Description

These Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake Protein Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack, combining the rich flavors of red velvet with the benefits of protein powder. Perfect for a post-workout boost or a guilt-free treat, these bars are dairy-free and gluten-free, featuring a creamy layer of low-fat cream cheese and a decadent white chocolate chip coating.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup coconut flour
3 Tbsp cocoa powder (use dark cocoa powder for deeper color)
1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener (or any granulated sugar of choice)

Wet Ingredients

4 oz low fat cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
2 tsp no-taste red coloring gel (16g)
1/3 cup plus 1 Tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy free milk like cashew or coconut milk)

Topping

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a clean bowl, combine the protein powder, coconut flour, cocoa powder, and monk fruit sweetener (or preferred granulated sugar).
Add Cream Cheese and Coloring: Incorporate the softened cream cheese and red food coloring gel into the dry mixture using your hands, ensuring it is evenly mixed throughout.
Knead Dough: Add the unsweetened almond milk gradually while kneading the mixture with your hands until the dough forms. Adjust consistency by adding more coconut flour if too soft, or a teaspoon of milk/water if too thick. The dough should be firm but pliable enough to roll into a ball without crumbling.
Shape and Chill: Form the dough into a rectangular mound. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, then freeze for at least 30 minutes to set the dough.
Cut Bars: Remove the dough from the freezer and use a sharp knife to cut it into 7 equal bars. Keep the bars frozen until the next step.
Melt Chocolate: Microwave the white chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted. For a thinner chocolate coating, optionally mix in 2 teaspoons of coconut or olive oil.
Dip Bars: Dip each protein bar into the melted white chocolate, ensuring an even coating, then place them on parchment paper to set.
Set and Serve: Allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving. Enjoy your healthy red velvet protein bars!

Notes

Use vanilla protein powder with a mild flavor for best results.
Dark cocoa powder will give the bars a richer red velvet color.
Monk fruit sweetener is a low-calorie alternative, but regular granulated sugar or other sweeteners can be used.
For a vegan option, substitute low-fat cream cheese with vegan cream cheese.
If the dough is too sticky or soft after mixing, add additional coconut flour a teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Bars can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet Protein Bars, Gluten Free Snacks, No Bake Protein Bars, Healthy Protein Bars, Dairy Free Snacks