Gluten Free Protein Bars

Gluten Free Protein Bars are an easy, healthy, no-bake snack. With 12 grams of protein per bar, they're sure to keep you full in between meals. These homemade protein bars are also vegan and egg-free!

These homemade gluten free protein bars are SO good. They're a simple, no-bake recipe that's ready in just 30 minutes.

Made with staple ingredients like nut butter, protein powder, and maple syrup, along with a shiny chocolate top, each bar packs a whopping 12 grams of protein!

The clean, wholesome ingredients ensure these homemade protein bars are gluten free, dairy free, soy free, dairy free, and even vegan. Make a batch on Monday and you can have a healthy, high protein snack whenever the need arises.

Check out these 3 ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls for another easy, protein packed snack.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• They're gluten free, dairy free, egg free, and vegan
• 12 grams of protein per serving
• Made with clean, wholesome ingredients
• Easy to make
• No baking needed, they set up in the fridge
• Great to prep for a healthy snack throughout the week

Gluten Free Protein Bar Ingredients and Substitutions

*full ingredients list and measurements can be found in recipe card below*

• Almond butter: Be sure to use an all natural almond butter without any added oils or sugars.
• Maple syrup: To sweeten this recipe as well as keep it vegan, I use maple syrup.
• Protein powder: I like this vanilla flavored protein powder from Orgain. It's vegan, gluten free, and refined sugar free.
• Almond flour: The almond flour helps bind the bars together without making them too chalky.
• Corn flakes: I use unsweetened corn flakes to add a little bit of texture. Without them the protein bars can feel a bit sticky.
• Chocolate chips: For a decadent chocolate topping, make these with vegan chocolate chips. I like Enjoy Life, but you can also use a chopped dark chocolate bar.

Substitutions:

• Almond butter: Use creamy peanut butter instead or sunflower seed butter for a nut free option
• Maple syrup: You can use honey, but it's a bit thicker than maple syrup so the texture will be different. Also, honey isn't vegan.
• Protein powder: I use a pea protein powder, but soy protein will also work. I didn't test these with whey protein since that wouldn't be vegan
• Corn flakes: These are used to add a little crunch to the protein bars. They can be left out completely if you prefer
• Chocolate chips: Chopped dark chocolate is a good substitute or you can use gluten free white chocolate chips (those are not refined sugar free though)

How To Make Gluten Free Protein Bars

1. Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper
2. Place corn flakes into a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to roughly crush them into small pieces
3. In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients except the crushed corn flakes. Use a hand mixer to mix until you've got a crumbly texture
4. Gently fold in the crushed corn flakes, then dump the gluten free protein bar mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it into a firm, compact even layer. (You want it pressed as tightly as possible)
5. Melt the chocolate chips with a little coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl until smooth, then pour over top of the protein bars. Use an offset spatula to spread it out
6. Place the baking dish into the fridge or freezer to let the chocolate harden
7. Once the chocolate has hardened, use the parchment paper to pull the bars out of the pan and cut into 12 bars
8. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week

Diet and Allergy Friendly Recipe Variations

Nut Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead and don't melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil. Use avocado oil or olive oil instead

Soy Free: Make sure to use a pea protein powder instead of soy

Dairy Free: Make these with dairy free chocolate chips. I like the brand Enjoy Life

Storing Your Gluten Free Protein Bars

STORING: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for up to 1 week, and are best enjoyed if brought to room temperature before eating. They tend to be crumbly right out of the fridge.

FREEZING: You can place the protein bars into a freezer safe container (plastic preferably) and store them for up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature before enjoying.

Expert Tips

1. Use all natural almond butter: All natural almond butter is made with just almonds. It doesn't have any inflammatory ingredients like low quality oils or added sugar
2. Use your favorite protein powder: If you have a protein powder you like and it's gluten free, feel free to use that! I typically use vanilla but chocolate protein would also be good.
3. Don't skip the corn flakes: I absolutely LOVE the crunch that the corn flakes add. Without them these bars can seem a little too chewy
4. Make ahead: Gluten free protein bars will last in the fridge for up to 1 week, so meal prep them for a healthy snack

Frequently Asked Questions

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