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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.
- Larabars– You’ll never want to buy them again after you make your own!
- 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 🙂
What is nutritional value?
Hmm not sure, feel free to calculate it using an online calculator! 🙂
Just tried this recipe. I think I’ve done something wrong. The texture is like pumpkin pie. Perhaps I put too much liquid in. I have them in the fridge now. Maybe I’ll try putting them in the freezer.
Hi Susan- It does sound like you put too much liquid- It also could be the protein powder/coconut flour brand 🙂
I just made these and they are amazing!! I used only 1 cup oat flour (because it’s all I had) and 1 cup almond flour. My vega protein powder is sweet enough for me so I did not add any sweetener besides the syrup. I also used no sugar almond butter and it the bars taste perfectly sweet and balanced. These are going to be great on the go to keep me full or for a sweet tooth craving in place of dessert at night!
Thanks so much for the feedback, Alyssa- That makes me so happy!
First time to make these… trying first before I commit to bringing them for a gathering tomorrow. I used the paleo ingredients, but shocked I needed to use a full can of coconut cream. Oh, no! I hope it works. I’ll know in 30 min or so. By the way, it took me a lot longer than 10 min. I mixed by hand using a fork–should I have used a mixer instead? I’m a complete dork when it comes to cooking, so the ‘No Bake’ portion appeals to me. I’ll report soon how these come out. Thanks!
I made these using 2.5 cups of oat flour and mine came out really thin and sticky and darker than yours. I used a medium dish instead of a large one and they are still super thin. Still taste good but dont look anything like your pictures.
Hi Paul! You’d need to use a smaller pan for thick, chewy bars. The pictured version uses coconut flour in it too.
So glad I found this. Thank you for this recipe! Have the LSAT coming up June 6th and we’re suggested to bring a snack, (preferably a protein one, according to my prep instructor). Made a 2 batches of these, one with apple, and….one with pumpkin! Ladies and gents, no bake pumpkin pie protein bars are amazing! They’re just 10 more calories and a nice switch up from apple sauce to canned pumpkin. Now if only I could figure out a nice ” whipped cream icing or frosting” for my pumpkin pie. In no way are they actually dessert, BUT I’ve been wanting a carb binge for about a week now, and these with a coconut milk cafe Au lait quench the urge (full fat coconut milk, homemade cold brew coffee, and a scoop of protein). Can’t wait to experiment more and look forward to more of your recipes <3
Oh fantastic- Thanks so much for the feedback, Gabrielle 🙂
Tasty! It really made me think of an apple spice flavored baked oatmeal, though, more than anything else.
Oh nice! Hope you enjoyed it, Vanessa!
What’s the mixed spice?
Hi Jeremy! Mixed spice is a blend of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg 🙂
Hi, I just made these but sadly they are way too sweet. I used ‘Naturals Crunch 100%’ a granulated sweetener (made from erythritol and steviol glycosides), and brown rice malt syrup. Seems a shame to throw it out but not sure doubling the recipe without sweeteners and adding to the batter will make enough difference. I used Sacha Inchi protein powder which is not sweetened. First time making a recipe like this, any help please?!
Hi there, I’m sorry to hear you found them too sweet- Perhaps it was the protein powder you used and the sweetener- I’ve never tried that before so can only vouch for what I’ve used. 🙂
Sorry realised after you are not American, I was starting to think you had to be to food blog. Also noticed you have cookies as a breakfast though, humm. I am looking forward to testing out your waffle recipes though just got a machine.
And to answer the confusion here as I know the answer I used to excersise alot and could eat whatever I wanted. Now I have a problem with both my legs and back and have to watch what I eat so I can either go without or choose healthy snacks and treat them as most active people do deserts. Just a matter of calories in calories out.
The real question should be why would you make a soup and pie taste of the same thing PUMPKIN, dont get it never have Americans tut.
OK so you eat fluffy pancakes for breakfast (waffels) and you think pumpkins are for making deserts/treats or whatever out of but you are actually having this conversation as to the true meaning of desert ?
Sure did! Thanks Claudia!
Is there a suitable substitute for the protein powder. I don’t use it.
Hi there! You can omit it- However, you’d need to adjust the liquids and add some granulated sweetener to taste 🙂
Good grief man, these look absolutely amazing! I’m trying these!
🙂 Thanks so much, Mary! Enjoy!
Totally going to try these! I LOVE pinterest for this very reason! Question for you, I’ve never used any kind of protein powder, what kind do you use and where do you get it? Also, can you get coconut flour at a regular grocery store?
Hi Heather 🙂 Thank you so much!
For sure- If not, I just included a new page on my site which has my ‘shop’ which pretty much is a collation of all the ingredients I use most often- https://thebigmansworld.com/shop/
I have been eyeing this for a while now and finally got the nerve to make it! I feel like I needed a lot of the almond milk-about 2 cups. is that right? I also wonder how many bars does this make? I just want to know for serving size, thanks! -Ruby
Hi Ruby! For sure- Sometimes, depending on the protein powder and coconut flour you use, you’ll need much more! 🙂
I made around 9-10 bars- They are adaptable based on how thick or thin you want them 🙂
I have been looking for ways to add more protein to my diet without relying on meat (my partner’s vegetarian, but I’m gluten free and soy sensitive, so meat substitutes are also not an option for me.) These look like they tick all the boxes and are something we could both enjoy. I’m excited to try these!
😀 Thanks so much, Tracy- I hope you guys enjoy them 🙂
Just made these bars with a new pumpkinseed protein powder I got and they taste really good! 😀 Looking forward to having one of them after my workout tomorrow :))
😀 Yay! That would motivate me to workout 🙂
Do you think these would be tasty with peanut butter powder added? Or not so much? Just wondering because apples with peanut butter is pretty stinkin delish.
Hi there! I haven’t personally tried it but I reckon it would be delicious- You said it, it is an amazing duo!
Just stumbled across these on Pinterest and they look amazing!! Making something very similar today 🙂
Thanks Rachel! These are a very delicious recipe and has had amazing feedback! 🙂 Enjoy!
These bars are my saving grace when I have a snack attack. Love them!
I couldn’t get the batter dry enough so I ended up rolling this into little apple pie energy bites. They are delicious if a little sticky. I had to make a lot of ingredients myself including the flours(Making oat and almond flour is a blender is beyond easy) and the mixed spice since it’s not a common thing here.
I think you have to use coconut flour for these to work as bars. We don’t have coconut flour though and no one in my family likes coconut either way.
Hi there! The coconut flour is pretty much the key to have the picture like texture- The other flours definitely do work (I often make them for my sister with the oat/almond blend) but I am very wary of the liquid ratio!
I just made this and got lost somewhere in the directions.
First of all what size is the large baking dish?I used 8-1/2 x 11″ and it was not as thick as your picture, nor did it fill up the container.
Next the dairy free milk, if you used 3/4 of a cup in the paleo version, how much in the vegan one?
And what is mixed spice exactly?
Thanks, I appreciate your sharing!
Hi Maureen!
The beauty of these bars is that they can be any shape or form- You can use a smaller dish which will produce a thicker bar. The vegan version, just play it by ear- You only need to add enough until a thick, firm batter is formed.
Mixed spice is a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and all spice 🙂
Thanks so much! So do you think maybe a 1/2 cup of almond milk would be a good place to aim? Love the flavor but I didn’t probably put enough liquid because they are crumbly.
Morning, I just made some pumpkin pie breakfast cookies and they look and smell great! I’m sure they taste just as great as these apple pie bars and your coconut-cashew bars. They really are awesome! I look forward to my coffebreak because I got some cake batter bites, an apple or coconut bar in the evening. These are really great, all three of them. I will start to make more from your site, no-baking is soooo easy. I made coconut-cashew spread and put it in the bars, just to die for
Love your site.
Yay! Thanks so much for your feedback, Miranda- It means a tonne! 🙂
This is about to become my savior. If I add a bit more protein powder, I should be able to get by using this for pre during and post wrestling. …I have been looking for something like this for a while, thank you!
Oh yay! Let me know how you like them, Ana! 🙂
Hi! Can I ask something about this? After you refrigerate the bars, you can save them in the fridge? Or you have to use them always cold?
Hi Clo! You certainly can or you can even freeze them 🙂
Please clarify – can I use a total of 1.5 cups coconut flour (for the 2 cups oat flour & .5 cup coconut flour)? I’m not paleo, but must avoid oats. Thanks.
