Protein cookie dough bark is a no-bake, high-protein vegan treat made with almond flour, plant-based protein powder, and creamy SunButter. It offers a healthy, low-sugar alternative to traditional desserts, ideal for anyone seeking a gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free snack. This easy protein snack is packed with clean ingredients and satisfies cravings without refined sugar or preservatives. It also doubles as a vegan protein bar and dessert in one, perfect when paired with a refreshing mango coconut water smoothie for a balanced snack duo.
To make protein cookie dough bark, mix almond flour, plant-based protein powder, and SunButter into a soft dough. Press it into a pan, top with melted vegan chocolate, and freeze until firm. Slice into pieces and store chilled for a delicious high-protein snack anytime.
In This Recipe
In This Recipe
How to Make Protein Cookie Dough Bark at Home?
Why Make This Healthy Snack?
Protein cookie dough bark is the ultimate high protein snack that blends dessert vibes with clean, plant-based nutrition. It’s no bake, quick to prep, and packed with feel-good ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a vegan protein treat, a homemade protein bar, or a low sugar cookie dough alternative, this bark hits the mark.
Not only is this vegan cookie dough safe to eat raw, it’s also gluten-free, grain-free, and incredibly satisfying. It delivers the chewy texture you crave with none of the junk.
PrintHigh-Protein Cookie Dough Bark Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 scoops plant-based protein powder (vanilla)
- 1/3 cup SunButter (or other nut/seed butter)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or monk fruit syrup for low-sugar version)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1–2 tbsp non-dairy milk (as needed for consistency)
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: flaky sea salt, cacao nibs, crushed nuts, shredded coconut
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix almond flour, protein powder, SunButter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
- Add non-dairy milk as needed to create a soft, scoopable dough.
- Press dough into a parchment-lined tray into a flat, even layer. Freeze for 15–20 minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or a double boiler until smooth.
- Spread chocolate over the chilled dough. Add optional toppings.
- Freeze again for 20 minutes or until the chocolate is firm.
- Slice into pieces and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week or freeze for longer.
Notes
- For a low sugar cookie dough version, use monk fruit syrup or stevia drops.
- Texture tip: freeze before slicing to keep layers neat and solid.
- For added protein, sprinkle hemp seeds or extra protein powder on top before chilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s exactly how to make protein cookie dough bark in under 30 minutes.
1. Make the Dough
In a bowl, mix the ingredients.
Add a splash of dairy-free milk if the dough feels dry. This step creates the perfect healthy cookie dough texture safe to eat raw and rich in plant protein.
2. Spread and Freeze
Press the dough into a parchment-lined tray. Aim for about 1/2-inch thickness. Freeze for 15–20 minutes until firm.
3. Add Chocolate Layer
Melt 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips. Spread over the chilled dough and sprinkle with optional toppings like flaky sea salt, cacao nibs, or chopped nuts.
4. Slice and Store
Return to freezer until chocolate is set. Cut into bark pieces. Store your protein cookie dough bark in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer.
Quick Tips for the Best Bark
- For soft bite, use smooth SunButter and high-quality vegan protein powder.
- Add a few tablespoons of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate chip cookie dough bark twist.
- Press dough firmly to avoid crumbly bark after freezing.
- This recipe yields 6–8 portions great for meal prep, post-workout, or as a vegan dessert bark.
Ingredients Breakdown & Health Benefits
Understanding the ingredients in protein cookie dough bark helps you customize it and know exactly what you’re fueling your body with. This easy recipe combines whole-food, plant-based components to create a nutrient-dense, guilt-free indulgence.
Almond Flour: The Gluten-Free, Grain-Free Base
Almond flour gives the bark its classic cookie dough texture while keeping it gluten-free and grain-free. It’s high in healthy fats and vitamin E, and safe to eat raw making it ideal for a no bake cookie dough treat.
Plant-Based Protein Powder for a Muscle-Boosting Treat
A quality plant based protein powder recipe ensures every bite of your protein cookie dough bark is more than just delicious, it’s functional. Vanilla or cookie dough flavored vegan protein powders work best and blend smoothly into the almond flour base.
SunButter: Nut-Free, Allergy-Friendly, and Creamy
This recipe uses SunButter, a nut-free seed butter rich in magnesium and healthy fats. It creates a luscious dough that’s safe for those avoiding peanuts, while adding mild sweetness and binding the ingredients beautifully.
Want to mix it up? Sub with almond or peanut butter, though it may slightly change the flavor and consistency of your vegan protein bar alternative.
Vegan Chocolate: The Dessert Finish
The melted chocolate layer transforms this snack into a true vegan dessert bark. Use vegan chocolate chips or a chopped dairy-free bar. Choose low-sugar chocolate to keep it light, or 85% dark for a rich finish.
Low-Sugar and Healthy Ingredient Swaps
If you’re watching your sugar intake, replace maple syrup with monk fruit syrup or stevia drops for a low sugar cookie dough version. You’ll still get the chewy texture and sweetness without a blood sugar spike.
Optional Superfood Toppings
Toss on some chia seeds, shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or cacao nibs before freezing. These toppings add texture and nutrition, turning your protein cookie dough bark into a powerhouse vegan chocolate bark.
If you’re looking for more dessert-style snacks that are protein-rich and diet-friendly, don’t miss our easy healthy cottage cheese ice cream recipe.
Why Protein Cookie Dough Bark Is a Great Snack
When it comes to healthy snacking, protein cookie dough bark offers the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. It’s more than just a tasty bite, it’s a thoughtful combination of macro-friendly ingredients that keep your energy up and your cravings in check.
A High Protein Snack That Keeps You Full
Each piece of protein cookie dough bark is loaded with protein from plant based protein powder, SunButter, and almond flour. That protein content helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps you feeling fuller longer ideal if you’re seeking a vegan high protein snack that won’t spike insulin levels like traditional treats.
Plus, it’s far better than most store-bought options which often claim to be healthy but are full of fillers and hidden sugars.
A Dessert That Fits Multiple Lifestyles
This snack doubles as a protein dessert and a clean homemade protein bar. It’s vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, and free of refined sugar, making it an inclusive treat for nearly any dietary preference.
Whether you’re following a plant-based lifestyle, looking for a healthy snack recipe, or managing food sensitivities, this bark fits seamlessly into your routine.
Perfect for On-the-Go and Meal Prep
One of the best things about protein cookie dough bark is that it’s travel-friendly and easy to store. Make a batch, freeze it, and you’ve got an easy protein snack ready to go, perfect for work, school lunches, or post-workout recovery.
Satisfies Sweet Cravings Without the Crash
This bark tastes like classic chocolate chip cookie dough bark but without the sugar crash. Thanks to low sugar ingredients and healthy fats, it offers a slow energy release, making it a smart swap for traditional sweets.
Need more savory inspiration? These high protein vegan sandwiches recipes will round out your meal prep lineup beautifully.
Storage, Shelf Life & Meal Prep Tips
One of the best things about protein cookie dough bark is how well it fits into a meal prep routine. This snack is designed to be made ahead, stored easily, and enjoyed whenever you need a quick protein boost or dessert fix.
How to Store Protein Cookie Dough Bark
Once fully set, store your protein cookie dough bark in an airtight container. For best texture, keep it in the refrigerator where it stays fresh and chewy for up to 7 days. If you prefer a firmer bite, freeze it instead.
In the freezer, it’ll hold up for 2–3 months. Just let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating to soften slightly.
Freezer-Friendly for Busy Weeks
Because this is a no bake cookie dough recipe, it freezes beautifully. Stack slices between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Whether you’re packing snacks for the week or making a larger batch, freezing ensures your vegan protein treat is always ready.
Meal Prep Tips
- Portion out individual servings of your protein cookie dough bark in small containers for grab-and-go convenience.
- Add toppings like pumpkin seeds or coconut flakes before freezing to diversify your snack stash.
- If you’re using it as a homemade protein bar substitute, cut into equal bars and label with protein content.
Best Texture and Taste Tips
- Bark is best eaten cold or slightly thawed for the ideal chewy texture.
- For a smoother chocolate top, reheat frozen slices for 10 seconds in the microwave just enough to soften the chocolate without melting the structure.
- Want a vegan dessert bark experience? Drizzle extra melted chocolate and sprinkle crushed nuts before freezing for a fancier finish.
For another snack that stores well and keeps your protein goals on track, try our cottage cheese banana bread recipe.
Variations & Flavor Ideas
One of the best parts about making protein cookie dough bark is how versatile it is. Whether you want more crunch, extra chocolate, or a new twist on texture, this snack easily adapts to your cravings without sacrificing nutrition.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bark (Classic)
Add 2–3 tablespoons of vegan chocolate chips to the dough before chilling. This gives your protein cookie dough bark that nostalgic cookie dough vibe while still keeping it clean, plant-based, and satisfying.
Double Chocolate Protein Bark
Swap vanilla protein for chocolate-flavored plant based protein powder, and mix in cacao powder to the dough. Top with extra dark chocolate for an indulgent yet healthy vegan chocolate bark.
SunButter or Nut Butter Blends
Customize the flavor by mixing SunButter with almond butter or peanut butter. This changes the profile slightly while preserving that creamy, spreadable texture that makes your vegan cookie dough so satisfying.
Allergic to nuts? Stick with SunButter for a nut-free option.
Grain-Free Crunch Add-ins
To make your bark extra fun, sprinkle in:
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
- Chopped pistachios or walnuts
- Cacao nibs for bitter-sweet crunch
- Shredded coconut or puffed quinoa (still grain-free!)
These add-ins give your protein cookie dough bark an edge making every bite a little different and a lot more exciting.
Low Sugar Flavor Swaps
To turn your bark into a low sugar cookie dough treat, swap maple syrup for:
- Monk fruit sweetener
- Date syrup
- Sugar-free stevia drops
Just a small amount keeps the healthy cookie dough vibe alive without spiking your blood sugar.
Nutrition Facts & Calories
Understanding the nutrition breakdown of your protein cookie dough bark helps you stay on track with your health goals. Whether you’re eating it as a vegan dessert bark, a snack, or a homemade protein bar, this treat balances taste with nourishment.
Calories and Serving Size
A standard serving (1–2 pieces, about 1.5 oz) of protein cookie dough bark typically contains:
- 110–180 calories
- 7–14 grams of protein
- 6–9 grams of healthy fats
- 2–5 grams of sugar, depending on sweetener
- 4–7 grams of net carbs
Thanks to almond flour, SunButter, and plant based protein powder, you’re getting a macronutrient profile that supports energy, muscle repair, and satiety.
Protein-Packed for Muscle Recovery
Each piece of protein cookie dough bark delivers a powerful protein boost, perfect for post-workout snacking. The plant protein supports muscle repair and keeps your metabolism firing.
Low Sugar, High Satisfaction
Made with maple syrup or low glycemic alternatives, this bark keeps your blood sugar in check. Use low sugar cookie dough swaps like monk fruit syrup for an even lighter version.
Gluten-Free and Grain-Free by Design
This recipe contains no gluten, no oats, and no processed flour. With almond flour and SunButter, it qualifies as a grain-free snack that fits paleo, vegan, and clean-eating styles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Protein Cookie Dough Bark
Is protein cookie good for weight loss?
Yes, if made with clean ingredients like plant protein, healthy fats, and low sugar, a protein cookie or protein cookie dough bark can support weight loss. It helps control cravings and provides sustained energy without the sugar crash.
How many calories are in healthy cookie dough bark?
One serving of protein cookie dough bark contains approximately 110–180 calories, depending on your portion size and ingredients. Use almond flour, unsweetened SunButter, and stevia to keep it low-calorie.
Are protein desserts good for weight loss?
Yes, protein desserts like this bark are a smart choice when you’re craving sweets but want to maintain muscle mass and satiety. They offer a healthy balance of protein and fats that reduce overeating later.
Are those protein cookies good for you?
When made without preservatives or refined sugars, protein cookies and vegan cookie dough bark are excellent for you especially if you’re looking for plant-based, nutrient-dense treats.
Is protein cookie dough bark healthy?
Absolutely. Protein cookie dough bark is packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber from almond flour. It’s a healthy snack recipe that fits vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free diets.
Can I make cookie dough bark without protein powder?
Yes, you can skip the plant based protein powder and use oat flour or more almond flour for texture. However, you’ll reduce the protein content and lose the muscle-recovery benefits of the original protein cookie dough bark.
What type of protein powder works best for vegan bark?
Use an unsweetened or naturally sweetened vegan protein powder preferably vanilla-flavored for the best taste and consistency. Brands made with pea, rice, or hemp protein mix well into vegan cookie dough recipes.
How long does cookie dough bark last in the fridge?
Protein cookie dough bark lasts up to 7 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and chewy.
Can I freeze protein cookie dough bark?
Definitely. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Stack pieces with parchment in between to prevent sticking and thaw as needed for a quick vegan protein treat.
Is almond flour safe to eat raw in cookie dough?
Yes. Unlike wheat flour, almond flour is safe to eat raw. That’s one reason why no bake cookie dough recipes like this are so appealing and health-conscious.
Can I use peanut butter instead of SunButter?
You can. Peanut butter works as a one-to-one swap in this protein cookie dough bark recipe. Just note it may slightly alter the flavor and sweetness.
What is the texture of unbaked cookie dough bark?
Unbaked, it’s soft, chewy, and rich like classic healthy cookie dough. Once chilled and topped with chocolate, it becomes a layered snack with a tender crunch.
How much protein is in each piece of cookie dough bark?
Each piece of protein cookie dough bark contains about 7–14 grams of protein, depending on your ingredients and portion size. Perfect for a high protein snack that fuels your day.
What are some toppings for cookie dough bark?
Great toppings include cacao nibs, sea salt flakes, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even dried fruit. These turn your bark into a customizable vegan dessert bark with added texture and nutrients.
Final Thoughts on Protein Cookie Dough Bark
If you’re craving something sweet, satisfying, and nourishing, protein cookie dough bark is your answer. It’s quick to prep, endlessly customizable, and works as both a high protein snack and a feel-good dessert. With no baking, no gluten, and no guilt, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re after a vegan protein treat, a low sugar cookie dough alternative, or a homemade protein bar, this bark has you covered. Mix, freeze, slice, and enjoy snacking has never been easier.
Love this bark? You’ll also adore our purple sweet potato brownies vegan—a unique, nutrient-packed dessert bar.
Looking for more healthy snack ideas and holistic wellness tips? Head over to Viva Lyze on Facebook for daily recipes, clean living guides, and more. You’ll also find beautifully curated feel-good recipes on Viva Lyze on Pinterest your new go-to board for natural snacking solutions and mindful nourishment.
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