Apple Protein Bars
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
My apple protein bars come together in 10 minutes and taste every bit as decadent as classic apple pie. Additionally, each bar is packed with 12 grams of protein, so they’re as satisfying as they are delicious.
If you’ve been following for a while, you know I have strong opinions about store-bought protein bars. They’re convenient, sure- but often packed with unnecessary sweeteners and additives, and most of them barely have any protein.
That’s why I always make my own– and have fun experimenting with flavors like banana, cinnamon, and now these apple ones!
Quest’s seasonal flavors inspired this recipe, but in true Arman fashion, I made them cleaner, higher in protein, and even tastier. I tested several batches to make sure they turned out portable, firm, and perfectly spiced. And don’t just take my word for it- my partner and sister both keep these stocked for mid-afternoon snacks!
Table of Contents
Why these are a great high-protein snack
- Full of apple pie flavor. Applesauce, coupled with the warming spices of cinnamon and apple pie spice.
- The texture. The applesauce combined with creamy almond butter adds a soft, moist texture to the bars, giving them the perfect bite.
- A no-bake recipe. I love an easy no-bake recipe, especially when it’s this hands-off.
- Wholesome. These bars are accidentally gluten-free, grain-free, and vegan-friendly.
What readers are saying
★★★★★ – “Thank you! I tried these, and they were just amazing. Great texture and flavor, very filling, no complaints at all. This is now my go-to recipe. I keep these in the freezer for when I’m in a hurry and need something I can grab and take with me.” – Rhiannon
Key Ingredients
The ingredient list may look long, but I promise, they’re all simple ingredients. If you’re a fan of high-protein snacks, you probably have most of them on hand already. I’m also including tested substitutes, too.
- Coconut flour. My favorite high-protein, high-fiber flour will give the bars a perfect cakey and chewy texture.
- Almond flour. I recommend using blanched almond flour instead of almond meal, as it will give the bars a smoother texture.
- Protein powder. I like using vanilla protein powder, as I love the subtle flavor it adds, but any protein powder works (I tested whey, casein, and brown rice protein). My tip for using sweetened protein powders: make sure you like the flavor!
- Spices. I used apple pie spice plus extra cinnamon and nutmeg because I really love those spices, but you could just use apple pie spice if you prefer. If you’ve not seen that before (I know Australian and UK readers struggle with this)
- Almond butter. To add protein and richness to the bars. Make your own or use a store-bought creamy almond butter. Not a fan of almond butter? Use any nut butter, such as peanut butter or cashew butter, or a nut-free alternative like tahini or sunflower seed butter instead.
- Maple syrup. For sweetness and to bind the ingredients together. I’ve also had success using honey, although I definitely could tell the bars had honey in them (it’s a little overpowering).
- Applesauce. I prefer unsweetened apple sauce since we already add sugar and maple syrup to the bars, but if you enjoy super-sweet bars, you can use the sweetened kind.
- Milk. You’ll notice I don’t give a specific amount of milk in the recipe card. The reason for this is that different protein powders need different amounts. Start with one tablespoon, then add more as needed.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to make apple protein bars
Step 1- Prep work. Line a large baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2- Combine dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple pie spice.
Step 3- Add wet ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond butter and maple syrup and heat until melted. Pour the almond butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix to combine. Fold in the applesauce and continue mixing until the batter is crumbly. Add milk until a thick batter is formed.
Step 4- Shape. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and press firmly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe tips and variations
- Thicken the batter. Occasionally, when I’ve made this recipe, the batter will become quite thin. When this happens, add a dash of coconut flour until the dough becomes firm.
- Use a food processor. When I want to save time, I like to use this gadget. Also, mixing by hand gives a denser, doughier texture, while the food processor incorporates more air. Either works- it just depends on whether you like your bars soft or firm.
- Adjust the sweetness. Taste the batter after you’ve mixed everything, and add more sweetener if desired. I find this essential if I’m using unflavored protein powder.
