Chewy Cocoa Espresso Walnut Protein Bars with 22 g of protein

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Most homemade protein bars on the internet look cute but fall short where it counts: the actual protein. This recipe? It’s the real deal—nearly 40% protein by calories, which is rare and so clutch for staying full and making real progress with fat loss. It’s rich, chocolatey, satisfying, and built from pantry ingredients that keep the cost around $1.58 per bar—a serious win compared to the $2–$4 price tags on store-bought options that barely keep you full past snack o’clock. If you’re trying to eat in a way that supports your goals and your grocery budget, these bars are about to become a weekly staple.

Early on in my weight-loss journey (100 lbs gone, woohoo!), before I got into cooking, I relied on having a protein bar every day as part of my afternoon snack. But that got expensive—especially in the last couple years. I used to grab Pure Protein bars for around $1 each. Now? I can’t find anything under $1.99. Making my own turned out to be not only cheaper, but way more satisfying.

These days, I don’t always have time to make something totally from whole foods for a mid-day snack—and I really don’t enjoy the hangry feeling that hits around 3 p.m. So I still want something convenient just like my old Pure Protein bars, but it has to be prepped ahead of time.

I figured, “I’ll just find a protein bar recipe online and make a batch myself!” Big mistake. Almost none of the recipes I found came close to the amount of protein per calorie I was looking for. Most were more like energy bars with a little sprinkle of protein, not something that actually helps with weight loss or staying full.

What makes this protein bar actually good for weight loss and staying full?

First, the protein percentage is legit. Each bar has 22 g of protein and clocks in at under 230 calories—which means almost 40% of the calories come from protein. That’s way higher than most store-bought or DIY recipes you’ll find online, and it matters: higher protein helps you stay full longer, keeps cravings in check, and supports fat loss without muscle loss.

Second, there’s some healthy fats and 6 g of fiber, thanks to the flaxseed and walnuts. This combo slows digestion and gives you steady energy without a crash—which is key if you’re trying to avoid that “I need a snack... again” feeling an hour later.

And finally? They’re actually satisfying. The chocolatey flavor, the texture, the little bit of crunch on top... it feels like a treat, not a chore. That means you’ll actually want to eat them, and that’s a big part of staying consistent.

Why isn’t there any honey, maple syrup, or Swerve in this, like all the other homemade protein bars?

Because it doesn’t need it—and honestly, most bars overdo it. A lot of homemade protein bar recipes lean heavy on syrups, dates, or sugar substitutes to make the texture work or add sweetness. But that can rack up calories fast, mess with your blood sugar, or just feel too sweet if you’re eating them regularly.

This recipe skips all of that and still tastes rich, thanks to the cocoa, cinnamon, and a small sprinkle of dark chocolate on top. The yogurt helps everything bind together without the need for syrup, and the walnuts give enough natural texture and flavor that you won’t miss the extra sweetener.

For me, it feels like a protein powder for adults. It’s mature.

If you’re someone who’s trying to lose weight without cutting out all fun or flavor—this hits the sweet spot without relying on sugar to do the heavy lifting.

Step by Step: How to Make These Chewy Cocoa Espresso Walnut Protein Bars

  1. Get your setup ready. Lay out two large pieces of parchment paper on the counter. A quick spritz of cooking spray can help keep things smooth.

  2. Blend the dry stuff. Toss your cinnamon, salt, cocoa, flax, protein powder, and walnuts into a food processor. Pulse until it’s all evenly mixed—no need for it to turn into a paste, just well combined.

  3. Add the yogurt. This is what brings everything together. Keep pulsing until you’ve got a thick, cohesive dough with no dry patches or big walnut chunks.

  4. Shape the bars. Drop the dough onto one parchment sheet. Cover with the second sheet and press or roll it into a rectangle, about ¼ to ½ inch thick.

  5. Top it off. Sprinkle your chopped chocolate and walnut topping over the surface, then gently press it in using the top parchment sheet again so it sticks.

  6. Freeze to firm up. Let the whole slab chill in the freezer for at least two hours.

  7. Slice and store. Use a sharp knife (a little oil spray helps here too) to cut into 8 even bars. Wrap and stash them in the freezer—ready to grab whenever you need a solid snack.

dark chocolate walnut espresso protein bars homemade healthy staten island health coach weight loss 100 lbs megan gaul

Is there a reason you chose Optimum Nutrition?

Yep—because I’ve tried it, and I actually like how it tastes. That might sound basic, but when you’re mixing protein powder into recipes like this, flavor and texture matter a lot. I’ve had others that made everything chalky or way too sweet, and I didn’t want that here.

That said, you can absolutely use whatever brand you like! Just know that the texture or sweetness level might change a bit depending on what you go with. I always recommend checking the label to compare protein content per scoop and make sure the ingredients fit your needs.

Do your own research, but for me? This one works great.

Can I leave out the protein powder?

Not for this one. The protein powder isn’t just for the nutrition—it’s a big part of the structure and texture. Without it, the bars won’t hold together properly, and they definitely won’t be high-protein anymore.

If you’re looking for more of a snack bar without the protein boost, you’d honestly be better off using a totally different recipe. This one is built to deliver on protein, satisfaction, and staying power—so the powder is non-negotiable.

How Else Can I Support My Weight Loss Goal?

You can stay in my circle! My name is Megan Gaul. I’m an online wellness coach specializing in weight-loss and food freedom. My 100-lb weight loss journey, which began in 2018 here in Staten Island, New York (I’ve been maintaining my healthy weight range since then), was the catalyst I needed to start my coaching career in 2021. I have a number of resources that can help you:

Final Thoughts: Enjoying Food and Achieving Your Weight Loss Goals

The best part about these protein bars is that they help you stay on track with your goals without having to rely on the whims of the annoying Fitness-Protein-Swindler companies. You know the ones—charging you way too much for bars that barely deliver on their promises. With these, you know exactly what’s in every bite, and you’re getting a real, satisfying snack that works for your body and your goals.

Plus, making healthy snacks for yourself ahead-of-time is a wonderful and kind thing to do for Future-You.

Chewy Cocoa Espresso Walnut Protein Bars With 22 g of Protein

Chewy Cocoa Espresso Walnut Protein Bars With 22 g of Protein

Yield: 6
Author: Megan Gaul from Partake Meal Planning
Prep time: 15 MinTotal time: 15 Min

It's shocking how little protein "healthy the protein bar" recipes out there actually have. That's why I created my own recipe. It's got 22 g of protein in less than 230 calories, plus, it's got those dark chocolate and walnut vibes I dream of. It's chewy and rich, and since the protein powder is sweetened, I recommend using dark chocolate as the topping so that you have a nice bittersweet contrast to the rest of the bar. I hope you enjoy it!

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Ingredients

For the topping
For the protein bar

Instructions

  1. Make the topping: Finely chop the dark chocolate into shavings. Finely chop the 1/2 oz of walnuts. Evenly mix them together in a small bowl.
  2. Prep your space: Lay out two large sheets of parchment paper on your counter. Lightly spray with cooking oil if you want.
  3. Make the dry mix: In a food processor, combine the cinnamon, salt, cocoa powder, flaxseed meal, protein powder, and walnuts. Pulse until everything is well mixed and powdery.
  4. Add the yogurt: Add most of the Greek yogurt to the mix (hold a little bit back). Pulse again until it forms a dough—no dry spots or big walnut chunks should remain. If it's still powdery after pulsing, add the rest of the Greek yogurt and pulse again until the dough comes together.
  5. Shape the dough: Place the dough on one sheet of parchment. Lay the second sheet on top and roll or press into a square or rectangle about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
  6. Add the topping: Remove the top parchment. Sprinkle the topping (the shaved dark chocolate and chopped walnuts) over the dough. Lay the parchment back over and press so the toppings stick to the rectangle of dough.
  7. Freeze: Freeze the whole sheet for at least 2 hours.
  8. Cut and store: (Optional: Spray a large knife with oil.) Cut into 6 bars. Wrap each one in parchment or plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  9. Serve at your preferred temperature: Sometimes I like this room-temperature (super chewy, almost stick-to-your-teeth). And sometimes, I'm in the mood to have them super-cold, right from the freezer (more crumbly). Find your perfect temp!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

227

Fat

13 g

Sat. Fat

3 g

Carbs

13 g

Fiber

6 g

Net carbs

7 g

Sugar

2 g

Protein

22 g

Sodium

658 mg

Cholesterol

23 mg

This wepbage provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online nutrition data from manufacturer and food retailer websites. By accessing or using this recipe, you are acknowledging and agreeing to the full nutrition information disclaimer for this website, which you can read in its entirety here.

Megan GaulPrep-Ahead, Meal Prep, snack, quick+easy, night-before prepped, Breakfast, 200-300Comment