Soft, nourishing, and secretly packed with plant-powered goodness, a decadent sweet treat that’s secretly healthy.

If you are looking for a wholesome snack that is rich, satisfying, and surprisingly nutritious, these Chickpea Protein Bars With Sweet Potato Frosting are about to become a favourite. They combine creamy peanut butter, naturally sweet chickpeas, and a protein boost into soft, fudgy bars topped with a smooth, naturally sweet frosting made from sweet potato. The result is a balanced treat that feels indulgent but fuels your body at the same time.

Chickpeas might sound unexpected in a sweet recipe, but they work beautifully as a base for no-bake bars. When blended, they create a soft, dough-like texture while adding fibre, plant-based protein, and important minerals. Their mild flavour blends easily with nut butter and vanilla, allowing the sweet and nutty notes to shine through without tasting “bean-like.” Using chickpeas is also a great way to add nutrition and create a naturally creamy texture without relying on excess oil or refined ingredients.

Nut butter brings richness and healthy fats, helping make these bars satisfying and filling. Combined with protein powder, it transforms the mixture into a balanced snack that supports energy levels and helps keep you full between meals. Rolled oats or oat flour help bind everything together, creating structure while adding slow-release carbohydrates for steady fuel.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the sweet potato frosting. Cooked sweet potato blends into a silky, naturally sweet topping that adds colour, nutrients, and a creamy finish without heavy sugar or butter. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, fibre, and natural sweetness, making them a perfect base for a wholesome frosting. A little nut butter, cocoa and vanilla tie the flavours together and create a dessert-like finish that pairs perfectly with the soft bars underneath.

One of the best parts about this recipe is that it’s completely no bake. Everything comes together in a food processor, making it quick, simple, and ideal for meal prep. Once pressed into a pan and chilled, the bars slice easily and hold their shape, making them perfect for lunchboxes, post-workout snacks, or healthier desserts.

These bars are also incredibly adaptable. You can use plant-based or whey protein, swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter, or add mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture. For a dairy-free and gluten-free option, simply choose certified gluten-free oats and a plant-based protein powder.

Soft, creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with nourishing ingredients, these Chickpea Protein Bars With Sweet Potato Frosting prove that healthy snacks can be creative, satisfying, and full of flavour. 🤎

Chickpea Protein Bars With Sweet Potato Frosting

Soft no bake protein bars made with creamy peanut butter, blended chickpeas, and oats, topped with a naturally sweet and creamy sweet potato frosting. These Chickpea Protein Bars are nourishing, protein-rich and a fun combination of taste, texture and health benefits, making them an ideal snack or dessert option. 🌱🥜

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword chickpea no bake protein bars with healthy frosting, chickpea protein bar recipe, chickpea protein bars with sweet potato frosting, clean eating dessert or snack, no bake chickpea protein bars, veggie based desserts and treats

Servings 8

Ingredients

Bar Base

• 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
• 1 scoop vanilla or unflavoured protein powder
• 3/4 cup rolled oats or oat flour (oats blended to a flour)
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Sweet Potato Frosting

• 1 cup cooked, cooled and mashed sweet potato
• 2 tablespoons peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Bar Base

• Line a 7 x 5-inch loaf 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 use a silicon bar mold.

  Add chickpeas, peanut butter, protein powder, oats, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt to a food processor.

  Blend until smooth and thick, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.

  Press mixture evenly into the lined pan.

  Place in the fridge while preparing the frosting.

Sweet Potato Frosting

• Blend or mash all frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy.

  Spread evenly over the chilled bar base.

  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before slicing into 8-10 bars or more smaller squares.

  Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1week or freezer for up to 3 months.    

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