This page contains some affiliate links. Please review my disclosure policy.
These No-Bake Mint Chocolate Protein Bars are made with just 7 ingredients and in just 20 minutes! No need to turn your oven on or spend hours slaving in the kitchen to make the ultimate on-the-go snack.
Do you ever get flashbacks with recipes? This recipe brings me right back to when I was still living with my parents and my siblings stole all of the treats I made. I love that this recipe has stood the test of time and I still make (and crave!) them today.
The world seems to go crazy over protein balls and energy bites but I don’t see many people make their own protein bars. That changes today! I promise this recipe is just as easy as energy balls… maybe even easier because you don’t have to roll out 32859 balls.
Why Protein Bars?
In my past life, I would have thought protein bars were what bodybuilders and extreme weightlifters needed and ate. That is so not the case! Everybody needs protein… Protein helps with bone health, boosts your metabolism, and helps your body repair after a workout or injury. I don’t think we necessarily need to look to add more protein to our diet but making sure you have a little bit of protein with every snack and meal is a good goal! Which is where these chocolate protein bars come in. They taste amazing and are a balanced snack that you can enjoy any time of day! Plus, you can’t beat the flavor combination of chocolate and mint… so good!
RELATED: No-Bake Protein Oatmeal Energy Balls
Ingredients in No-Bake Mint Chocolate Bars
- dates
- nuts – I used cashews and almonds
- protein powder (whey or plant-based works great)
- cocoa powder
- peppermint extract
- almond milk
- sea salt
How to Make the Best Protein Bar
You need two kitchen supplies to make these bars: a food processor and a baking pan. Start by pulsing the dates in a food process until they’re chopped up into pieces the size of a pea. Add in the nuts and process until the mixture is finely ground. Add in the rest of the ingredients and process until a sticky ball is formed.Â
Place the bar mixture into a baking dish lined with parchment paper and flatten using your hands. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to allow the bars to set a bit. Remove from the freezer, cut into 12 bars and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.Â
PrintNo-Bake Mint Chocolate Protein Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 Bars 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dates
- 1 cup of nuts (I used 1/2 cup cashews and 1/2 cup of almonds)
- 3/4 cup protein powder (I used Vega One French Vanilla but whey protein works too)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 tbsp almond milk (if using whey protein, you will need to use slightly more)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Place dates in food processor and process until pea-like consistency is reached.
- Add in nuts and continue processing until dates and nuts are finely ground.
- Add in protein powder, cocoa powder, salt, peppermint extract and almond milk and process until a well-combined sticky ball is formed.
- Take a 9 x 9 inch baking dish and line with plastic wrap.
- Place bar mixture into dish and flatten, making sure the top is even.
- Place in freezer for at least 15 mins.
- Remove from freezer and lift plastic wrap out of dish.
- Cut into 12 bars.
- Store in fridge or freezer.
*edited: the original recipe used 1/2 cup puffed cereal (I used puffed millet but puffed rice or amaranth works) stirred in at the end. The recipe works with or without it.
Like this recipe? Here are some you might also enjoy:
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Protein Bars
Grain-Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Matcha Protein Energy Bars
Haha! I’m the same was about my food! It’s not that I don’t like to share and if I have made something or ordered something specifically for sharing, I’m more than happy to do so. It’s the taking (without asking) or asking when I really don’t actually want to share that bothers me! It’s just that I would never take/ask for your food. Sorry everyone!
Exactly! I usually just make enough food for me so when someone comes in and eats it I feel like my plans have been totally thrown off! Then I have to figure out a new meal or snack plan!
I’ve been adoring the mint chocolate combo lately! And I’m so bad at sharing…if Eric eats something that I’ve been planning to take for lunch or something that I’d consider ‘my food’ – certain snacks or whatever, there will definitely be death glares.
I legitimately label things with my name so I can claim it as my own…I’m starting to wonder if I may be a bit psychotic!
I couldn’t agree more with you! I love sharing food I make with that purpose but if anyone dares to touch my baking supplies (ie chocolate chips, those always dissapear at my house before I get to use them) or my make ahead meals and snacks… you don’t want ot mess up with me then.
These bars look amazing though. I’m loving the mint + chocolate combo! 😉
The secret chocolate chip stash is key…Certain things I make sure I have a really good hiding spot otherwise a minor freak out ensues if it’s gone!
I bought dates so that I could make bars or balls…I will try concocting something of sorts this weekend!
Wonderful Kierston! Let me know if you end up making them!
these look sooo good – I m glad I dont have food stealers in the house 🙂
lucky you!
🙂 I am the exact same way with food – very good at sharing if it’s made “for the purpose of sharing” but very territorial if I think it’s just for me. Such silliness if you think about it, but it messes with my planning :).
I know I feel like such a tool when I get so worked up over food but when I put so much into it I take it wayyyy too personally when someone eats my food without asking!
Hehe, yep, time to move out and get your own personal refrigerator 😉 I’m ok sharing food I think, but I get territorial about any other of my possessions…especially when they’re new(ish). I almost freaked when my catsitter/friend used my BRAND NEW skillet that I got as a wedding present (before I even got to use it once!) and scratched it. I’m still fuming thinking about it now, actually…. Anyway, these protein bars sound delish. Love that your bro didn’t even know he was stealing them and freely admitted it, haha.
Wayyyy overdo! I could just move in with you thought right???
I would be equally as peeved if that happened to me. Especially because it was brand new! I get people make mistakes but it doesn’t mean I’m not going to dwell on it for days (or years!)
Oh man! Mint AND chocolate! You just deposited in my “love bank”! lol And they look pretty easy to make!
hahahaha I need to get me a love bank!!!
These look good!
Happy birthday to your brother!
Um… sometimes I tell my kids that they can’t have a certain something because I want it!! Sad, rude and very true!!
not sad or rude…or if it is we’re both that way 😉
Such a cute story. I just bought some puffed kamut that would be perfect for these babies! YUM.
puffed kamut would be perfect!!!