No bake chocolate cashew protein bars recipe made with simple ingredients.

An easy protein bar recipe that tastes like dessert!

Naturally gluten free, dairy free, and vegan.

These chocolate cashew protein bars are an easy no bake snack.

These are my latest recipe creation and perfect to keep on hand for when the afternoon munchies hit!

I often find myself reaching for a protein bar mid afternoon when I get hungry, which is not always the healthiest option.

Store bought protein bars are often full of tons of sugar and less than wholesome ingredients.

After I made my homemade Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Protein Bars, I couldn’t wait to try out more flavors!

It’s really so easy to make your own protein bars at home.

Next up: these chocolate cashew protein bars.

I’ve really enjoyed making my own protein bars, plus it’s saving us money every week!

All you need are a few staples and you can make your own protein bars at home easily.

Necessary ingredients to make homemade protein bars:

• your favorite protein powder
• cacao powder
• nut butter of choice
• rolled oats
• honey or maple syrup
• salt
• add ins like nuts and chocolate chips.

With those ingredients as a base, there are tons of recipes you can create!

Mix and match to create new flavors and combinations.

I have only made a few no bake protein bars so far, but I am excited to keep trying even more recipes!

How to make no bake chocolate cashew protein bars:

First, mix together the peanut butter and honey until combined.

Next, pulse together the cashews and chocolate chips in a food processor until they are in small pieces, but not totally processed into dust. (See the picture below)

By not totally processing the chocolate chips and cashews, it leaves some little chunks that are great for texture in the bars.

After you stir in the chocolate chips and cashews, add the rolled oats, cacao powder, protein powder, and salt.

Use your hands to mix the batter until it is well combined (it should be dry, not sticky).

Using your hands is easiest at this point because the batter will be thick and the easiest way to ensure it all mixes together is to sort of knead it with your hands.

Line an 8 X 8 pan with wax paper, and leave enough overhang on the edges for easy lifting out after the protein bars set.

This will make your cleanup a lot easier!

I always use wax paper when making no bake recipes like this one, or my healthy no bake cookies or healthy peanut butter freezer fudge.

Press batter into the wax paper covered pan, and make sure to press evenly into all of the corners, until it is a smooth layer on top.

Use your fingers to press the bars into the edges of the pan, then use a rubber spatula to flatten the top of the bars until flat.

Place in the freezer for 20 minutes, or until set.

Lift up wax paper to remove the bars from the pan.

Slice into 8 bars using a knife, and store in the fridge or freezer until ready to eat!

We loved these and they were a nice change from the often too sweet protein bars that we usually buy.

I really recommend making your own protein bars!

You can control the sweetness and ingredients and it really isn’t hard to do.

These were so delicious! I love the salty sweet flavor from the chocolate and cashews.

More recipes using protein powder

Looking for more ways to make protein treats at home? Here are a few of my favorite recipes!

• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Protein Bars
• Chocolate Peanutbutter Protein Balls
• Magic Protein Mug Cake

Are you making this recipe? I want to see! Don’t forget to tag me on instagram @buildyourbite and hashtag #buildyourbite with your recipe creations!

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Chocolate Cashew Protein Bars Recipe:

Yield: 8 protein bars

Chocolate Cashew Protein Bars

Print

Easy no bake chocolate cashew protein bars are a delicious homemade snack!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups gluten free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup roasted salted cashews
• 1/4 cup raw cacao powder 
• 1 1/4 cups creamy all natural peanut butter (only ingredients should be peanuts + salt)
• 1/2 cup honey (or sub maple syrup)
• 1/2 cup vegan vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter and honey until well combined. (I used a rubber spatula)
2. In a high speed blender or food processor, pulse cashews and chocolate chips into small pieces
3. Add cashew/chocolate chip mixture to the bowl along with the peanut butter/honey.
4. Add rolled oats, cacao powder, protein powder, and salt
5. Stir or use hands to combine until it forms a dry batter
6. Line an 8 by 8 pan with wax paper, leaving some hanging over the edges
7. Press batter evenly into pan, pressing into the edges and patting down until it's a flat layer
8. Freeze for 20 minutes, or until set
9. Slice into 8 bars
10. Store in fridge or freezer until ready to eat

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 
  Viva Naturals #1 Best Selling Certified Organic Cacao Powder
• 
  Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Vegan Chocolate Chips
• 
  Bob's Red Mill Vanilla Protein Powder

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 595 Total Fat: 33g Saturated Fat: 7g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 22g Cholesterol: 23mg Sodium: 450mg Carbohydrates: 56g Fiber: 7g Sugar: 26g Protein: 26g

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