Almond Joy Protein Bars will satisfy candy cravings with health goals in check! A healthy, no sugar, high protein recipe with all the coconut, almond and chocolate vibe.
Jump to Recipe Jump to RecipeTheycapture the essence of the classic Almond Joy candy while infusing them with protein and natural goodness. Whether you’re staving off a snack attack, satisfying your sweet cravings, or boosting your protein intake, these bars are the perfect companions.
Ingredients for Almond Joy Protein Bar Recipe:
Caramel Espresso Protein Bars are made with simple and clean ingredients you probably have in your pantry already. Here’s what you need:
The Base
- Vanilla Protein Powder; Quest Nutrition Whey-casein protein powder is what I used
- Unflavored Protein Powder: I use the Multi-purpose mix protein powder from Quest Nutrition
- Oat Flour: You can make your own by blending oats in a high-speed blender
- Coconut Flour
- Unsweetened Almond Milk
The Coconut and Almond Layer
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
- Vanilla Protein Powder: Quest Nutrition Vanilla here again.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk
- Almonds!
For the Topping:
- Sugar Free Chocolate: I used the one from Lakanto here.
Code HAYLSKITCHEN gives you a discount here
- A bit of Coconut Oil
How to make Coconut Almond Protein Bars:
These coconut almond protein bars are a healthy almond joy bar recipe made with protein powder, but are super easy to make!
- Step 1: Mix the Protein Bar Base
Combine the oat flour, coconut flour, vanilla and unflavored protein powder in a bowl. Add milk little at a time and stir the ingredients until they form a sticky, dough-like consistency.
- Step 2: Press into a Pan
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Transfer the protein bar base mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly and pressing it down firmly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Layer
Combine the shredded coconut, vanilla protein powder and milk in a bowl and mix the ingredients to form a sticky, dough-like consistency.
- Step 4: Press on top of Base
Transfer the coconut mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly on to of base, and pressing it down firmly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Top with Almonds
Line almonds – 6 columns, 3 in each row. Press them down gently to ensure they adhere to the coconut.
- Step 6: Chill and Set
Place the dish in the freezer and allow the bars to set for at least 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Slice
Once the bars have set, remove them from the dish using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and slice them into 6 bars.
- Step 8: Melt Chocolate
Melt the chocolate (with oil) in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Once the chocolate is smooth and glossy, pour it over the protein bars.
Note: Use whey-caesin and whey protein powder when specified. It works well with the ratio of ingredients in these healthy caramel espresso bars.
Whey-caesin absorbs more liquid, and whey absorbs less, so you need to adjust the liquid accordingly.
How to High Protein Almond Joy Energy Bars
After crafting these delightful Copycat Almond Joy Energy Bars, you’ll want to ensure they stay fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store them properly:
1. Airtight Container: If you have any coconut almond bars, place them in an airtight container, ensuring they are not stacked too closely. This prevents them from sticking together and preserves their texture.
2. Refrigeration: To extend the shelf life of your homemade Almond Joy Bars. Store them in an airtight container or wrap them in parchment paper to avoid sticking. This can help keep the bars fresh for up to a week.
4. Freezing: If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze your bars. Wrap each bar in parchment paper and place them in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Label and date the container. The bars can stay good in the freezer for up to two to three months.
5. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bars, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. This will restore their delightful texture and flavor.
Alternatives for Healthy Copycat Almond Joy Recipes:
If you don’t have all the ingredients I used, you can try these healthy caramel espresso bars with some of these other alternatives:
- Oat Flour: Use almond flour
- Coconut Flour: About 3-4 Tbsp Almond Flour
- Unflavored Protein Powder: Try more oat flour or unflavored collagen, or even 1 Tbsp coconut flour
- Almond Milk: Use any other milk!
- Sugar-free Chocolate: Use regular chocolate
Vegan Almond Joy Bars Recipe
These high-protein copycat almond joy candy bars can easily be made Vegan with a plant-based protein powder and dairy-free chocolate.
More High-Protein Coconut-y recipes to try:
More Homemade High Protein Candy Recipes:
- Protein Snickers Bars
- Healthy Payday Bars – High Protein
- Peanut Butter Protein Twix Bars
- Protein Mars Bar Recipe
- Butterfinger Protein Bars
- Protein 100 Grand Bars
- Homemade Kit Kat Protein Bars – Healthy, Gluten Free
Almond Joy Protein Bars – Better Healthy Candy!
Ingredients
Base Layer:
- ⅓ cup Oat Flour, 30g
- 2 Tbsp Coconut Flour, 14g
- 2 Tbsp Vanilla Protein Powder, Whey-Casein, 11g
- 2 Tbsp Unflavored Protein Powder, Whey-Casein, 11g, see post for subs
- 3 Tbsp Almond Milk, 45ml
Coconut Layer:
- 1 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut, 75g
- ⅓ cup Vanilla Protein Powder, Whey-Casein, 30g
- 2½ Tbsp Almond Milk, 37ml
Topping:
- 18 Almonds, 21g
- 1 Tbsp Chocolate, Sugar-free recommended below, 14g
- ⅛ tsp Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper; leave an overhang to lift out later.
Base:
- In a bowl, combine oat flour, coconut flour, vanilla protein powder, unflavored protein powder and milk (little at a time) to form a dough.
- Transfer to prepared loaf pan, spread, press down and even out.
Coconut Layer:
- In the same bowl, stir together shredded coconut, vanilla protein powder and milk(adding little at a time).Spread on top of base layer (use back of spoon or spatula to smoothen).
- Press almonds on top – 6 columns, 3 in each row
- Place in freezer 10 minutes.Remove and cut into 6 bars (between columns).
Chocolate Topping:
- Place the chopped chocolate and coconut oil in a shallow bowl and microwave for about 25 seconds – at 10 second intervals – until it’s completely melted. Let cool about 5 mins.
- Drizzle and spread on bars.
Notes
- Nutrition value is calculated using products recommended below.
- See post for alternate ingredients, tips and storage options.
- Quest Nutrition Vanilla Whey-Casein Protein Powder
- Quest Nutrition Multi-purpose Mix (Unflavored) Whey-Casein Protein Powder
- Lakanto Sugar-free Chocolate Bar
- Use code HAYLSKITCHEN for a discount off your order
- Servings: 6 bars | Serving size: 1
- Calories: 187kcal
- Fat: 12g | Saturated fat: 8.2g
- Carbohydrates: 12.1g | Fiber: 4.4g | Sugar: 1.6g
- Protein: 10g
Hey! I'm Haylee
Google Software Engineer
I use my passion for baking (and eating) to create healthy, high-protein, good-for-you and diet-friendly desserts and sweet treats that are actually delicious.
Come join me in Hayl's Kitchen and let's eat high protein, sweet and guilt free!