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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.
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.