If you love brownies and caramel (who doesn’t?) but also want something that actually fuels you, these 3-Layer Chocolate Date Caramel Protein Bars are about to become your new go-to. Rich, fudgy, naturally sweetened and layered with a silky date caramel that tastes downright decadent, yet they are made with wholesome ingredients and a solid protein boost.

These bars are inspired by that classic brownie-meets-caramel combo, but upgraded. Instead of refined sugar and butter, we are using dates for caramel sweetness, protein powder for staying power, and simple pantry ingredients you probably already have. The result? A dessert-style bar that works just as well for afternoon tea, post-workout, or a healthier after-dinner treat.

Why Dates Make the Best “Caramel”

Dates are one of my favourite secret weapons in healthy desserts. When blended, they turn into a thick, glossy caramel that’s naturally sweet and packed with fibre and minerals. In this recipe, they form the luscious middle layer that balances the rich chocolate brownie base and the smooth chocolate topping.

The Three Delicious Layers

Each layer plays its part:

Bottom layer: A dense, fudgy chocolate protein brownie that holds together beautifully.
Middle layer: A soft, gooey date caramel that adds sweetness without overpowering.
Top layer: A simple chocolate protein layer that sets firm and finishes the bars perfectly.

No baking required, no complicated techniques, just blending, layering, and chilling.

Why You Will Love These Bars

Naturally sweetened with dates
No baking required
Rich, chocolatey, and satisfying
Packed with protein and healthy fats
Perfect for meal prep or freezing

These 3-Layer Chocolate Date Caramel Protein Bars prove that healthy treats don’t have to feel like a compromise. They are indulgent, nourishing, and genuinely crave-worthy – exactly how protein desserts should be. ✨

3-Layer Chocolate Date Caramel Protein Bars

Fudgy chocolate protein brownie base, a gooey date caramel centre, and a smooth chocolate protein topping. These no bake bars are naturally sweetened, rich, and perfect for a healthy dessert or snack with benefits. 🍫🤎

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword 3-layer chocolate date caramel protein bars, 3-layer healthy chocolate date caramel protein slice, chocolate caramel protein bars, chocolate date caramel protein bars no bake, clean eating dessert or snack, no bake chocolate date caramel protein bars

Servings 12

Ingredients

Bar Base

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch salt

Date Caramel Layer

• 1 1/2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 2-3 tablespoons any milk or water
• 1 tablespoon nut butter, (almond, cashew or peanut butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch salt

Chocolate Protein Topping

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup protein powder
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

Bar Base

• Line a 8 x 8-inch baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting. Or can make in a parchment paper lined muffin pan or a silicon muffin pan.

  In a bowl, mix almond flour, cocoa powder, protein powder, and salt. Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir until a thick dough forms. Press evenly into the base of the tin and place in the fridge to set while you make the date caramel layer.

Date Caramel Layer

• Add dates, milk, nut butter, vanilla, and salt to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Spread the caramel evenly over the chilled brownie base.

Chocolate Protein Topping

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 15 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.

  Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.

  Stir in protein powder until smooth. Pour over the caramel layer and smooth out with a spatula.

  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Slice into 12 bars or more smaller squares.

  Store up to 1 week in fridge or up to 3 months in freezer.

  Tips for Perfect Bars

  If date caramel is too thick, add more milk or warm water one tablespoon at a time. until it becomes a scoopable texture.

  For extra indulgence, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before chilling.

  Store bars in the fridge for the best texture.

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites