Copycat Quest Protein Bars
These copycat Quest protein bars are a healthier homemade version of their birthday cake flavor!
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I have a confession to make: I’m not a fan of Quest protein bars. Some years ago, I went through a phase where I was obsessed with them, and then I noticed something - I actually felt hungrier after eating a Quest bar than before!
While I do like the taste of Quest protein bars, they were never filling. Around that same time, I became more conscious of the quality of the food I was eating and Quest was one of those foods that I decided to limit. Even though I haven’t had a Quest bar in years, like I said, I did like the taste and texture of their bars. So, here is a copycat version of the Quest birthday cake protein bar, since that was one of my favorite flavors!
Protein bars are seen as a quick and easy way to satisfy a craving, but store-bought protein bars typically have lots of artificial sweeteners and processed ingredients, so it is certainly better for you to make your own protein bars at home! Homemade protein bars are super easy - they seriously come together in minutes, and you can make a pan of them that you can slice up and enjoy for days on end.
What are the ingredients for these homemade protein bars?
The basic ingredients for any healthy homemade protein bar recipe will generally include:
Sweetener (maple syrup or honey)
Are protein bars healthy?
I generally don’t like to categorize individual foods as healthy or unhealthy. Instead, I believe eating a balanced diet that mainly consists of whole foods is more important than scrutinizing individual meals and ingredients.
That being said, store-bought protein bars are a highly processed food, so they’re not something I would reach for every day. They’re a quick way to satisfy hunger, but they generally also include tons of artificial sweeteners and processed ingredients. Quest bars are no different, but I did really like the soft, chewy texture and taste of Quest bars. But, this copycat recipe is a good way to satisfy that craving!
How do you make these vegan protein bars?
Making protein bars at home is super easy! All you’ll do is mix together maple syrup along with a splash of vanilla and almond extract. Add in your nut butter, almond flour, and protein powder, and mix until the dough forms. Press the bars into a pan refrigerate for one hour before slicing and enjoying for days!
What type of protein powder do you use?
Here is a link to the protein powder that I use. Any type of protein powder you have on hand should work for this recipe whether it is whey protein, pea protein, etc. I recommend using a vanilla-flavored protein powder since it pairs well with the birthday cake flavor in this recipe!
Copycat Quest Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 c nut butter - I used cashew butter, but you can use anything you’d like!
- 1/4 c maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 c almond flour
- 1/2 c protein powder
- optional: sprinkles, for topping
Instructions
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Mix the nut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract together in a large bowl.
- Add in the almond flour and protein powder, and mix with a spoon until smooth. The dough will be thick!
- Press the dough into the bottom of the loaf pan. I like thicker protein bars so my dough only filled about 3/4ths of the pan.
- Decorate the top with sprinkles, if using.
- Place in the refrigerator and chill for one hour. Slice the dough into bars to serve.