High-Protein Crispy Treats

5 from 5 votes

High-Protein Crispy Treats

Learn how to make high-protein crispy treats that are vegan & grain-free (and no protein powders)! Made with 4 ingredients, they have 12g protein each and are oil-free, gluten-free & easy to make.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Total Time11

Course: Cookies

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate, high protein cookies, high protein snack, no bake cookies, protein cookies, tvp, vegan grain-free cookies, vegan protein cookies

Servings: bars

Equipment

1 9-inch (22.5 cm) square baking pan
parchment paper

Ingredients

3/4 cup peanut butter (smooth) (see notes for alternatives)
2/3 cup maple syrup (see notes for alternatives)
3 cups TVP (see tips for buying TVP, below)
Optional: pinch of salt (if the peanut butter is unsalted)
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Line a 9-inch (22.5 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper or foil (for easy cleanup and removal of bars from pan).
In a medium mixing bowl, place the peanut butter and maple syrup. Microwave, in 20 to 30 second intervals, until the mixture is hot (the peanut butter will look melty and the maple syrup will be starting to bubble). Whisk until smooth. (see notes for stovetop instructions).
Add the dry TVP and optional salt to the bowl. Stir until completely combined.
Scrape all of the TVP bar mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture in an even layer. Use the spatula to begin pressing and compacting the mixture into the pan.
Now, press more: Use the bottom of a smaller pan, or a flat bottom mug or measuring cup, to very firmly tamp down the TVP mixture. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between my tamping "tool" and the TVP mixture to prevent sticking.
Place the chocolate chips in a small mixing bowl (microwave safe). Microwave, in 10 to 15 second intervals (stir each time) until the chocolate is melted.
Pour the melted chocolate over the bars. Spread in an even layer to cover the bars
Chill the bars in the refrigerator (at least 90 minutes) or freezer (at least 30 minutes) until firm and the chocolate is set.
Use the parchment paper liner to transfer the chilled bars to a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars.

Notes

Storage: Store the crispy treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one week, or the freezer for up to six months. The cookies are perfect straight from the freezer (they do not become too hard when frozen)

Stovetop Instructions (If not using microwave):

Peanut Butter Mixture: Place the peanut butter and maple syrup in a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat. Cook and stir until hot and the beginning to bubble. Remove from heat and proceed with the remaining instructions.
Chocolate: Melt the chocolate in a double boiler (or a glass bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water). Stir until the chocolate is melted.

Recipe Tips

Peanut butter alternatives: Use an equal amount of any smooth nut butter or seed butter you prefer. For example, almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, pumpkin seed butter, or tahini.
Maple syrup alternatives: Use an equal amount of agave nectar or brown rice syrup. If you do not follow a vegan diet, you can also use an equal amount of honey.
Use less chocolate: Reduce the amount of sugar and calories (while still getting a good dose of chocolate) by using only 3 to 4 tablespoons of chocolate chips. Melt the chocolate as directed and drizzle over the bars.

Flavor Variations

Dried Fruit: Add up to 1/4 cup of chopped dried fruit, such as raisins, dried apricots, dried cherries, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, or dried figs to the TVP mixture.
Nuts or Seeds: Add 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds, such as walnuts, pecans, peanuts, almonds, pepitas, or sunflower seeds to the TVP mixture (or sprinkle on top of the melted chocolate layer before chilling).
Other Chocolates: Use an equal amount of dairy-free white chocolate chips in place of the dark chocolate chips.

TVP Shopping Checklist ✅

Ingredients: Only defatted soy flour
Labeled Non-GMO (and organic, if possible)
No flavorings, colorings, preservatives, or oils
Sealed, airtight packaging (no rips or leaks)
Light beige color, uniform texture
No smell when package is opened
Buy from a trusted brand/source
Purchase in small quantities for freshness
Store airtight in a cool, dark place (or freezer)

Nutrition