We may earn money from the products/companies mentioned in this post. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I don't think I've ever been so excited about posting a recipe! These are a sweet, chewy, creamy and coconutty delight! I've been wanting to try my hand at homemade protein bars for some time, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to use to hold them together. After some searching, I came upon the idea of using coconut butter. Fortunately for me, I had bought a jar of coconut butter quite some time ago, and it has just been sitting in my cabinet waiting for these beauties!
I knew with the first bite that I had hit upon something golden! When I was trying to decide what to call them, my husband suggested I call them "I Want Some More" Bars - because that is what he is always saying when these are around! Seriously, the first batch I made was GONE in less than ten minutes, and my kids (and husband) were asking when I was going to make more.
These little gems are packed full of good-for-you ingredients. Coconut, coconut oil, protein powder & collagen - all power house ingredients that will treat your body right and make your taste buds sing at the same time!
They are super easy to make - just throw everything in your food processor and give it a whirl! These don't have as much protein as a store bought bar, but they are still decent (and don't have any questionable ingredients). For an even easier recipe check out my Loaded Peanut Butter Protein Bars!
I got 8 bars from this recipe (16 of the smaller ones pictured). Each bar has 14.5 grams of protein (the smaller ones would have just over 7). The protein comes from the rich protein powder and the collagen hydrolysate. (Don't let that big word scare you! If you are unsure about what collagen is or its benefits, check out this article.)
Coconut Cream Protein Fudge Bars {THM-S, Low Carb, Sugar Free, Gluten Free}
- ½ cup coconut butter (I used Artisana 100% Organic Raw Coconut Butter - 14 oz
)
- ½ cup plus 2 Tablespoons protein powder. (I used Jay Robb - Egg White Protein Powder, Outrageously Delicious, Vanilla, but I'm sure the THM Pristine Whey would work equally well!)
- ½ cup plus 2 Tablespoons collagen hydrolysate
- ¼ cup THM Gentle Sweet
- 1-3 teaspoons vanilla (I only used 1 since I had vanilla protein powder. If using plain powder, I would add 2-3 teaspoons.)
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup Lily's Chocolate Chips (optional)
- Place all the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor and process until thoroughly combined.
- Place into desired mold or roll between parchment. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Place in freezer to harden
- Cut into desired shapes (or remove from molds) and store in the refrigerator.
I used a silicone mini loaf pan, then cut the bars in half. (The photos show mini bars - cut into fourths) I will soon be investing in a Bar Silicone Baking Mold - because I will be making a lot more of these!
I put the chocolate chips in the bottom of the loaf pan, then put the protein bar "batter" on top. It's totally up to you how you want to do that!
I think these would be portable up to several hours, but they definitely soften as they come to room temperature, so keep that in mind!
This post contains affiliate links, which provide me with a small commission when you purchase an item through those links. It all goes to the support of my family (and this blog). Thank you for your support!
Coconut Cream Protein Fudge Bars {THM-S, Low Carb, Sugar Free, Gluten Free}
These Coconut Cream Protein Fudge Bars are a great way to curb those cravings.
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut butter (I used Artisana 100% Organic Raw Coconut Butter - 14 oz )
- ½ cup plus 2 Tablespoons protein powder. (I used Jay Robb - Egg White Protein Powder, Outrageously Delicious, Vanilla, but I'm sure the THM Pristine Whey would work equally well!)
- ½ cup plus 2 Tablespoons collagen hydrolysate
- ¼ cup THM Gentle Sweet
- 1-3 teaspoons vanilla (I only used 1 since I had vanilla protein powder. If using plain powder, I would add 2-3 teaspoons.)
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup Lily's Chocolate Chips (optional)
Instructions
Place all the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor and process until thoroughly combined.
Place into desired mold or roll between parchment. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
Place in freezer to harden.
Cut into desired shapes (or remove from molds) and store in the refrigerator.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Patrick Ronaldson
Have you ever used IMO to make protein bars?
dsdjhardy
No, I have never used IMO.
Crystal Sanchez
These are fantastic I had to add more water for some reason? right now they are in the freezer and I cannot help but take a bite whenever I pass by! thanks for the recipe!
dsdjhardy
So glad you like them! They are a favorite of mine!
monika
Is 1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons collagen hydrosolate the same as the beef gelatin that sets? Thanks!
dsdjhardy
No, the collagen hydrosolate is different than the beef gelatin. If you are using Great Lakes brand, you want the kind in the green can, not the red.
monika
thank you for replying.
I'm curious as to what would happen if I did use the orange can. Would it still be edible...?
dsdjhardy
I would think so, but I can't guarantee the results since I haven't tried it myself! ☺️
Michelle
How many carbs per bar?
Ally
The scary word is actually "hydrolysate," not "hydrosolate" 😉 Broken down, it's hydro [water] lyse [break down] ate [product] - the molecular bonds have been broken down by having water molecules inserted, and that makes the amino acids more accessible so the body absorbs them faster. Collagen hydrolysate is made with gelatin and pineapple enzymes, it says on the can.
dsdjhardy
Ally, thank you so much for the correction and explanation! I have corrected it above! 🙂
Rachael
What the heck is THM and what is gentle sweet? Are you able to suggest a substitute for this as UK do not have access to this product.
dsdjhardy
THM stands for Trim Healthy Mama, a simple way of eating for optimal health and weight management! If you do not have access to order the THM Gentle Sweet, I would recommend that you try this homemade recipe. 🙂 Gentle Sweet is a blend of Xylitol, Erythritol, and Stevia. http://joyfilledeats.com/sweetener/
You could also sub whatever sweetener you prefer in place of the Gentle Sweet!
Karina
Trim Healthy Mama is a weight loss plan. You can find the book on Amazon, where you also can find the products recommended in the book.
Robby
How many carbs per bar? You spoke of cutting into a size of 14.5g of protein and 7.5g of protein.
Aimee
Omg, I want to cry! What a waste of expensive ingredients! Mine did not work at all. It was grainy and super oily. The only difference was I didn't have the sweetener so I used a few drops of stevia glycerite instead. In the trash. 🙁
dsdjhardy
Hi Aimee, I'm so sorry you had a bad experience. I have made these over and over and they may seem a bit grainy or oily at first, but once they firm up in the freezer they turn fudgy. The 1/4 cup Gentle Sweet does add some body to the recipe, so you may need to add some more bulk if you are using stevia drops.
Lindsey
I wanted to make a suggestion to person who didn't like these. Try your coconut oil and butter alone. Do you like the flavor? If not try a different brand. I was making lots of recipes and they all tasted "off." It was my coconut oil. It was terrible and had a bitter flavor despite being organic. My sister thought the same. I changed oils and things are tasting much better!
dsdjhardy
Thank you for the tips!
Julie
Yes, thank you for the tip! What coconut oil were you using and what did you switch to?
dsdjhardy
Also, someone else had mentioned that it worked better for them if they left the coconut oil solid when they mixed it, instead of melting it.
Anna
I just made these today and they are delicious! Love the flavor and will be definitely making them again. Just a quick question - mine are really chewy (kind of gummy) even after being in the freezer - is that the correct consistency? Thanks! 🙂
dsdjhardy
Yes, I think so - I think of it more as a fudgy texture. They shouldn't be chewy like gummies, though.
Lindsey
I loved these! So delicious and almost like dessert! I am so excited to have a protein bar without peanuts or almonds as I don't eat either! Thank you! I will be making these again and again! Perfect quick snack!
dsdjhardy
So glad you liked them!! Thanks for sharing!
Jayme
I have made these twice and I'm very thankful for the recipe. I so appreciate the effort and cost that you put into these recipes then publish it for free for all to have. The first time I made them they were a little oily so I just put in the fridge for about 15 minutes and mixed again before placing in my silicone molds. Also, the second time I used my stand up mixer instead of my food processor. I think these are wonderful. I would also like to remind anyone new to this recipe as we are Keto people looking for high fat recipes with moderate protein. Calorie count is not a focus of someone looking for Keto recipes.
dsdjhardy
Thank you for your comments! I will have to try to make them with a stand mixer! These are a favorite of mine!
Andrea
Looks yummy! Do you think these would hold together with out the collagen? Maybe using more protein powder? I had a horrible reaction to the THM collagen- I had massive hives for 2 weeks! And am afraid to try ingesting it again.
Thx
dsdjhardy
Oh dear - I'm sorry you had such a reaction! I would think they would be ok if you doubled the protein powder and omitted the collagen.
