Vanilla Protein Fudge
Enjoy as a post-workout snack or a guilt-free dessert. Either way, this Protein Fudge recipe is a versatile and yummy way to incorporate more protein into your diet.
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This tasty protein powder fudge is always in the rotation. Other favorite no-bake treats include this No Bake Brownie Balls recipe and these Maple Pecan Energy Balls. Yum! Check out all of our Healthy Snack recipes for more inspiration.
Why YOU will love this recipe
- Eating a high-protein diet is a great way to stay full and satisfied. Having protein-packed snacks can be a way to lose or maintain a healthy weight. This protein fudge is a delicious way to do it!
- This fudge protein bar recipe is so easy to make! No special appliances like a food processor are needed.
- It is naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Bonus!
Ingredients
- protein powder – this is a personal choice and everyone has their favorite protein powder – just remember they all absorb liquid a little differently. We recommend using Ora So Lea So Clean in vanilla flavor. It has clean ingredients and works well in all of our recipes. It is also refined sugar-free.
- peanut butter – any natural nut butter may be substituted including almond butter. It is best to use a fresh jar.
- maple syrup – this is a favorite of ours for natural sweeteners. The maple flavor really works for the ‘fudge’ vibe too.
- vanilla extract – if you aren’t using a vanilla protein powder, add a little vanilla into the mix.
- dark chocolate chips – watch for any milk products on the label if that is of concern to you.
- coconut oil – using refined coconut oil is recommended if you prefer a more neutral, less coconutty taste.
- sea salt – a must for every recipe! A subtle pinch of salt brings out the taste in all of your ingredients. We sprinkle flaked sea salt on top.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- spatula or spoon for mixing – either works but really love using these little spatulas for scraping down the sides and incorporating the ingredients.
- loaf pan – for pressing the fudge mixture into and shaping the bars.
- parchment paper – a must for easy cleanup. We recommend using unbleached parchment paper.
- sharp knife and cutting board – for slicing the fudge.
A versatile and handy tool for the kitchen. Durable and easy to clean.
Instructions
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.
Step 1
Start by lining a loaf pan with a piece of parchment paper.
We use small clips on the side to hold the parchment paper in place. It makes it so much easier to press the mixture in if the paper doesn’t slide around.
Step 2
Then, add the base ingredients, the protein powder, peanut butter, and maple syrup to a mixing bowl.
Step 3
Next, stir everything well to blend.
As mentioned above, these small, cute spatulas are the best tool for the job.
Mix it until it has the texture of cookie dough batter.
Step 4
Next, transfer the mixture to the lined loaf pan and use the spatula to press it in firmly and evenly.
Then, place the pan in the freezer.
Step 5
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt together the chocolate chips with the coconut oil.
Keep stirring until the chocolate is smooth and spreadable.
Step 6
Then, take the pan out of the freezer and pour the chocolate on top.
Spread it out evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle a touch of flaked sea salt on top if you use it.
Pop the pan back in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
Step 7
Finally, take the pan out of the freezer and slice the fudge into bars.
Expert tip
The natural oils in a fresh jar of nut butter work so well as a binder for no-bake bars. It is a bit of work to stir it up, but the effort is rewarded with a firm texture.
Recipe variations
- Use chocolate protein powder or add a scoop of unsweetened cocoa powder to create a chocolatey twist on this protein fudge.
- You can substitute various types of protein powder, such as whey protein powder, casein, plant-based (pea, rice, hemp), or even collagen, depending on your dietary preferences.
- Stir in some chocolate chips or cacao nibs into the base mixture for some double chocolate bites.
- Adjust the sweetness by using different sweeteners such as honey, date syrup, or stevia.
Serving suggestions
- Enjoy the protein fudge squares as a quick protein-rich snack that satisfies your sweet tooth.
- Chop the protein fudge bars into smaller pieces and crumble them over your morning oatmeal to supercharge it with a sweet protein boost.
FAQS
If your fudge is too dry, add more nut butter or a tablespoon of maple syrup. If it’s too soft, add a touch more protein powder.
It can be part of a meal or a satisfying snack, but we generally do not recommend it as a complete meal replacement.
Storage tips
Once you slice the fudge into bars, store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for up to a week.
They will become soft at room temperature, so it is best to keep them chilled. If you like a firmer, chewier texture, store them in the freezer. If you prefer a softer bar, store them in the fridge.
More protein-packed recipes
**This recipe was originally posted on May 29, 2013, updated on July 28, 2019, and updated again on August 24, 2023, with recipe notes, writing, and new photos.**
If you’ve tried our chocolate peanut butter protein fudge, please rate the recipe and let us know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. We’re always interested in feedback!
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Protein Fudge
Ingredients
For the base
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup maple syrup
For the topping
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1-2 pinches flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Next, in a medium mixing bowl, stir together the base ingredients, protein powder, natural peanut butter, and maple syrup. Mix until it has the texture of cookie dough.
- Spread the base mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Pop into the freezer.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt together the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
- Then, take the loaf pan out of the freezer and pour the chocolate mixture on top of it. Use a spatula and spread the chocolate into an even layer. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
- Place the pan back in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
- Slice into squares and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Storage tips
- Once you slice the fudge into bars, store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for up to a week.
- They will become soft at room temperature so it is best to keep them chilled. If you like a firmer, chewier texture, store them in the freezer. If you prefer a softer bar, store them in the fridge.