Hi Kelli- I’d recommend just 1 cup of coconut flour total 🙂
How did you get them to be so thick?? I tried making these and they turned out nothing like the picture. I’m guessing, user error, but I followed the instructions to a T! Do I just need to use a smaller pan? More dairy free milk?
hey Michelle 🙂 No worries- usually it’s the brand of protein powder or coconut flour which has this impact- Do you mind me asking which brands you use? Also, they should be formable using your hands, so any size pan should work. More milk won’t help unless the batter is crumbly 🙂
I just used what I had on hand–Bob’s Red Mill coconut flour (same brand for oat flour) and then tera’s whey protein powder. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Hi, first I want to say I love your recipes and have pinned soooo many of them! I would love to know if you have any ideas for a substitute for nut/seed butter in this recipe. My son is very allergic to nuts and seeds. Would coconut butter work? If not, have any ideas? This recipe looks so good and I would love to make it for everyone in my family to enjoy 🙂
Hey Tara! Thanks so much for your kind words!
Okay- For nut butters/seed butters- I’ve only really tried with soy nut butter and sunflower seed butter- Coconut butter might work but honestly, I’ve never tried it as my full nut butter substitute.
I substituted milk with fresh apple cider, they are pretty nice, but like previous comment I’d like to know the nutritional value of each bar, I guess I’ll have to go get my calculator 😉 – thanks for the recipe 🙂
No worries at all- Thanks for letting me know! for sure, just plug it into your calculator 🙂
These look amazing! Would whey protein powder work well?
Hi Cristina! I don’t recommend using whey as it tends to make baked goods/no bake goods more liquid like- You can try it out and see 🙂
What’s the nutrition info on these bars? Specifically the amount of protein in each bar.
Hey Jenn! If you add the nutritional information into a calorie calculator, it will provide the information for you 🙂
hi! they look sooo nice. but on my place here, there is no (healthy) proteinpowder available. may i substitute it? 🙂
Hi there! You can leave it out just cut back on the milk 🙂 The protein powder I use tends to help with the stickiness 🙂
This recipe definitely wins points for being forgiving. I didn’t have oat flour, coconut flour, apple sauce, or syrup of any kind. Instead I added oatmeal, shredded unsweetened coconut, a handful of dried mulberries, two chopped apples I quickly steamed in the microwave along with the rest of the ingredients listed in my food processor and voila: portable deliciousness. Thank you!
Hi Arman! My uncle spelled his name “Armand”. I was wondering if I could just use GF flour. Must it be oat flour? I have organic oats too. Thank you!
Just trying to clarify some ingredients instructions for the Apple pie bars…new to coconut flour here! How much does this recipe need in total? And what does sifted mean! Don’t laugh, new to this lifestyle (and cooking simultaneously! 😉 )
Don’t be silly, Meghan- Never laughing- Just at my sister.
Are you planning on going the full paleo route? IF so, I’d say stick to 1 full cup total. Sifted just means shaking the flour through a sifter- The coconut flour can at times, be clumpy 🙂
Is the protein powder required, or would it work without? TIA!
These look wonderful, I’m definitely gonna make them soon! I’m just curious as to what type or brand of protein powder you used in your recipe? Thanks!
These sound sooooo good! How many servings are there in a batch?
What is the NET carb count on the no bake apple protein bars?
Hi Tony! If you add these to a calorie counting app it will provide it for you! Enjoy 🙂
Dessert for me is basically anything sweet! It can be healthy or indulgent, but if you constitute something as a “cheat”, then it HAS to be somewhat sinful in some way! Homemade GF, sugar free brownies aren’t cheats!
These protein bars are absolutely MANDATORY for me to make!
Haha that definitely is not a cheat, right?!
Not sure what to use for the “mixed spice” ingredient ? Thanks
Hi Karla! You can use a blend of cinnamon/nutmeg 🙂
I tried this receipt for snacks. It’s really good. it keeps me full. Thanks
YAY! I’m so glad you liked them, Margarette.
Hey, hey, hey… Don’t knock people for calling their protein concoctions “dessert”. Maybe doing so is what stops them from falling off the healthy eating wagon. Half of healthy eating is being mentally on diet too.
No, I personally would never call a protein bar dessert, but, you also shouldn’t be eating 1 Quest bar a day. Your body doesn’t know it’s fake sugar so you still have the same insulin release, and when you’re trying to lose fat and stick to an eating plan, that insulin release triggers other cravings which can sabotage your efforts.
