Monk Fruit Protein Bars Recipe (Low Carb)

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These monk fruit protein bars are a delicious low-carb breakfast, snack, or treat recipe. They’re quick and easy to make.

Prep Time15

Cook Time12

Total Time27

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 196.8kcal

1 cup boiling water
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/4 teaspoons pure liquid monk fruit sweetener (or to taste, see notes below)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
1 cup unsweetened protein powder (spooned into the measuring cup then leveled—not scooped)
Optional topping: melted low-carb or keto-friendly dark chocolate to drizzle on top of the bars (not included in nutrition estimates)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add 1 cup boiling water, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons pure liquid monk fruit sweetener, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a large mixing bowl. Mix well until the cocoa powder is dissolved.
Add 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter, then mix well.
Add 1 cup unsweetened protein powder, then when the mixture is cool enough to handle, use your hands to combine the ingredients until a thick dough is formed (I recommend wearing kitchen gloves to make this easy). If the dough is too crumbly, add 1/4 cup of cold water, plus additional water if necessary, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is moist enough to hold its shape. Some types of protein powder are more absorbent than others, which affects how much water is needed.
Divide the dough evenly into 10 portions, then use your hands to shape into bars and place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 12 minutes.
Let cool completely before removing from the pan and serving.
Optional step: drizzle melted low-carb or keto-friendly dark chocolate on top of the cooled bars, then place them in the fridge for 45 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened before serving.

Since sweetness level can vary between brands (I used Sweet Monk brand), I recommend tasting the batter before adding the protein powder (since it’s easier to mix at that point) and increase to taste if needed. Aim for slightly sweeter than you like, because the sweetness will get toned down slightly once the protein powder is added. If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, start with 1 teaspoon and increase as needed.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.