Crispy Chocolate Coconut Protein Bars

This is just ridiculous.

Chocolate coconut protein bars

Before we talk protein bars, letโ€™s talk about The Bachelor. DID YOU WATCH IT?! Are they really trying for ratings this season or what? The tupperware joke. Iโ€™m still cringing bahaha. I loved that they saved the normal people for the last round, for the most part. Good TV.

Chocolate protein bar close up

So, yesterday afternoon I decided to make these protein bars. Iโ€™ve been trying to get back in the swing of normal eating -I certainly enjoyed the holiday cheer- and ended up making something that tastes exactly like a candy bar. It wasnโ€™t purely intentionalโ€ฆ ๐Ÿ˜‰ I just mixed some ingredients in a bowl, and before you knew it I was screaming, โ€œYES! YES!โ€ and drizzling chocolate with a creepy smile on my face.

Chocolate protein bars

Basically these taste like a healthy Nestle Crunch bar. There are no rice crispies, but the coconut and oats give them an awesome crunchy texture. Itโ€™s kind of hard to believe that youโ€™re getting a dose of healthy fats, protein, and smart carbs in each glorious serving.

Ingredients

These are sweetened with a little bit of honey and sit in the fridge to set for an hour or so.

HoneyJust top with some chocolate drizzle, and store in the fridge.Chocolate protein bars

Hereโ€™s the recipe if youโ€™d like to give it a try!

 

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Crispy Chocolate Protein Bars

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A protein bar that tastes like a candy bar.

  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 60
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup oats (for gluten-free, use certified gluten free oats)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
  • 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup almond butter (creamy, unsalted, thin almond butter)
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. 1. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine all ingredients.
  2. 2. Line a small baking dish (around 8×8 works well) with parchment paper or plastic wrap.
  3. 3. Press the mixture into the bag and place in the fridge to harden, for about one hour.
  4. 4. Cut into bars and enjoy!
  5. Store covered in the fridge.

Notes

  • For the chocolate drizzle: melt 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon coconut oil either in a double boiler, or in the microwave at 20 second intervals. Scoop the mixture into a plastic bag and cut off the end. Drizzle the chocolate over the bars before placing back in the fridge to harden.

Nutrition stats are here.

See ya later today with a post about my first Barryโ€™s Bootcamp experience!

xoxo

Gina

Something to talk about: favorite candy bar EVER. Mine is the Sea Salt Soiree. LOVE. ๐Ÿ™‚

Workout of the day: Barre Blast + Barre Strength

More dessert-esque healthy snacks:ย 

Baked breakfast cookies

Brownie batter bites

Superfood cookie dough

Bliss balls

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85 Comments

  1. Michele @ paleorunningmomma on January 6, 2015 at 4:23 am

    These look so good, saw them on Instagram yesterday and thought they’d be perfect for my kids – great ingredients. I can’t stand the Bachelor anymore, it’s just ridiculous!

  2. Linda @ TheFitty on January 6, 2015 at 4:25 am

    I’ve heard of Barry’s bootcamp…it’s intense! Hope you make it back in one peice!

  3. Erin on January 6, 2015 at 4:48 am

    Loved The Bachelor last night! I’m still working out my favorites and feelings on some of the ladies. I couldn’t believe the creepy heart tissue in a cooler…I loved seeing all the Bachelor Nation people! My favorite candy bar is probably the old fashioned Hershey’s bar with almonds.

  4. Brynn on January 6, 2015 at 4:53 am

    The Bachelor was on another level last night! I saw these on your IG last night and was hoping you’d share the recipe. These bars look picture perfect!

  5. Ali @ Peaches and Football on January 6, 2015 at 4:55 am

    I watched The Bachelor last night. Not sure why I did but so many of my friends were pumped about it on Facebook I decided to at least watch one episode…

    But now, inevitably, I need to watch here and there to see who wins. I hope it’s someone normal, lol.

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:12 pm

      me too, but the odds are low haha

  6. Shelly on January 6, 2015 at 5:19 am

    Is there something I can substitute for coconut? I have your book and there are a lot of recipes I want to try but you use it a lot and I just can’t do it ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:12 pm

      usually oat flour is a good switcheroo depending on the recipe

      • 56 year old sistah on June 11, 2018 at 7:19 pm

        Oat flour and coconut are terrible replacements for each other due to variations in hydration levels of each (ingredient), Where did you get this information?