Calling that nuked Quest bar a treat is a good way of keeping them as the occasional snack rather than a daily standard.
Oh, and I happen to love Greek yoghurt with protein powder (with berries & toasted almonds!) although I call it a snack, I wouldn’t rain on someone’s parade if they wanted to tell themselves it’s a dessert so that they can keep eating clean and keep the real refeeds/cheat meals for another time.
Don’t be so harsh, dude!
Okay, that’s my rant-rebuttal done. 😛
All that said. These look great! A bit high in sugars to easily fit into my daily macros, but will certainly try them out and keep them for every other day… or week 😉 🙂
Thanks Mandy! I’m not being harsh at all 🙂 These are my thoughts. I guess the people I see on social media proclaiming things like that as dessert just aren’t something I would consider.
Please do 🙂
Hehe, no worries. I’m still sore from SA losing to Japan at the weekend in the RWC, so I thought I could at least stick up for those trying their best to shed some pounds (me being one of them 😛 ).
Maybe our definition of dessert needs to change. Maybe dessert is any sweet meal that you enjoy and look forward to, even if it is a ruddy protein bar warmed up, lol. (Still not me, but I get it…)
Hell, I would classify half of the breakfast cereals as dessert these days! Coco pops over ice-cream? So good. Actually, I used to often have cravings for a bowl of cereal like Crunchy Nut Clusters after dinner. That in itself says two things. 1) How on earth is that an acceptable breakfast and 2) What the hell is in cereal that it’s something a person can crave!
Anyway, I didn’t mean to come off too strongly myself 🙂
Thanks for the reply 🙂
No worries at all! 🙂
These apple pie protein bars during the day. Real apple pie a la mode at night. Good plan.
But yeah, “pro-yo” is not dessert. Protein powder mixed into Greek yogurt….?
….RIGHT?!
While I definitely can’t handle as much sweetness as I could when I was younger, I definitely know the difference between a healthy snack and dessert — and I love them both. Bites and bars and smoothies named after desserts are usually delicious, but there are some times where only the real deal will do. These look great, mister. Obvs 😛
Thanks Mandoo!
I like that you are saying these aren’t really dessert…I don’t eat dessert often (I’m usually a salty girl), but when I do, I’m quite happy with a fudgy brownie or key lime pie or something decadent. But it’s nice to have a snack that is a bit of a treat that you can eat multiple times throughout the day if you want!
Right? I’ve no joke bought a small container of stuffed grape leaves after your recent recipe- My salty tooth is playing up too!
I love apple pie. It’s one of my favorite things to make in the Fall (i.e. next month; Ha) although I am going to an apple farm today so it might happen sooner. They also have the largest slide at this apple farm so expect ridiculous pictures of me and a bunch of 7 year olds. 🙂 I know how to rock.
I hope an apple fell on your head, Amish style.
Arman these look incredible – did I mention how much I love you for having paleo options?? I can imagine that from the freezer these taste all kinds of fudgy!
Dessert to me is a treat, not something I would have every day but something I save for a Friday or Saturday night – it is NOT, I repeat NOT a quest bar! My idea of dessert would still be grain free but has to include sugar, regular or otherwise. I love fro yo with those glace cherries on top but I also adore ice cream and life without real ice cream would be sad. Ben and Jerrys = dessert perfection!
They are SO good- I love offering a paleo option 🙂
I am not much for apple pie, but I love these apple protein bars! I plan to make them will all coconut flour. Thanks again Arman, for another yummy bar recipe!
You are so welcome, Joanne! 🙂
“My weekly cheat dessert!” – A warmed up protein brownie with some icing which is made of protein powder and lies. I am going to fall off my chair and its going to be your fault.
Haha thanks Dixya!
I absolutely LOVE these protein bars! I can’t wait to make them!
Please do, Lauren! 🙂
It sounds like we have a similar perspective on dessert! A protein bar, whether it’s topped with “icing,” sprinkles, or microwaved so it tastes like “pie” won’t ever be a real dessert to me. A healthy sweet snack is always good in my book , though 🙂
Right? Thanks Liv!
There is a difference between dessert and a sweet snack. Dessert for me HAS to include chocolate, the darker the better. And wine. Both of which I have almost daily.
I am not sure what fall flavor I love more, apples or pumpkin. Lucky for me that I don’t have to pick!
YES. Amen to having them both daily! 🙂
Bookmarking these!
