No Bake Brownie Protein Bar

Why You Need This Brownie Protein Bar Recipe In Your Life

• If you want to eat “healthier” but also have a sweet tooth, then this Brownie Protein Bar is just what the doctor ordered! Naturally sweetened with California Prunes, this bar hits all the right notes while providing your body a little extra bang for your nutritional buck!
• It’s quick and easy to make! No need to turn on your oven, simply take out your favorite blender or food processor and in under 30 minutes you can enjoy this snack all week long!
• It’s family friendly, meaning even those picky toddlers will love this too!
• And last, but not least, it’s budget friendly! Meaning you don’t have to spend your hard earned cash on those pricey protein bars!

What You Need to Make These Fudge-Like Healthy Protein Snacks

• California Prunes: Select a pitted, California grown prune for best quality.
• Protein Powder: To keep this gluten free and dairy free, I’ve used a plant-based protein powder blend. You can trial your favorite protein powder in here to see what you prefer. Also, a chocolate protein powder will make this even deeper in flavor, but may add additional sugar. Read the label first to decide what’s best for you.
• Sugar: This is an optional addition, but for those used to really sweet protein bars (like most on the market), may want to add this as they trial these bars.
• Peanut Flour: This is only if you need to make the dough a bit firmer, however you can also add in the protein powder too. The peanut flour will just allow for a richer peanut flavor to shine through (while adding in some additional protein too.)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Believe me when I say this is the easiest, full proof recipe to make! Here’s how to do it!

1. Start by adding the California Prunes, peanut butter, and water to a high powered blender or food processor.

2. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed while processing. Be sure to toss in the salt and additional sugar (if using) during this step as well.

3. Transfer the prune and peanut butter mixture to a medium mixing bowl, then combine with the protein powder and cocoa powder.

4. Mix until combined, noting that the dough should be hard to mix. If it’s too hard, then add a tablespoon more of water. If it’s to sticky, add in a tablespoon of the peanut flour or additional protein powder. You want it to be firm so it can be shaped into the bar.

5. Press into an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment paper, using an additional piece of parchment paper on top to help even out the dough.

6. If adding chocolate and peanut butter topping, melt chocolate in microwave, then slather on top of the bars and sprinkle with crushed peanuts.

7. Set in the fridge and let harden for 30 minutes, or freezer for 15. When ready to enjoy, slice into 12 (or desired serving size) and enjoy!

Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator and use within 2 weeks, or in the freezer and use within 3 months. 

Recipe Tips + Notes

If you’re having a hard time knowing if the consistency of the bars is right, consider these quick troubleshooting tips!

• The dough should be firm, yet moldable still. If there is still visible protein powder or cocoa powder when trying to mix the ingredients together, you need a little more water.
• If the dough is too sticky, it will not harden and will fall apart when you cut it! You don’t want this (even though it’s still delicious and you can use the crumbles on top of yogurt!) If this is the case, add in a little peanut flour or additional protein powder to allow the bar to take shape.
• You do not have to add the additional topping of chocolate and peanuts, however it does taste great and adds a little added flare.

Other Swaps You May Consider

• If you want to make this nut free, you can swap in your favorite seed butter and an oat flour. Oat flour is a bit denser, so note you may need a bit more liquid and the consistency will be a bit less chewy and fudge like.
• Almond butter and almond flour also work well in this recipe.

Nutrition Bonus: Why To Cook With Prunes

California Prunes are a wonderful way to add natural sweetness to your recipes, both sweet and savory dishes, while adding a powerful boost of nutrition too! You may remember that Sweet Creamy Balsamic Dressing I paired with the Charcuterie Salad here that featured delicious California Prunes as beautiful blend of the sweet and savory aspects of incorporating prunes into your recipes.

If you’re concerned about the sugar content of prunes, don’t be! Honestly, prunes contain a wonderful blend of both dietary fiber, antioxidants, and carbohydrates that help to stabilize blood sugars while providing your body quite a bit of nutritional bang for it’s buck!

Checkout the plethora of nutrients found in just 4 pitted California Prunes!

Plus, let’s not forget, they add a deep color (hello antioxidants) that make every bite delicious and nutritious!

Other Protein Bars You May Enjoy

If you like this protein bar style of recipe, then you will love these other Shaw Kitchen favorites!

• Raw Peanut Butter Protein Bars
• No Bake Almond Butter Protein Bars
• Pistachio No Bake Snack Bars
• Vegan Crunchy Granola Bar