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These coconut protein bars need just 5 ingredients to make and taste exactly like Bounty Bars! Ready in just 5 minutes, they pack in over 15 grams of protein each.
Need more protein bar recipes? Try my cookie dough protein bars, cinnamon protein bars, protein granola bars, and carrot cake protein bars next.
When I first started my fitness journey, I thought all protein bars were created equal. Now I realize the importance of making homemade protein bars, and I haven’t looked back since.
My coconut chocolate protein bars look and taste exactly like Bounty Bars, but I make a few high protein (and high fiber) swaps to turn them into nutrient-rich treats. Emphasis on the treat!
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Chewy and chocolatey. Layers of creamy coconut coated in rich dark chocolate? Count me in!
- Just 5 ingredients. Compared to the laundry list of ingredients on most bars, it’s not even close.
- No baking needed. You can have them ready as soon as the chocolate coating firms up.
- Healthy. They’re naturally gluten free and easy to make vegan and or sugar free with a few simple swaps.
Ingredients needed
- Coconut flakes. Unsweetened shredded coconut flakes. DO NOT use the sweetened kind.
- Condensed milk. For the creamy coconut filling. I made my sugar free condensed milk which has fewer calories, carbs, and sugar than standard condensed milk.
- Powdered sugar. To thicken the filling. To keep the sugar down, I used a powdered sugar substitute.
- Protein powder. I used vanilla brown rice protein powder, but any animal or plant-based protein powders work.
- Chocolate. To melt for the chocolate coating. Use chocolate chips or a chopped-up chocolate bar.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to Make Coconut Protein Bars
Step 1- Make the filling. In a large bowl, combine the coconut flakes, powdered sugar, and protein powder. Add the condensed milk and combine.
Step 2- Freeze. Transfer the mixture to a lined 8×8-inch pan and press down. Freeze for 10 minutes to firm up. Slice the mixture into 12 bars.
Step 3- Melt the chocolate. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 4- Coat. Using two forks, dip the coconut bars in the chocolate until coated. Place them on a lined plate and refrigerate them until the chocolate has firmed up.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Make them vegan. Use vegan protein powder, coconut condensed milk, and vegan chocolate chips.
- Add mix-ins. If you like my Almond Joys, stir in some organic almonds, or try peanuts or other chopped nuts.
- Enhance the chocolate flavor. Use chocolate protein powder or fold in two tablespoons of cocoa powder.
- Top the bars with coarse sea salt or a drizzle of nut butter or honey.
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the refrigerator for up to two months.
To freeze: Place the bars in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to six months. Wrap them between layers of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking.
Frequently asked questions
If you’d like protein-free coconut bars, try making bounty bars instead.
More high protein recipes to try
- Protein milkshake
- Coffee protein shake
- Protein balls
- Protein cookie dough
- Or any of my protein powder recipes
Coconut Protein Bars
Video
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar substitute
- 2/3 cup sugar free condensed milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the coconut flakes, powdered sugar substitute, and protein powder and mix well. Add the sugar free condensed milk and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a lined 8 x 8-inch pan and press down. Freeze for 10 minutes to firm up. Slice the mixture into 12 bars.
- Add the chocolate chips in a bowl and microwave for 20-second increments until melted.
- Using two forks, dip the coconut bars in the chocolate until completely coated. Place them on a lined plate and refrigerate the bars until the chocolate has firmed up.
Must it have shredded coconut or can it be coconut flour?
There is no video for the Coconut protein bars, I would like to see how the chocolate is applied
It’s on my instagram and youtube.
I didn’t have condensed milk, so subbed it with honey + a bit of water and omitted the sweetener. They turned out great! 🙂
Love to hear that, Isabela!
That my favorite part
Using the recipe with 2 scoops of casein making 10 bars(~57g each) will result in aprox. 7g of protein in each bar. Any suggestion to boost protein? What is the max number of scoops of protean can I use without messing the recipe?
You could try adding more if you like! Just add a little extra liquid to compensate for it 🙂
My bars pre-chocolate were a bit crumbly, and I have a dipped them in chocolate yet. Still chillin. I’m thinking that if they are too fragile to pick up, I will pour the chocolate over them? Maybe next time I’ll make this in an 8 by 8 inch pan adding a couple of eggs and bake, then cut into bars and chill before dipping. I did taste the coconut mixture though and it was really good.
I wanted to say that after I froze the bars they held together nicely and turned out really perfect! Just like the pictures!
I haven’t had one of those bars in years! Obviously, the healthy version looks much better. The only classic candy bar I’m ever excited to eat any more has to be a Reese’s cup. Somehow the imitations never quite do them justice!
Arman, Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe, looks so yummi!!! Thank you so much 🙂
You are SO welcome, Karol!
Please keep the chocolate coconut combo coming all you please! Love it all
Brilliant site thankypu for the inspiration, love your recipes
I don’t think I have ever tried a bounty bar! But, I’m looking forward to a copycat Kit-Kat bar and Twix bar! Also, I don’t know if something happened in the middle of the publication process, but the amount of servings doesn’t show up in the printable recipe!
Is there a dairy-free option for the sugar-free condensed milk in this recipe?