Easy Apple Pie Protein Bars {No Protein Powder}

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

These Apple Pie Protein Bars are the perfect healthy snack, especially for workouts. Made with no protein powder, these macro-friendly apple treats will satisfy your cravings with a punch of nutrients.

Did you know you can make protein bars with no protein powder? Let me introduce you to this recipe. It gets its protein from Greek yogurt, a cheap pantry staple you can get at any grocery store.

Easy protein snack with apples

Here on MattsfitChef we already have plenty of macro-friendly snacks. Protein brownie bites, low calorie protein bars and protein granola bars. Yet, something was still missing. Many of you tell me they want to eat more protein without expensive powders, and I get you.

These apple pie bars are an adaptation of my healthy apple cake. Tweaking the original recipe, I combined Greek yogurt with eggs and oats for a boost of nutrients. I promise, you will love this recipe. Here’s why:

Quick and easy – It comes together in a blender with just a handful of simple ingredients. No protein powder, so anyone can enjoy.
Healthy and nutritious – These apple pie Greek yogurt bars are an excellent source of fibers, vitamins and minerals like calcium, and amino acids for your muscle mass.
Sweet and flavorful – With cinnamon and vanilla, they taste like apple pie in the shape of a bar, literally. You won’t guess there’s no refined sugar, no oil and no butter.
Kid friendly – This recipe uses only natural ingredients, so that also kids and toddles can eat. They’re actually ideal for their lunch boxes at school!
Meal prep friendly – Bake a large batch on Sunday and you’ll have snacks for the week. Pack them in your lunch box at work or college, fit them in your gym bag for post workouts, or enjoy in home office.

Ingredients and substitutes

This easy apple protein bar recipe calls for just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s the complete list with details and substitutions. You can find precise quantities in the recipe card at the bottom.

Apple – Choose sweet apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. You can also swap the fruit for ½ cup + 3 tbsp (150 g) of unsweetened applesauce.
Egg – You’ll need a large egg, both white and yolk. As a vegan replacement, use a flaxseed egg.
Greek yogurt – I made these apple cinnamon bars with 2% Greek yogurt, plain and unsweetened. Want alternatives? Use cottage cheese, Skyr, silken tofu or Greek-style soy yogurt.
Rolled oats – Do not swap for quick oats, they’re mushy. Do not swap for steel cut oats, they need different cooking methods. Rolled or old fashioned oats get perfectly blended into flour, adding structure to the bars. Low carb? You can use almond flour instead.
Maple syrup – It adds natural sweetness without refined sugars. Honey, agave and date syrup are also great.
Pumpkin pie spices – You’ll need ground cinnamon and a dash of vanilla extract. If you like it, a pinch of nutmeg is also great.
Baking powder – It helps the bars rise and get moist.

Dietary adaptations

Protein powder – Replace ½ cup (50 g) of rolled oats with your favorite protein powder. I love vanilla whey. It matches so well with the apple cinnamon flavors of Fall.
Low carb – Replace rolled oats with almond flour and sweeten with sugar-free syrups like keto honey.
Gluten-free – Ensure your oatmeal is certified gluten-free.
Vegan – Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg and use a dairy-free yogurt of your choice. For good protein, I recommend soy based products. Silken tofu works too!

How to make apple pie protein bars

Prep the apple. Wash, core, and optionally peel the apple. Cut it into chunks.
Blend the ingredients. In a high speed blender, combine the diced apple with egg, Greek yogurt, rolled oats, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, baking powder and a pinch of salt.
Customize. After blending, you can stir in additional ingredients like apple chunks, dried fruits, chocolate chips or chopped walnuts.
Let the batter rest. Let the batter rest in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Bake protein bars. Transfer the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the middle rack of the hot oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars have set and are cooked inside. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center: it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.
Cool and slice. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into bars.

Serving ideas

High protein breakfast – Here’s a balanced breakfast meal: these cinnamon slices, a bowl of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, some blueberries and chopped walnuts or almond butter. Into savory? Pair them with scrambled eggs instead.
Post workout snack – These Greek yogurt apple bars will refuel your body with a mix of protein, carbohydrates and nutrients. You can serve them with a vanilla protein shake or more Greek yogurt, or pack them in your gym bag for a quick snack after the gym.
Nourishing snack – Ditch store-bought protein bars or sugary snacks for these apple pie protein slices. They’re so convenient to meal prep and pack for the office, or even for your kids’ school breaks. Plus, they’re satisfying and good for you.

More high protein snacks you will love

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and fold a 7×7 in (15 cm x 15 cm) brownie pan with parchment paper.
Wash, core, and optionally peel the apple. Cut it into chunks.
In a high speed blender, combine the diced apple with egg, Greek yogurt, rolled oats, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, baking powder and a pinch of salt.
After blending, you can stir in additional ingredients like apple chunks, dried fruits, chocolate chips or chopped walnuts.
Let the batter rest in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in the middle rack of the hot oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars have set and are cooked inside. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center: it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.
Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into bars.

Storage Directions

To store – Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Once cooled, slice and then place them in an airtight for container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze – For longer storage, freeze the apple slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Before serving, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in hot oven or in the microwave.

Recipe Variations

Vegan – Replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg. As an alternative to yogurt, you can use dairy-free options. Soy is the highest in protein.
Protein powder – Replace ½ cup (50 g) of oats with protein powder, adjusting with a splash of milk if needed. I recommend vanilla flavor.