Db
What's the carb count? Thanks!
dsdjhardy
I don't count macros when following the THM way of eating, so I'm sorry, but I do not have a nutritional breakdown for these. 🙁
JenniO
Thank you! I've been looking for a affortable way to make protein bars. Do you think I could just use regular collegen? BTW, your recipes and website are wonderful. Thanks for sharing them with us!
dsdjhardy
I usually use Zint collagen in my recipes. 😉
Kathy K
Hi! I have a comment and question. Yes, these are amazing when made with the ingredients just as you have them. However, if the batter is oily I just put it in the fridge for a few minutes and then stir it again. THEN I add the lilys chocolate chips. Here is my question. I have to give these up unless I can find a way to make them without the sweetener. The problem I am having is gassiness and it is brutal brutal brutal. So I am trying to use pure (100% pure) monk fruit and stevia powder (THM) and am having a heck of a time getting the proportions right and having a good solid bar when I'm done. My most recent attempt left me squeezing the batter between sheets of wax paper, freezing them, and then I will try to cut them. They don't taste great either. Do you have the ability or desire to experiment with monk fruit (has to not have any other sweetener in it) and stevia to see if these can be made with enough of EVERYTHING to have the delightful texture of your original creation which my husband and I fight for without leaving people like me with IBS in trouble. Please let me know and thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read my comment and consider this. I do know there are a lot of THM who like me cannot tolerate erythritol or xylitol and have little to any dessert options that aren't pudding lol ♥ all your recipes Thanks again!
dsdjhardy
Hi Kathy! I am so sorry you have trouble with the sweeteners. I have a friend who has a similar issue! I have not used Monk Fruit very much, so I am not very familiar with it. However, if I do at some point get those adjustments figured out, I will be sure to let you know here! ?
Jessie Hougas
These are just amazing! I am also so full and sstisfied after eating them!
Nadine Indovina
Where have these been all my life? They are amazing! I just had 2 of them but hey, it's my Valentine's treat! I thought, I had messed them up because they were kinda oily and grainy but they changed after I put them in the freezer. Didn't have chocolate so I sprinkled some chopped walnuts on them for crunch! Will definitely make them again!
Lisa Cinotti
Before my son realized he has a sensitivity to chocolate he loved these. Have you tried any chopped nuts instead of the chocolate chips? I'm wondering if the natural oils from the nuts change this too much. Thank-you!
dsdjhardy
I have not tried them with nuts, but I think they would work fine. Or you could just leave them as plain coconut.
Kim leinaar
These are amazing. Best protein bar recipe i have found! I have made a vanilla,chocolate coffee, and a chai flavored version. I had no collegen so I added extra protein and it worked out great. Next I want to try using maple syrup and honey for sweeteners. Thanks for the recipe
Natalie
What were your tweaks for the flavors?
Jeanene
Oh my goodness, these are so good! I’ve been putting off making them and so glad that I finally did. I wasn’t sure that they were going to work at first because the consistency was so oily and grainy but I stuck the food processor in the fridge for an hour and the mixture formed up and they turned out great! I added a few pecan pieces along with the chocolate chips and so they are nice and crunchy. I’m so glad to have a delicious alternative to the store bought bars that use so many artificial ingredients.
Donna Mayfield
Is there a substitute for the coconut butter?
Sarah Hardy
No, unfortunately there is no substitute in this recipe. 🙁
Connie Bennett
This bar looks tasty, but I'd like to make it without either xylitol or erythritol but possibly stevia. Other than the stevia leaf occasionally, I like to go completely sweetener free. I'm thinking of adding ginger, cinnamon and possibly 1 Tablespoon of Garden of Life's Raw Organic Fit. Any other ideas?
Also, I think adding 1 T of cacao and about 1 or 2 T of chopped organic walnuts or almonds would make this quite tasty.
Sarah Hardy
You probably could sweeten with only stevia, but I cannot guarantee the results. 🙂 I would start with a very small amount and taste as you go to sweeten to taste.
Kelli Harris
Just made these and they are awesome!! After mixing the ingredients I wasn't certain how they would turn out because they did appear grainy and oily, but once placed in the freezer they transformed into complete and total perfection!! 🙂
Jo
2nd time success! No oiliness this time. Here's what I did differently.
Put all the "dry" ingredients in my food processor and pulsed a few times to mix.
Gently warmed the water and coconut oil. Added a few dashes of lethicin powder and whisked them together to blend. With the food processor running, I drizzled the liquid into the dry - perfection!
Ashley
Do you know what the carbs and sugars are for the bars?
Sarah Hardy
I'm sorry, this is one of my older recipes, posted before I began adding nutritional information.
Rachel
Made these last night and they came out perfect first time around. I did not melt the oil or butter, the oil wasn't hard set to begin with though.
I just blended the oil and butter with dry ingredients, then added the water and it was like taffy. I put it in a quart zippy and smoothed it flat to freeze.
Cheryl M Shockley
These are delicious!!!! I like a pinch of salt w my sweet since starting Keto, so I added 1/8th cup of salted roasted sunflower seeds. Amazing!!! Next batch w be w roasted salted delivered almonds, then try some pistachios!!!! I made mine into 18 bars....they are just the right note after my walk to give me a lil pickup!!! Keep up the great work and bring on more great recipes!!!