  7. Chicago Jogger on January 6, 2015 at 5:21 am

    I gave up anything sweetened for the month of January, but this is at the top of my list for Feb.! Looks like a delicious snack ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run on January 6, 2015 at 5:26 am

    The Bachelor was definitely interesting. It seems like every season since Sean gets more and more ridiculous and further away from the original rules. Oh, and these protein bars sound delish ๐Ÿ™‚ Looks like a great recipe!

  9. Kassie B on January 6, 2015 at 5:31 am

    Yum! Can’t wait to make them! Would you suggest using them as a snack or meal replacement?!

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      it depends on how large your meals are and how hungry you are! i had one as a snack today

  10. Britt on January 6, 2015 at 5:35 am

    Do I use a bag or a baking dish? I thing you made a typo. But I’m so excited to make these!

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      dish. oops. haha

  11. Amanda @ Slimplify Life on January 6, 2015 at 5:42 am

    Oh.my.gah. The Bachelor had me laughing out loud from second-hand awkwardness many times. My personal fave was Britt because I think she is just the cutest & most genuine.

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      yeah i liked her, too!

  12. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment on January 6, 2015 at 6:10 am

    These look delicious! I have been wanting to make my own protein bars too. The Bachelor is ridiculous! It gets crazier every season.

  13. Jill @ Champagne for Everyday on January 6, 2015 at 6:18 am

    Amazing recipe – they look just like the packaged protein bars that I LOVE and eat when I’m on the road, but I prefer to mostly eat homemade. Problem solved! Making these next time I travel for work ๐Ÿ˜€

    Jill
    Latest Post: The World’s Most Accurate Fitness Tracker – My Week of Shocking Results!

  14. june on January 6, 2015 at 6:42 am

    Good Morning Gina!

    This recipe sounds amazing, my husband and I are going to LOVE these! I wanted to ask, my son, he’s 20 and just starting to get into fitness, recently joined the gym with my hubby– I am looking for a decent protein bar that does NOT contain oats, coconut, dark chocolate or almonds for him. An Almond Joy bar is his nemesis, he just hates those ingredients so much. (I know, he’s like from another planet) Do you have any suggestions to substitute those ingredients into a nutritious protein packed bar?

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      i will brainstorm! everything i can think of at has at least one of those ingredients!

  15. Stacey on January 6, 2015 at 7:05 am

    We only watched the first 15 women last night, but I agree – very interesting! My husband became friends with Chris in college and had a hard time not laughing at everything last night. I suppose when you see your friend ‘acting’ and having to watch his comments at some of the ridiculous things those girls did is probably quite comical. He also has his ‘favorites’ picked out based on how Chris previously dated women… it will be interesting to see if he’s right. Also I’ve never watched any of the dating shows before so I’m glad to read you thought it was a bit over the top as well!

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:10 pm

      no way! that is hilarious that you kind of know him ๐Ÿ™‚ interesting to see if your hubby’s predictions are right!

  16. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen on January 6, 2015 at 7:08 am

    Yum yum yum. These looks so good!!! Pinned for later ๐Ÿ™‚

  17. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on January 6, 2015 at 7:11 am

    I haven’t watched the bachelor in years. It seemed so staged. I saw your bars on Instagram last night. You had me drooling lady!

  18. Alex @ True Femme on January 6, 2015 at 7:26 am

    I just got back from a healthy vacation in Tucson (I thought of you while I was there!) and want to keep up my newfound vigor for health and fitness so I’m definitely making these today!

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:09 pm

      ahhhh where did you stay? how was it? ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. Jessie on January 6, 2015 at 7:34 am

    These look awesome! I just received your book in the mail yesterday and I just started reading it! I’m really enjoying it! Just wanted to say that I really admire you as a military wife (my husband was CG for 4 hrs and we moved A LOT), mom and someone who makes their dreams a reality! I’ve learned a lot about fitness from you and hoping to implement your knowledge, so I can achieve my fitness goals. I’ve been “skinny fat” and just not seeing better results for years because I wasn’t changing up my workout routine and was still eating not so healthy all the time. Thanks again!

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:09 pm

      thank you so much, jessie! lots of love to you <3

  20. Liz on January 6, 2015 at 7:47 am

    I just made these! To die for. Is there anything protein powder and almond butter can’t do together?

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:09 pm

      so true ๐Ÿ™‚ xoxo

  21. Britt@MyOwnBalance on January 6, 2015 at 7:49 am

    Have fun at Barry’s! I’ve never been because I’m too scared but a co-worker of mine says I would love it. Excited to hear your thoughts!

