These Paleo Chocolate Protein Bars are a copycat of the popular RXBars. Made with simple, real ingredients and come together quickly with no baking. Gluten free, dairy free, and Whole30!
These chocolate protein bars made with dates and nuts are not only delicious but also a great source of natural sweetness, fiber, healthy fats, and protein. They make for a convenient on-the-go snack or a tasty indulgence when you're craving something sweet and satisfying.
These are technically Whole30 compliant because they are sweetened with just dates and make a great quick snack. They are also gluten free and dairy free, meeting lots of dietary requirements.
Ingredients for chocolate protein bars
Dates- pitted dates are the base of these bars that help with sweetness and binding them together.
Nuts- raw almonds and cashews are used, but using all of one will work great.
Protein powder- egg white protein powder is what the original bars use, but collagen powder also works just as well. Don't use actually egg whites as that will makes the bars very wet and not able to eat without baking. It's a very different ingredient.
Real Salt kosher salt- this is a large grain salt that balances perfectly with the sweet bar. Any large grain salt will work.
Making the bars
These are super easy to make! In a high powered blender or food processor, chop up the nuts a little to get started. Then add in the dates, cacao powder, and protein powder and blend until combined, stopping and scrapping down the sides as needed. Once combined, press into a prepared pan and place in the fridge to chill. Store covered in the fridge.
These are not as hard and chewy as the original version. The original are a little tougher to chew and stick to your teeth where these are softer and easier to eat. There are also not whole nuts in them which I prefer, it's all more blended together.
The nutrition info is below in the recipe card and it is similar to the original.
Original: Calories 210, Fat 9g, Carbs 24g, Fiber 6g, Sugar 15g, Protein 12g.
These are a little higher calorie, but also higher protein and fat. I didn't figure out the cost difference, but I definitely don't think I spent over $20 on these which is what it would cost to buy. You will love this homemade version are here are some more flavors to try:
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Chocolate Protein Bars (copycat RXBars)
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup egg white protein powder just pure egg whites
- 2 cups pitted dates
- ½ cup cacao powder
- 4-6 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon large grain salt
Instructions
- Line a 9 inch square pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a food processor, add the almonds and cashews and pulse until chopped up.
- Add in the egg white powder, dates, and cacao powder. Process until combined.
- Add in water a tablespoon at a time and process until mixture blends together like cookie dough. It should be moist enough to stick together, but not too wet where it's overly sticky. This may take a minute to fully come together, just keep processing until it does.
- Press evenly into prepared pan, sprinkle with large grain salt and refrigerate.
- Cut into 12 bars. Keep refrigerated for best texture. They can be at room temperature, but will soften.
Jacqueline says
These were so easy and delicious. I used collagen because it’s what I had and I added dark chocolate chips. If you want more protein I would go with egg whites powder. Thanks for the recipe
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Jacqueline! So glad you like them!
Carol says
These are delicious. I wasn't looking for the protein part but a healthy snack so when I didn't have the dry eggs I subbed unsweetened coconut. Wasn't sure how much water I needed so I only used,2 1/2 T and they were a little crumbly. I will use 3 to 4 T water next time. I cut them into 24 pieces which will be good for my snack. Thanks so much. I will continue making these.
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome! Thanks for trying them!
Caleb says
Hey love the recipe! Do you know how you would make the peanut butter choclate versions? I really enjoy these but cashews are very expensive, and the peanut butter chocolate bars have no cashews, just peanuts. Thanks for the recipe again!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Caleb- you could use peanuts in place of the other nuts and it would work fine. I don't eat peanuts so I don't have a recipe for that one.
Jb says
I made these. I loved them. But how do RX make there bars so firm?
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks- I'm glad you like them. I don't know exactly. I'm not sure if they're baked or dehydrated. They are definitely more firm than the homemade version.
Julie says
Hi Jessica!
Thanks so much for sharing. Delicious, and I agree that they’re better than the original! I ended up using a bit more water for a sticker consistency, but otherwise followed the recipe exactly. Will be making these again!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Julie! Thanks for trying them and for the great feedback! I'm so glad you like them 🙂
Teresa Gieschen says
I make these bars and your sunflower bars several times a month - everyone loves them. My problem is my food processor. I burned out the motor on my 20+ year old one and bought a replacement but I am not loving it :-(. What brand of a food processor do you use if I might ask? I also buy organic dates and have learned the hard way that sometimes there are pieces of the pit in there so now I feel everyone.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying them, Teresa! I'm so glad everyone enjoys them! I'd say having a food processor for 20+ years is pretty good! I use a Ninja- I have the one that comes with a blender and food processor part. I'll link it. It works great and the price is a lot better than a Vitamix 🙂 Here's the link:https://amzn.to/2KLhETB
I hope that helps!
PAULA Bowen says
How long will these keep in the fridge?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Paula- they will last up to 3 weeks in the fridge. I hope you enjoy!
Saloni says
I want to make these and travel.i would make it without egg white powder. And add whey protein. Rest the same. how long it will stay without the fridge
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Saloni- I can't guarantee they will come out as good using whey, but they should last 2 weeks in the fridge. It's not that they go bad at room temperature, it just helps keep them firm. They should be okay a few days out.
rh says
what about the mint chocolate flavor, would you add peppermint extract? that's all i could find at the store. (is that the right mint?)
good recipe. i tried it with protein powder b/c i had it and didn't have egg white powder. they didn't bind so well so i made balls and tossed them in coconut. second try with egg white powder worked great.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi! Yes, I think a little mint extract in them would be great. If you're doing a whole30 you need to be careful because no alcohol is allowed and there is alcohol in the extracts sometimes. Thanks- I'm glad you like them!
Laney says
Hey! I made this today and have to say it is absolutely fantastic!! One thing that I would like to point out for anyone making these in the future is to not think the batter looks dry after adding 4-6 tablespoons of water and add more water...I only added 2 more but still think it was better off at 6! Even with an over use of water these are worth the money in the long run if you love RX bars just as much as me! Hope this helps and thank you Jessica for making this recipe available to the public, great work!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Laney! Thanks for trying them. Great tip! I also have over done it with the water on some batches. Luckily it doesn't ruin them, just makes them messy. Thanks for the great feedback!