These Birthday Cake Protein Bars are 100% better than store-bought protein bars. They’re made with just three nourishing ingredients, they’re ready in five minutes, they contain over 23g of protein each, AND they taste like birthday cake batter!
There’s nothing that makes me feel like I have my life together more than meal-prepping a healthy, sweet snack for the week. One of my favorite meal-prep snacks is my chocolate chip flapjacks, but sometimes I like to prep a high-protein snack or dessert like my Brownie Protein Bars.
This week I felt like trying something new, so I created these Birthday Cake Protein Bars, and boy, were they a hit!
Not only are they incredibly delicious (who doesn’t love sprinkles!?), but they’re also mind-blowingly quick and easy to make – it literally takes five minutes to make. They’re also made in one bowl, and you only need three ingredients. It sounds too good to be true, I KNOW.
Also – can we talk about the price of store-bought protein bars? They’re extortionate in comparison to making your own!
These no-bake protein bars are going to become a new go-to meal-prep snack recipe for me.
They’re really great as a snack, pre-or post-workout, or even dessert. Trust me, you NEED to make these!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- You only need three ingredients.
- They’re ready in five minutes.
- They contain 23g of protein each.
- They taste like birthday cake batter!
- No baking required.
- They’re grain-free, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, and egg-free and can easily be made vegan, too!
- Cheaper than buying store-bought protein bars.
- Made with clean ingredients.
- They’re good for your soul and your body.
Why These Birthday Cake Protein Bars are Better than Store-Bought
- Cost-Effective: One of the biggest advantages of making your own protein bars is the cost savings. Store-bought protein bars can be quite expensive, often costing several dollars per bar. By making your own, you can significantly reduce the cost per bar while still getting a delicious and nutritious snack.
- Clean Ingredients: When you make your own protein bars, you have complete control over the ingredients that go into them. Store-bought bars often contain artificial additives, preservatives, and sweeteners. Homemade bars, on the other hand, can be made with clean, wholesome ingredients that you choose yourself.
- Customizable: Homemade protein bars can be tailored to your specific dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, or low-sugar options, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your requirements. You can also experiment with different flavors and add-ins to keep things interesting.
- Higher Protein Content: Homemade protein bars can be packed with protein without the fillers and lower-quality protein sources often found in commercial bars. With over 23g of protein per bar, these Birthday Cake Protein Bars provide a substantial protein boost to support your fitness and nutritional goals.
- No Unnecessary Ingredients: Many store-bought protein bars contain unnecessary ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and artificial flavors. By making your own, you can avoid these unhealthy additives and stick to nourishing, whole-food ingredients.
Plus, they taste amazing, making them a perfect addition to your meal-prepping routine.
Ingredients Needed:
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this Birthday Cake Protein Bar recipe. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Protein Powder: I use a Whey Protein Powder that just happens to be birthday cake flavor, but you can use vanilla flavor and just add some rainbow sprinkles into the mixture. You can also use Vegan Protein Powder, but you may have to adjust the ratios. Read my “note about protein powders” below.
- Nut or Seed Butter: I wanted to make nut-free protein bars, so I used tahini and it worked wonderfully. You can use any nut or seed butter, however, like cashew, peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, etc. Try to use one that just contains the nut or seed, without added oil or sugar. A runnier texture is also preferred.
- Liquid Sweetener: To add a touch of sweetness to the protein bars while still keeping them refined sugar-free. I like to use honey because it’s more budget-friendly, but you can use maple syrup, agave, date syrup, etc.
- Rainbow Sprinkles: If using vanilla protein powder or if you want to add some extra sprinkles to your birthday cake protein bar.
A note about protein powder:
I’ve used many different protein powders in my day, and I’m sorry to tell you: they’re all different. Some protein powders absorb more liquid, some less; which makes using protein powders in recipes like these a bit tricky. BUT there’s an easy solution to this problem – simply watch the amount of liquid that you add.
Start with the measurements listed in the recipe card below, and then if you notice your mixture is too dry, add some water or milk (one tablespoon at a time) until you reach the correct consistency. If you feel the mixture is too wet, add some extra protein powder.
Dietary Adjustments:
Vegan: Use a plant-based protein powder and a vegan-friendly liquid sweetener like agave or maple syrup. Also – make sure that your rainbow sprinkles are vegan!
Keto: Use a low-carb protein powder, a nut butter without added sugars, and a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
Paleo: Choose a paleo-approved protein powder, such as collagen or egg white protein, and use honey or maple syrup as the sweetener.
Nut-Free: Use seed butter (like sunflower or pumpkin seed butter) instead of nut butter.
Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the protein powder.
Equipment Needed
- Digital Food Scale: for accurate measurements and perfect results.
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Loaf Pan or other small pan
- Parchment Paper
How to make birthday cake protein bars
Here is a detailed summary of how to make these Protein Bars. I’ve also included some photos, and you can find the recipe video in the recipe card. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed.
Step 1:
Prepare your loaf pan or baking tin by lightly greasing it with some butter or cooking spray, then add a sheet of parchment paper to the bottom and up the sides – this makes it easier to remove the protein bars once they’re set.
Step 2:
Add your nut or seed butter and liquid sweetener to a bowl and mix until combined and smooth.
Step 3:
Add in your protein powder and sprinkles if using. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix all the ingredients together. The mixture should resemble thick cookie dough. If it seems too dry, add in some water or milk one tablespoon at a time. If the mixture is too wet, add some more protein powder until you reach the correct consistency.
Step 4:
Transfer the protein bar mixture to your loaf tin and press it in tightly. You can use your hands or a spatula. You can also add some more sprinkles on top and press them into the mixture.
Step 5:
I recommend placing the protein bars in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes just to firm up a bit before slicing. I like to slice into six large bars, but you can cut them smaller if you prefer bite-sized protein bars.
Customization Ideas
- Chocolate Chip: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the mixture for a classic flavor combination.
- Nutritional Boosters: Sprinkle in some chia seeds for added fiber and omega-3 fatty acids or flaxseed for an extra dose of fiber and healthy fats.
- Drizzled Chocolate: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the bars for an indulgent touch. You could also coat the protein bars completely with chocolate – YUM!
- Frosting: You could add some protein frosting or cream cheese frosting on top to add to the “birthday cake” theme.
- Make Protein Balls: You could roll the batter into balls if you prefer protein balls!
Tips & Notes
Protein Powder Consistency: Different protein powders have varying absorption rates. Start with the recommended amount and adjust by adding more liquid (water or milk) one tablespoon at a time if the mixture is too dry, or more protein powder if it’s too wet.
Choosing Nut or Seed Butter: For the best results, use a natural nut or seed butter with no added oils or sugars. A runny consistency is preferable as it mixes more easily with the other ingredients.
Firming Up: For easier slicing, let the bars chill in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 15 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes cutting them into neat bars easier.
Serving Size: Adjust the serving size based on your needs. The recipe makes six large bars, but you can cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces if preferred.
Experimenting with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors of protein powder and mix-ins to find your perfect combination. Vanilla protein powder with added sprinkles mimics the birthday cake flavor well if you can’t find a birthday cake-flavored protein powder.
Batch Size: Feel free to double the recipe if you want to make a larger batch. Just use a larger pan and ensure the mixture is evenly spread and firmly pressed down.
By following these tips and notes, you can ensure that your Birthday Cake Protein Bars turn out perfectly every time. Enjoy experimenting and finding the perfect balance of flavors and textures!
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: Store your protein bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is convenient for quick, on-the-go snacks but be mindful of keeping them in a cool, dry place to avoid melting or spoiling.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the protein bars in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. This method helps maintain their texture and flavor, keeping them firm and ready to eat.
Freezer: If you want to store the protein bars for an extended period, freeze them. Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Can I use a different type of protein powder?
Yes, you can use any type of protein powder, such as whey, casein, or plant-based varieties like pea or hemp protein. Keep in mind that different protein powders absorb liquids differently, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid or protein powder to achieve the desired consistency.
How do I adjust the recipe if my mixture is too dry or too wet?
If the mixture is too dry, add water or milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the right consistency. If the mixture is too wet, add more protein powder in small increments until it firms up to a thick dough-like texture.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based protein powder and a vegan-friendly liquid sweetener like agave or maple syrup. Also, make sure your rainbow sprinkles are vegan.
Can I double the recipe?Here are
Yes, you can double the recipe if you want to make a larger batch. Use a larger pan to spread the mixture evenly and ensure it is firmly pressed down.
some more high-protein recipes for you to try next
- The Best Protein Twix Bars
- Easy and Healthy Protein Cheesecakes
- 4-ingredient protein scones (without butter)
- easy protein poptart (single-serve)
- The Best Brownie Protein Bars (Nut-Free Recipe)
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
Birthday Cake Protein Bars
Equipment
- Loaf pan or other small dish
Ingredients
- 120 g Nut or Seed Butter (½ cup)
- 60 g Liquid Sweetener (3 tbsp)
- 180 g Vanilla or Birthday Cake Protein Powder (1 + ½ cup)
- Rainbow Sprinkles (measure with your heart)
Instructions
- Prepare a loaf pan by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray, then lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the nut or seed butter and liquid sweetener until smooth.
- Add the protein powder and sprinkles (if using) to the bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until the ingredients form a thick, dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add water or milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. If it's too wet, add more protein powder.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared loaf pan, using your hands or a spatula to spread it evenly. Add additional sprinkles on top, if desired, and press them into the mixture.
- Refrigerate or freeze the bars for at least 15 minutes to firm up before slicing.
- Cut into 6 large bars or smaller bite-sized pieces as preferred.
Video
Notes
- Adjusting Consistency: If the mixture is too dry, add water or milk one tablespoon at a time. If too wet, add more protein powder.
- Nut-Free Option: Use tahini or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Sweetener Options: Honey, maple syrup, agave, or date syrup work well. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
- Customization: Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Let me know in the comments below if you make these Birthday Cake Protein Bars!
I can totally tell Chat gpt wrote this. “By following these tips and notes, you can ensure that your Birthday Cake Protein Bars turn out perfectly every time. Enjoy experimenting and finding the perfect balance of flavors and textures!” She says the same thing to me when I ask her for recipes.