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:07 pm

      it is terrible and awesome at the same time

  22. Sandy@NonFadYogurt on January 6, 2015 at 7:52 am

    These look great! I have a hard time finding protein bars that don’t have crazy amounts of sugar in them, so I love that these only have about 3 grams (when I put it in my nutrition calculator)

    • Sandy@NonFadYogurt on January 6, 2015 at 7:53 am

      Just looked at your nutrition and see that it’s a little more. looks like these can be made a few different ways depending on your nutritional needs! Love them even more now! ๐Ÿ™‚

  23. Les | The Balanced Berry on January 6, 2015 at 7:57 am

    I NEED THESE ๐Ÿ™‚ totally making them tonight. As far as candy bars go, I’ve always been a big caramel fan so Twix and Rolos really float my boat!

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:07 pm

      let me know how they turn out!

      • Les @ The Balanced Berry on January 6, 2015 at 7:14 pm

        SO GOOD. these will definitely be put in the meal prep rotation ๐Ÿ™‚ thanks for sharing!

        • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 10:35 pm

          let me know what you think!

  24. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine on January 6, 2015 at 8:03 am

    Chocolate and coconut will ALWAYS win ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:07 pm

      amen

  25. Amber Schumann on January 6, 2015 at 8:25 am

    Bachelor is probably one of the only shows my hubby and I share an obsession with. Normally he watches his shows while I’m passed out in bed next to him. So last night we curl up in bed, pull up the DVR and hit play. 3 HOURS?!?!?!?!?! Hell no…. we didn’t even manage to stay awake for the actual EPISODE to start. What is that red carpet business?!?! Pretty sure we’re stretching it over the course of the week… haha!

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 3:07 pm

      smart move. i love the red carpet hahah! best part ๐Ÿ˜‰ xoxo

  26. Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork on January 6, 2015 at 9:03 am

    These sound delicious! We often have protein bars around so we can grab them if we know we’re going to be out for a while and may not have access to food (I have hanger issues). Even though we get them as “clean” as possible, it’s always best to make them yourself. These sound great for freezing in bags! Thanks for sharing!

  27. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West on January 6, 2015 at 9:29 am

    Those look divine!

  28. Molly@This Life Is Sparkling on January 6, 2015 at 11:23 am

    I love anything chocolate. Reese’s would probably top the list ๐Ÿ™‚

  29. Domi @ Eat, Pray, Lift on January 6, 2015 at 1:57 pm

    These look diviiiine. I’m kind of freaking out over your little measuring spoon, too – so adorable!

    I actually did NOT watch Bachelor last night. Haven’t decided if I’ll risk the distraction right now (working my bum off to get into grad school for fall!), but if/when I do, there will definitely be some kind of drinking game involved.

    That game will be me with a big glass…or two…of red. Crazypants, I know. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 2:58 pm

      hahah sounds like my kind of party ๐Ÿ™‚

  30. Emily @ Glitz Glam Gluten-Free on January 6, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    Oh my gosh, these look absolutely delicious! I wonder if there is a way to make them grain-free… maybe with all coconut or almond flour instead of the oats? I haven’t had a chance to watch the bach yet, I DVR’d it, but can’t wait to see it!!

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 2:57 pm

      let me know if you try switching it out!

  31. Hannah on January 6, 2015 at 2:18 pm

    These look amazing!! How do they hold up for traveling? I always need something on the go.

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 2:57 pm

      the only traveling they have done so far is from the fridge to my face hahaha. if i take one out and about i will let you know! ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Hannah on January 6, 2015 at 3:01 pm

        Thank you!

  32. Ali on January 6, 2015 at 5:05 pm

    Omg yes, its my vice ๐Ÿ™‚ But seriosuly, was this years requirement that you must be a super model BECAUSE HOT DAMN! I’ve seen some pretty ladies throughout the seasons but it’s like they upped the anti this year and made them all gorgeous! Chris had his works cut out for him. There are worse problems though ๐Ÿ™‚ So glad you enjoy this reality/trash/drama too!

  33. Ash on January 6, 2015 at 5:40 pm

    I’ve been making a version of these for a few years, but decided to give yours a try since they use chocolate protein powder. I made them tonight and they are DELICIOUS!!! I could eat the whole bowl without even making them into bars! ๐Ÿ˜‰ Thanks for the great recipe!

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 10:37 pm

      so awesome! happy you’re enjoying them ๐Ÿ™‚

  34. Sana on January 6, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    I had all the ingredients so I just made these! They are sitting in the fridge right now. Thanks for the recipe ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 10:37 pm

      ohhh hope you love them!

