Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like classic apple pie but in a healthy, protein-packed form
- No refined sugar, making it a guilt-free snack
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Great for meal prep and busy mornings
- Customizable with different protein powders and mix-ins
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rolled oats
- Vanilla or cinnamon protein powder
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Almond butter or peanut butter
- Honey or maple syrup
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Dried apples or fresh grated apple
- Chia seeds or flaxseeds
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, protein powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add in the applesauce, almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in the dried apples and chia seeds, mixing thoroughly.
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly into the dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Once set, cut into bars and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond or peanut butter.
- Low-Sugar Version: Swap honey or maple syrup for a sugar-free sweetener.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- More Fiber: Mix in ground flaxseed for added nutrition.
- Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.
- Room Temperature: Keep in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days if consuming soon.
FAQs
How much protein is in each bar?
It depends on the protein powder used, but each bar typically contains 10-15 grams of protein.
Can I use fresh apples instead of dried apples?
Yes, but they may add extra moisture, so adjust the oats or refrigerate longer.
What protein powder works best?
Vanilla or cinnamon-flavored protein powder complements the apple pie flavors well.
Can I bake these bars instead of chilling them?
Yes, bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 15-20 minutes for a firmer texture.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats to make them completely gluten-free.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup instead of honey.
Do I need to blend the oats?
No, but for a smoother texture, you can blend them into a flour-like consistency.
What can I use instead of almond butter?
Peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well.
How do I prevent the bars from being too sticky?
Refrigerating longer and adding more oats or chia seeds can help.
Can I add collagen powder for extra protein?
Yes, but adjust the wet ingredients slightly if the mixture becomes too dry.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Protein Bars are the perfect blend of indulgence and nutrition. Whether you need a quick snack, a healthy breakfast, or a post-workout boost, these bars are a great option. Easy to make, customizable, and packed with protein, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your meal prep routine!
Apple Pie Protein Bars
These homemade Apple Pie Protein Bars are the perfect high-protein snack, combining the warm flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with a soft, chewy texture. Packed with oats, almond butter, and protein powder, they are great for meal prep and post-workout fuel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars
- Category: Snacks, Protein Bars
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried apple pieces, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (if needed)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) for about 20 seconds until soft. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. Fold in the dried apple pieces.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it holds together.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly into the dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then slice into bars.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
- Use collagen or plant-based protein powder for dietary preferences.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a dessert-like touch.
