These Paleo Apple Cinnamon Protein Bars are a copycat version of the kids RXBAR. They are simple to make, don't require any baking, and make a great snack. Whole30, gluten free, dairy free, and sweetened only with fruit.
I am no stranger to RXBAR's. I have tried all the flavors and have made copycat versions of a few. Here are my Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bars, Sunbutter (Copycat Peanut Butter) ProteinBars, and Pumpkin Protein Bars.
I grabbed this kids version at the store the other day and loved it. Recreating it was so easy and I like how it's snack size. You can cut them bigger to be like the regular size bars if you want, of course!
Egg White Powder or Collagen for protein
Although the original calls for egg white powder, I feel like it's the perfect place to use collagen. Egg whites don't really have any health benefits and collagen is so healthy! You can use either- both are flavorless and add protein.
These bars are made completely in a food processor and are so easy! In 10 minutes they are made and ready to go in the fridge. I do recommend keeping the refrigerated because they get a little soft if kept at room temperature.
These bars are chewy, sweet, spiced just right, and such a good snack. The apple flavor really comes through and the little hint of raisin is perfect. I used apple pie spice which is a mix of spices, but cinnamon will also work.
Here is a breakdown of my bars and the original.
Original: 130 calories, 5g fat, 16g carbs, 3g fiber, 9g sugars, 7g protein
Mine: 136 calories, 6g fat, 14g carbs, 2g fiber, 9g sugars, 7g protein
Very close! Almost exact on all the numbers. If you love this flavor of the original, or any of my homemade versions, then you will love these!
Here are the links to my other copycat versions: Paleo Chocolate Protein Bars, Paleo Sunbutter Protein Bars (Peanut Butter Copycat), Paleo Pumpkin Protein Bars. They are all Whole30 compliant.
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Paleo Apple Cinnamon Protein Bars (RXBAR copycat)
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- ¾ cup raw cashews
- 1 cup pitted dates (about 18-20 Mariani)
- 1 cup dried apples (about 20 rings)
- 1 cup collagen powder (or egg white powder)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice, or cinnamon
- ¼ cup raisins
- 4-6 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Line a 9 inch square pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a high powered food processor, add the almonds and cashews and blend until chopped up. Add in the dates and apples blend until mixture is combined, but coarse.
- Add in the collagen powder (or egg white powder), salt, apple pie spice, and raisins and blend until mixture is combined. Add in water a tablespoon at a time until mixture holds together and everything is evenly incorporated.
- Press into prepared pan and refrigerate until set- at least an hour. Cut into 15 bars- 5x3
Jean Allen says
Hi! These look so good! Do you think an equal amount of (or more?) sunflower kernels would work in place of the cashews? One of my daughters is deathly allergic to cashews and pistachios, so, even though I can eat most nuts, I try not to use cashews so as not to trigger an anaphylactic reaction if she comes in physical contact with them simply through my use.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Jean- you can use any nut or seed in the same amount in place of the cashews. Hope that helps!
Rachael says
These are by far the best protein bars I have ever made. So flavorful. I make them for my mother as a snack during her dialysis treatments. She shared them with the other patients and now I make 6 batches a week!! Our family just loves them. Thank you Jessica!! Also, what I have found is that if you do not chop the nuts as fine, it holds up much better and does not get as soft and messy.
Jessica DeMay says
Thank you for trying them, Racheal! I'm so glad they are enjoyed by so many people. And thanks for the feedback- great tip!
Evelyn says
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing recipes!!! This sounds like another winner and I love that I can use collagen powder. I’m just curious...can I use fresh grated apples in this or will it make it too moist?
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome! I think that may work, but would suggest eating them within a week. Enjoy!
RawMama says
Is there a reason not to stick these in the dehydrator on a raw temp to help them not be quite so soft? They look so yummy, but we usually pack things like this to go, so I would need them to not soften and fall apart.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi! No, I think that's a great idea! That should help with the stickiness and make them perfect for on-the-go. They won't fall apart, just get very soft and messy. Hope you love them!