This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
These apple pie protein bars come together in 10 minutes and taste every bit as decadent as classic apple pie. Plus, each bar is loaded with 12 grams of protein!
If you’ve been following for long, you know I have a very strong opinion when it comes to store-bought protein bars.
Sure, they are convenient, but they’re often filled with unnecessary sweeteners and additives. Plus, they usually don’t contain enough protein!
That’s why I always make my own homemade protein bars, including banana protein bars, cinnamon protein bars, and apple pie protein bars.
Table of Contents
Recipe highlights
- Full of apple pie flavor. If you love the flavors of apple pie but need a more satisfying high-protein snack, these bars are for you.
- 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.
- Diet-friendly. In my kitchen, I’m always in need of snacks that cater to various diets and lifestyles. Luckily, these bars are made without gluten or dairy, and they can easily be made sugar-free, too!
If you’re looking for more classic dessert-inspired protein bars, try my carrot cake protein bars or cookie dough protein bars.
Ingredients needed
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.
- Coconut flour. My favorite high-protein, high-fiber flour that’ll give the bars a perfect cakey and chewy texture.
- Almond flour. I recommend using blanched almond flour instead of almond meal, which will give the bars a gritty texture.
- Protein powder. Use vanilla protein powder for the extra flavor boost. I used brown rice protein, but use whatever protein powder you have on hand.
- Granulated sugar. I used white sugar, but you can use light brown sugar or a sugar-free sweetener if preferred.
- 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.
- 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, like peanut butter or cashew butter, or a nut-free butter like tahini or sunflower seed butter instead.
- Maple syrup. For sweetness and to bind the ingredients together. I’ve also used monk fruit syrup for a sugar-free alternative.
- Applesauce. I prefer unsweetened apple sauce since we already add sugar and maple syrup to the bars.
- Milk. Just enough to thin out the batter. I used unsweetened almond milk.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to make apple pie 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, sugar, 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.
Step 4- Add milk. Using a spoon, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until a thick, firm batter is formed.
Step 5- Shape. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and press firmly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe tips and variations
- Add coconut flour. 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’ll blend all ingredients in a food processor instead of mixing them by hand.
- Sweeten to taste. Taste the bar 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 like to fold in shredded coconut, white chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for a little extra flavor.
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftover apple pie 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, either add less milk to firm up the bars or swap the protein for 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 healthy no bake snack recipes to try
- Peanut butter protein balls– The ultimate no-bake snack for peanut butter lovers.
- No-bake brownie bites– Rich, fudgy bites made without flour or refined sugar.
- No-bake oatmeal bars– Always a favorite in my house!
Apple Pie Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup protein powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 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
Instructions
- Line a large baking dish with greased paper and set aside.
- In large mixing bowl, combine the flour, protein powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice and mix well.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the nut 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 lined baking dish and press firmly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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 🙂