Description
These quick apple-pie inspired protein bars come together in about ten minutes and still pack roughly 12 g of protein per bar. They set in the fridge (no baking) and slice into portable snack bars.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 cup protein powder (vanilla works great)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp apple-pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter you prefer)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp milk (add more as needed — see notes)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 (or similar) pan with parchment, leaving an overhang for easy removal, and set it aside.
- In a large bowl whisk together the coconut flour, almond flour, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple-pie spice until evenly combined.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl (or in a saucepan over low heat) warm the almond butter and maple syrup just until pourable. Stir them together.
- Pour the warmed almond butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture looks crumbly and mostly incorporated.
- Fold in the applesauce. The mixture will be a coarse, slightly dry crumble at this stage.
- Add the milk a teaspoon or tablespoon at a time, mixing until the mixture holds together when pressed — you want a thick, moldable batter, not a loose batter.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down very firmly and evenly (use the bottom of a measuring cup for best results).
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Lift out on the parchment, slice into bars, and store chilled.
Notes
- Notes & tips
- Apple-pie spice: If you don’t have a premixed blend, combine 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg + 1/4 tsp allspice.
- Milk amount varies: Start with one tablespoon, but some protein powders (especially casein) soak up more liquid — you may need more to reach the right consistency. Add gradually.
- Substitutions: Swap almond butter for peanut, cashew, tahini, or sunflower seed butter if needed.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 179kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 38mg
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g