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
These were making me drool on instagram and now making me drool again- definitely on my to make list- anything no bake is always a winner! I used to love choc and mint in ice cream, but in bars….might have to omit for something else. Also like you- I HATE food thieves if its something I made specifically for myself. Selfish but true :p
not selfish!!!! Especially not when you’re generous all those other times 😉 Can just omit mint altogether if you’d prefer but the taste actually isn’t that strong if you’re up for a risk.
THESE LOOK INCREDIBLE!!! I need to make them asap! I think I might use buckwheat groats instead of nuts for some EXTRA crunch!
buckwheat groats would be awesome! As would chocolate chips…if i’d had any on hand 😉
Bookmarking yet another one of your recipes ;). Also, I am SO like that with food haha
Thanks Jessie 🙂 You are too sweet!
Gurrrllll you are GENIUS! I’m loving the sound of this recipe. And I am the same way with my food. The hub always asks if he can eat something in the fridge just to be on the safe side. I think it’s pretty hilarious yet quite pathetic if I think bout it. Anyway! These look fabulous. I just need some mint extract!
IF only my fam asked first!!!
I hate food thieves! It doesn’t happen much anymore since I only eat a few things around my house, but even then when someone eats all of my chicken and/or vegetables I’m like “I literally have no food to eat!” That chicken takes hours to cook man 😛
These bars sound like a great idea. I’m not a fan of the chocolate mint combo personally, but I am going to pin this because my mom and brother both are 🙂 Is there any other way to get the mint flavor besides the extract? Like mint leaves? Lol. I have no idea what I’m talking about but those would be much easier for me to come by.
Hmmm I like chocolate and mint… not sure how I feel about them together in a protein bar but they look tasty!! May have to pass this recipe on to my brother to try for me!
I am exactly the same way about my food! When I was living with roommates I would label my shelves in the pantry and designate drawers in the fridge…what can I say, I buy my food for me. 😉 Maybe you would be more willing to share your goodies like these amazing looking bars if I shared some goodies in exchange. A dessert swap is in order, perhaps?
I love the idea of making these protein bars at home. I am going to give these a try as I buy too many protein bars! Loving the mint addition!
I end up making most of my buys because otherwise my entire income goes to buying them!
What a great idea for homemade protein bars! I am not sure if I would share these with anyone 🙂
I try not to…but some people just take them anyway 😉
Someone in my house is stealing my Larabars and I can’t figure out who it is. I tried process of elimination for a few months now but it’s hard when you have seven roommates. I don’t take it too seriously, but those $1+ dollars per bar really adds up!
girllll I don’t know how you live with so many people! I maxed out at two. You’re a champ!