  35. Christina @ The Beautiful Balance on January 6, 2015 at 6:17 pm

    I apologize if you’ve posted this on your blog before but what are your thoughts on the shakeology protein? I’ve heard amazing things about the taste and texture but have yet to give it a go.

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 10:37 pm

      it’s the best i’ve ever tried, hands down. it’s just very expensive

  36. Tammy on January 6, 2015 at 7:17 pm

    OMG, I must make these tonight. I only have sweetened coconut, though. I have a hard time finding unsweetened these days. Are there any changes you think I should make since my coconut is sweetened?

    Thanks so much!!

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 10:35 pm

      maybe nix the honey?

      • Tammy on January 6, 2015 at 10:50 pm

        I thought of that, but wondered if they would hold together as well. I didn’t end up making them tonight, but tomorrow for sure!

  37. Rachel on January 6, 2015 at 7:17 pm

    Do you think you could mix vanilla protein powder with a couple spoons of cocoa powder or carob? I don’t have any chocolate protein powder on hand and really want to make these ASAP!

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 10:35 pm

      definitely! i would do maybe 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder and a heaping T of cocoa powder and see what happens ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Rachel on January 20, 2015 at 4:49 pm

        I tried these with your suggested substitution of cocoa/vanilla protein powder and they were awesome! So good, in fact, that I’m making them again tonight. Great protein bar recipe! I think the chocolate on top really makes them stand out.

  38. Sarah on January 6, 2015 at 8:30 pm

    My Husband & I have Bachelor date nights, after we put our 3 little beauties to bed!!! We each picked our top 5, based solely on looks (before seeing the live show), and then saw them & heard them speak later on the show….we were like, noooo, can we change our minds?!?! ha ha! We both like Brit. I am pulled in by Kelsey’s back-story though – bless her.

    Ohhh I am dying over your recipe! We are doing the Daniels 21 day fast right now, so I am drooling of course! We have the same favorite candy pic too! Anything dark chocolate & sea salt w/ a glass of Apothic Red ๐Ÿ™‚

    You look happy & healthy!!!

  39. Sarah on January 6, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    What protein powder do you recommend, taste wise? I’ve never used it… Also, could you substitute the protein powder for something else, or is it just best to break down and get the powder? thx!

    • Fitnessista on January 6, 2015 at 10:34 pm

      right now, i like shaeology and also love the new daily burn vegan protein powder. i wouldn’t sub it out because it gives it the chocolate flavor and high protein content

  40. Alex @ get big, go to work on January 7, 2015 at 3:41 am

    These looks amazing!! Must make soon ๐Ÿ™‚ And I love the simple ingredient list.

  41. Erin on January 7, 2015 at 6:40 am

    I just made these with a vegan protein powder (Amazing Meal) and peanut butter. AMAZING!!!

  42. Katy @ Have You Hurd? on January 7, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    THESE LOOK PHENOM! I shall be pinning the ish out of them ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on January 7, 2015 at 11:22 pm

      let me know how they turn out!!

  43. Anna on January 8, 2015 at 7:50 am

    Should the coconut oil should be melted or just softened? I’m planning on making these tonight. Thanks for a delicious looking bar recipe!

  44. Meagan on January 10, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    These look really great Gina ๐Ÿ™‚

  45. Casey on January 11, 2015 at 10:46 am

    These look great Gina! I have everything except protein powder…think I could sub anything for it?

  46. Nicole on January 13, 2015 at 5:01 pm

    I made these tonight and they were great! Definitely going to be a part of my weekly meal prep! Thank you for the awesome recipe!

  47. Ashley Lynn on January 29, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    ridiculous how good these are!!

    • Fitnessista on January 29, 2015 at 3:14 pm

      right!!! they’re too good to be true

  48. Misha on February 11, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    These look amazing!! Can you sub the coconut oil for olive oil? (My apologies if this a stupid question) haha

    • Fitnessista on February 11, 2015 at 3:18 pm

      not a stupid question! you can use better instead but not olive oil

  49. Ash on July 21, 2015 at 9:45 am

    I just shared this recipe over at Hungry Runner Girl since Janae asked for healthy treat/snack ideas. I gave you credit, but just wanted to let you know ( and I hope that it was okay to share!). Haha now that I’ve looked at this recipe again, I need to make them again NOW ๐Ÿ˜‰

  50. Naydine on May 15, 2016 at 12:59 pm

    Made these today, taste is awesome; but they are a bit sticky. I wonder if high altitude is why? Next time I will increase the oats.
    Still a great recipe overall

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