. Let’s break it down to the dollar of the ingredients used in the recipe >>>

PROTEIN POWDER $5.28

COCONUT FLOUR $0.25

NATURAL NUT BUTTER $3.00

EXTRA VIRGIN COCONUT OIL $0.20

MOLASSES $0.20

NON-DAIRY MILK $0.15

DAIRY-FREE CHOCOLATE CHIPS $.50

= $9.58 per BATCH. 

Which comes down to >>>

$0.95/ BAR

And if you’re familiar with the prices of the average protein bar, that is about half the cost! Can I get a HOLLA ?!

Plus, no preservatives, minimal ingredients, and you’re in control of what you put in your bars! I know to the average Amy (I just made that up…Not sure I’ve ever said that before) buying some of these ingredients can seem kind of expensive. i.e. a 2lb tub of brown rice protein powder can be around $40. WHOA. I know… but then you get to make a crap ton of your own protein bars and not be spending $25 on a box of 12… Just sayin’.

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And I guess I just don’t really understand the hype for the Quest bars. I bought myself a box several months ago and still have a couple left because they really just don’t taste that great to me. And don’t get me wrong, I still buy packaged snack bars every once in a while. But more so if I am traveling, or for keeping emergency snacks in my purse or car (yes, that’s a thing). I’m a sucker for a good KIND bar (few ingredients), and those pretty packaged snack bars in the natural food section of the grocery store always get me. But more often than not I am making my own and savin’ some dolla dolla bills, ya’ll.

SO what is your favorite flavor for protein/snack bars?! I’m looking to come up with some new flavors and I’d love to come up with some new recipes for you if you’re looking for something in particular 🙂

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