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Almond Joy Protein Bars {vegan, glutenfree, no-bake}

Super simple and easy-to-make protein bars with all of the great flavor of an Almond Joy candy bar! They are no-bake, vegan, gluten-free, and only 123 calories each.

I’ll be the first to admit it: this is a pandering post.

I know good and well that others share my affection/weakness for the combination of chocolate, coconut and almonds, so I am wagering that these will catch your attention. But now that I have concocted and eaten one two of these pucks, I am certain that it will be the flavor and texture of these high-protein, low-sugar sweets that will hold your attention.

This is a no-bake recipe comprising canned chickpeas and vanilla vegan protein powder (specifically, I used rice protein), plus a double dose of coconut (coconut oil and coconut flour). Both contribute true coconut flavor in addition to solidifying power: the coconut flour takes the mixture from a wet hummus-like mixture to a firm dough, while the coconut oil helps to further harden the pucks once they are chilled.

A hint of almond extract and some melted bittersweet chocolate on top are all the you need to seal the deal (no cutting into bars required; thank you, muffin tin).

But if you like, you can add a tiny sprinkle of shredded coconut and some chopped almonds. For these five pucks, I literally used three whole almonds, chopped, and 2 teaspoons of coconut (total) for sprinkling on top–a little goes a long way!

The end result? These taste like luxury candy bars, sans the sugar rush and high calories. In their place, a significant dose of plant protein and micro-nutrients for a measly 123 calories.

Taste the joy!

No-Bake Almond Joy Protein Pucks {vegan+glutenfree}

Yield: 5 pucks
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Super simple and easy-to-make protein bars with all of the great flavor of an Almond Joy candy bar! They are no-bake, vegan, gluten-free, and only 123 calories each. You can easily double the recipe, if desired.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 of a 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1/3 cup plain or vanilla nondairy milk (I used almond)
  • 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil (unrefined, so you get the coconut flavor)
  • 4 packets stevia powder (or to taste/preference)
  • 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
  • pinch of fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup vanilla rice protein powder (I used this one)
  • 3 tablespoons coconut flour
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips, melted
  • Optional: 2 to 3 roasted almonds, finely chopped and 2-3 teaspoons shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Grease or spray 5 cups of a standard muffin tin.
  2. In a blender or food processor, process the beans, milk, oil, stevia, almond extract and salt until blended and completely smooth. Add the protein powder and coconut flour; pulse until blended into a thick dough.
  3. Divide dough into 5 equal portions; rool each into a ball and press into prepared cups. Use the bottom of a small measuring cup to press flat and smooth. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
  4. Drizzle or spoon tops with melted chocolate and, if desired, sprinkle with coconut and almonds. Chill 5 to 10 minutes to set chocolate.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week, or the freezer for 6 months. These will keep at room temperature for up to a day while you tote them around (so long as it is not boiling hot).

Chocolate Option: Instead of topping with chocolate, you can instead stir in 1-1/2 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate chips into the dough before shaping.

Nutrition Information
Serving Size 1 puck
Amount Per Serving Calories 123Total Fat 4.9gSaturated Fat 3.8gCholesterol 0mgSodium 78mgCarbohydrates 11.8gFiber 3.9gSugar 2.6gProtein 8.6g

Did you make this recipe?

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Jubilee

Thursday 25th of May 2023

I was wondering if you might have the weight measurements for the ingredients and maybe one or two sweetener replacement ideas? (My dad does not like stevia)

Camilla

Tuesday 30th of May 2023

Added! Thanks Jubilee :)

M

Monday 15th of February 2021

I make a variation of these so often, I am so glad I found the recipe! Thank you, these are so delicious and save me a lot of $ :)

Rachel P.

Saturday 2nd of July 2016

Hi Camilla, I stumbled across your site when I was looking for yellow split pea soup recipes, and now I have this and several other Power Puck recipes bookmarked. :) I've been looking for vegan low carb recipes that don't taste like drywall which is SO HARD...this is a godsend!!

I just ordered some pea protein powder and can't wait to make these almond joys. :)

Camilla

Sunday 3rd of July 2016

OMG, I think we have eaten some of the same vegan "snacks", Rachel--the drywall comment is spot on :) :) :)! So happy that you stumbled onto power hungry, and yay, glad you are giving pea protein a try!

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