- Experiment with mix-ins. I’ve made these with chopped dried apples folded in and a drizzle of white chocolate over the top and it seriously tastes like dessert!
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
To freeze: Freeze leftover bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Let the bars thaw overnight in the fridge.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you’d like to omit the protein powder, you can either add less milk to firm up the bars or substitute the protein with two extra tablespoons of coconut flour.
Yes! Fold through some finely chopped apples or diced dried apples. If you choose the former, you’ll need to enjoy the bars within a week.
More high protein snacks
- Peanut butter protein balls
- Carrot cake protein bars
- Cookie dough protein bars
- Chocolate protein bars
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Apple Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 cup protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup almond butter can sub for any nut or seed butter of choice
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon milk * see notes
Instructions
- Line a large baking dish with greased paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple pie spice and mix well.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond butter and maple syrup and heat until melted. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and mix well. Add the unsweetened applesauce and mix until combined- The batter should be crumbly.
- Using a spoon, add the milk of choice one spoonful at a time until a thick, firm batter is formed.
- Transfer to a lined baking dish and press firmly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Notes
- Apple pie spice: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice.
- Milk: Start with one tablespoon and continue adding more as needed. When I use some casein powders, I have had to add up to 3/4 cup. Don’t fret if it’s significantly more than a tablespoon.
Nutrition
Originally published September 2019
I like apples very much.
But I never made bars of apple before. Only appleasauce. So this will be change for me.
Thank you! I tried these and they were just amazing. Great texture and flavor, very filling, no complaints at all. This is now my go-to recipe. I keep these in the freezer for when I’m in a hurry and need something I can grab and take with me.
Super easy to make variations too, just by altering the spices. I’ve made a gingerbread variation and a pumpkin spice variation too! Thanks so much for sharing this.
I really want to try these, but what is “mixed spice”?
Thank you! Craving a healthy appley treat as the weather is starting to change..
Hi! It’s a mix of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
How much sugar in one bar? I didn’t see that stat in the nutrition section.
I haven’t calculated it but feel free to plug it into a calorie calculator 🙂
I have a question. Can I sub Oat flour for the coconut and almond flours in your recipes. My body does not tolerate those two flours well, so I was thinking of subbing them for oat flour with a little bit more liquid if needed.
I haven’t tried it myself, but feel free to experiment and see- I’d love to hear how it turns out!
I follow you and have to say I think you are the BOMB DIGGITY 🙂 Everything I have tried has been gold, you’re a genius! Quick question, sorry to bother you, can I use all coconut flour you think? I dont have almond flour and hate to go buy it if I can just use the one? What do you think? ps….THANK YOU for all you do!
I haven’t tried it myself, but feel free to experiment and see- I’d love to hear how it turns out!
These sound really good and I’m eager to try them out. However, before I can even attempt to make them, I need to know what size pan you used and what size did you cut the bars to. Thanks, looking forward to your reply.
I made these using the coconut flour. Was simple to make and looked great when I cut them.
Then I gave one to hubby. He choked and spit out. I tried and it tastes like sawdust. Not good texture at all.
Maybe using oat flour works. I
was disappointed as The breakfast brownies were delicious. Not much like a brownie but a delicious piece of fudge.
Wow, these no bake apple pie protein bars look gorgeous. Combination of taste, I like a balanced diet, a variety of protein and vitamin supplements so that they will have good health. I’m also gonna pin this post on my Pinterest board my followers will love it. Thanks for sharing, Arman!
Hi!
This is not related specifically to these bars (which look delicious by the way, I can’t wait to try them!!) but to bars in general. I’ve found lots of recipes that use Medjool dates. Where I live they’re very expensive (which is a pity, since they’re delicious – and very useful and versatile, apparently!), do you think I could exchange them for prunes? They have a similar consistency, so I thought it might work.
Not sure, never tried baking with prunes or in this recipe 🙂