Apple Pie Protein Bars

Yields: 6 protein bars

These protein bars taste like you’re eating dessert as a healthy snack! They’ll keep for at least 5 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

½ cup (62g) diced apple (about 1 small)
1 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
¾ cup (60g) soy protein isolate (measured like this)
¼ cup (28g) coconut flour (measured like this)
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup (63g) unsweetened applesauce
¾ cup + 1 tbsp (195mL) unsweetened cashew milk
¾ tsp vanilla crème stevia, or adjusted to taste

Line a 9x5” loaf pan with parchment paper. (See photo in blog post above.)
To prepare the apples, lightly coat a small pan with nonstick cooking spray, and briefly preheat over medium heat. Add the apples and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4-6 minutes or until the apples have softened and the juice appears to have evaporated from the pan. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy protein, coconut flour, remaining ¾ teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Make a well in the center. Pour in the applesauce, cashew milk, and vanilla crème stevia. Mix everything together until just incorporated. Fold in the prepared apples.
Press the mixture into the prepared pan using a spatula, and smooth out the top. Chill for at least 3 hours before slicing into bars.

Notes: This recipe was specifically designed for soy protein isolate (aka powder). Most protein powders behave differently, especially when it comes to absorbing moisture. If you substitute a different plant-based protein powder, you may need to add more protein powder if the dough is too wet OR more milk if the dough is too dry. Do not substitute whey-based protein powder; the bars will not set.

Any milk may be substituted for the cashew milk.

Any sweetener may be substituted in place of the vanilla crème stevia. However, you may need to adjust the amount of coconut flour or soy protein if the dough is too wet OR more milk if the dough is too dry. You’ll need the equivalent of 6-8 tablespoons of granulated sugar. (I highly recommend using the vanilla crème stevia, if at all possible! And you’ll use it in all of these recipes of mine, too!)

For more tips and answers to all other questions, including substitutions, see my Protein Powder Recipes: Tips & FAQ page.

{gluten-free, vegan, clean eating, low fat, low calorie, low sugar, high protein}

Recipe by Amy's Healthy Baking at https://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2016/06/07/apple-pie-protein-bars/