And yeah, a protein bar is NOT dessert. I like to eat healthy desserts (like cookies made from bananas, oats, and chocolate chips) or healthier alternatives, but that’s only because I like to eat a dessert almost everyday. I would also never say I’m “indulging” or going all out by doing so.
YES! Please do- And…save some of the apple for tomorrow’s recipe 😉
AMEN. The worst is when I see someone posting a picture of a Quest bar saying that it is dessert. In what world is a protein bar with like 200 calories considered dessert?! Ours apparently…
Oh no that’s terrible!
All those strategically places photos made me want them more and more the further I scrolled down… haha! I definitely want to try these!
Thanks so much Bri 🙂
Ugh, it frustrates me how we’ve turned “dessert” into any food that doesn’t completely epitomize health, and not what dessert used to be. Seeing someone have a “cheat meal” on social media of a protein bar or homemade protein ice cream or a 100-calorie Popsicle makes me feel guilty. I’ll be munching on my cheesecake or full-fat ice cream with all the toppings thinking I’m doing something wrong. Reading your post though showed me there are still other people out there who know the true meaning of dessert. Sure, your “dessert” can be anything you want. Maybe one day it’s a fruit cup, another a big hunking brownie covered in whipped cream. But the problem lies when we start labeling EVERYTHING as a guilty indulgence.
Right? It’s so annoying but at the end of the day, it’s their own prerogative!
YES ! Apple season is just beginning here for us so I need to get my baking on! What a delicious snack!
YES! Please do!
Ah, I see you have been bitten by the apple bug…or the apple worm…or whatever apples use to bite! These bars look amazing, mate. And only 10 minutes? So I’ve seen the same thing on social media. But here’s the thing about blogging…too many people are just too fakely excited about new posts. (Ahem, kk, ahem) I don’t care whether you call this dessert, breakfast or a snack…I’m going to eat it and enjoy it all the same! Well done, my Ohio friend!
You sent me your apple disease minus the apples. How dare you.
Don’t mention KK. I saw this VERY familiar recipe today.
I could not agree more about the dessert thing- for me dessert is a hot fudge brownie sundae (no added protein or lies)… a sweet treat might be considered a bar like this or a energy bite or something like that…
Hahaha thanks Jess- No lies in that! 😀
I love that you make clear they are not REAL dessert. In the same way if you buy a protein bar at the store that says cheesecake or something, I hope you are aware you’re not in the bakery section 🙂 You would be my mom’s perfect son, she lives on protein bars since she works round the clock and would dearly appreciate these.
OH wow! Hope you make these for her!
Love these! Whether I’m cheating or not, I could eat a dozen!
😀 Cheers, Aimee!
I was JUST talking about on Instagram how I LOVE freezing my bars!! They taste so good straight out of the fridge or freezer! I thought I was the only one who did this! Glad I’m not alone. Also, these look incredible. Apple season FTW!!
Right? SO GOOD!
I actually rarely eat dessert. I reach for savory and salty first every time. BUT! When I do eat dessert, it’s legit. Like, molten lava chocolate cake dessert.
OMG I AM CRAVING THAT NOW!
These are basically the baking version of a smoothie that I used to make (when I did smoothies, lol). So I’m on it (I need some new recipes). My dessert every night is ice cream with nut butter and cereal and then a bar of some sort. and a piece of chocolate. regardless of time of day or amount eaten, )I need my something sweet! Growing up we had fruit for dessert, so that can count as well.
True- I need my nightly ice cream too! 😀
Hi, hi, Apple Pie! <- sung to the tune of a song from a popular German movie only there it's all about 'space taxis in the sky'. Maybe astronauts would like these bars, too? I digress. Apple pie bars sound good to me and I need to add I like that you started testing options not using coconut flour for many of your recipes. While I really like it I have a hard time finding it where I live.
Whether I think certain people on Instagram or elsewhere in this fabulous little online world have a skewed perception of dessert? Definitely. I'm controlling myself not to comment on how far from 'dessert' some of those crazy high protein/low fat/low carb concoctions or bars are. Go and eat some real sugar, real flour dessert, please. I honestly hope these people at least treat themselves during the holidays because trying to tell yourself Greek yogurt mixed with protein powder was anywhere close to the deliciousness of actual desserts is sad.
Hahaha I need to find that song now! 🙂