Vegan Protein Twix Bars (Healthy, No Bake, Date Caramel)
These Vegan Protein Twix Bars are a healthy, no-bake twist on the classic candy bar, made with simple, wholesome ingredients. With a soft cookie base, gooey date caramel, and dairy-free chocolate topping, they are refined sugar-free and packed with protein for a satisfying treat.
Servings: 14 pieces
Calories: 172kcal
Equipment
- 1 bread pan, lined with parchment paper and greased with coconut oil
- 1 medium mixing bowl *for the cookie layer
- 1 food processor *for the date caramel layer
- 1 small microwavable bowl *for the melted chocolate
Ingredients
For the bottom cookie layer:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons vanilla dairy-free protein powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the middle date caramel layer:
- 8 soft Medjool dates, pitted
- 3 tablespoons creamy, natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons vanilla dairy-free protein powder
- ¼ cup plant-based milk *I use almond milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the top chocolate layer:
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a bread pan with parchment paper and then grease with coconut oil spray. Set the pan aside.
- Mix the bottom cookie layer ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. This includes almond flour, protein powder, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Stir until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to the lined bread pan. Press it into the bottom of the pan into an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Make the date caramel. Blend the dates, peanut butter, protein powder, plant milk, vanilla, and salt in a food processor until creamy and pasty. You will need to scrape down the sides a few times.
- Transfer and spread the date caramel in an even layer over the cooled cookie layer. Place the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil into a small microwavable bowl. Heat for 20 seconds, stir, and repeat until the chocolate is smooth and creamy.
- Immediately spread the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and smooth it into one even layer. Place the bars into the fridge for about an hour.
- Once the bars have been refrigerated for about an hour, remove them from the fridge and allow them to sit on the counter for about 10 minutes. Carefully use the parchment paper to lift the dessert out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Then, slice into 7 Twix-sized bars and then cut each into half to make 14 bars.
Notes
Storage:
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 8 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften.
Tips and Modifications:
For clean, even slices, use a long, sharp knife and let the bars sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting so the chocolate layer can slightly soften.
Choose a high-quality vanilla protein powder you enjoy, ideally one with a higher protein content, for a more satisfying and flavorful snack.
Swap the peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer, for a slightly different flavor
If your bars are too soft, place them back in the fridge to firm up longer before slicing or serving.
If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes before blending for a smoother, creamier caramel.
If you love a sweet-and-salty combo, sprinkle a little sea salt over the melted chocolate before placing the bars in the fridge to set for an extra layer of flavor.
Cut the bars into 7 long strips for a classic Twix-style shape, or slice them again into 14 smaller pieces for a lighter, less rich option.
Common mistakes include not chilling the bars long enough to fully set, under-blending the date caramel so it isn’t smooth and creamy, leaving them out at room temperature where they can soften too much, and using lower-quality chocolate or protein powder, which can affect both texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1bar | Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg