3 Musketeers is a candy bar introduced in 1932. It was the third brand produced and manufactured by M&M/Mars. Originally, each bar contained three flavors – chocolate, strawberry and vanilla – hence the name, which was derived from the 1844 novel The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. Rising costs and wartime restrictions on sugar saw the vanilla and strawberry pieces phased out, leaving only the more popular chocolate. It is a candy bar consisting of chocolate-covered, fluffy, whipped nougat.

It has been one of my favorite candies since I was a child. It’s a satisfying, fluffy chocolate bar that comes in a silver wrapper. And this recipe is my copycat (but healthier) version of that mouthwatering mousse-filled candy that you will love!

I am not opposed to treating myself, but I would much rather do it with a homemade treat versus a treat manufactured with additives.  A version with a focus on natural ingredients and reduced sugar and processed components.

Have you seen the ingredients in a 3 Musketeers bar?  Here is the ingredient list:

Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Skim Milk, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin), Sugar, Corn Syrup, Palm Oil, Cocoa Powder processed with Alkali, Salt, Egg Whites, Artificial Flavor.

A lot of unnecessary junk, if you ask me.  I was able to recreate these bars with four ingredients or less.  Four REAL ingredients.  Here they are:

Coconut Cream, Chocolate Chips, Protein Powder, Coconut Oil

Why This Recipe Works:

Simple – no need for any special equipment or candy thermometer to make this recipe.
Easy to make – this recipe requires only 4 ingredients.
Versatile – you can swap out the milk chocolate chips with your favorite ones. Also, add nuts and sprinkle the dipped candies as you like to take these amazing treats to a next level.

This candy is also referred to as Cool Whip Candy because you use whipped topping and chocolate chips to make the fluffy middle. If you like it crunchy, keep it in the freezer till you serve it! You will have crunchy coating and softer centers!

Its great as an any time snack or treat. You can also serve these bite-sized chocolate treats at your next party. It’s also great as a homemade gift!

Homemade candy is so much fun to make, especially if it’s an easy recipe like this one. I love that I don’t have to use a candy thermometer or cook anything for hours and this healthier recipe uses simple ingredients you can buy at your local grocery store.

Most versions of copycat treats made with real food doesn’t taste exactly like the real thing.  These healthier 3 Musketeers are pretty close.  I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: you can’t mimic the taste of fake food in a home kitchen using whole foods.  I cook in a kitchen, not a chemistry lab.

I will say though that I think that all homemade versions taste better because of the quality of the ingredients. These bars will definitely satisfy any cravings for candy bars you may have. I have even enjoyed these without the chocolate coating as a nice dessert.  Whenever I ate 3 Musketeers bars I, for some reason, would always eat the chocolate coating first and then the filling. But weird but there you have it!

You can store these bars in the freezer for a nice icy treat, or for a softer treat, store inside the fridge.  Either way…delicious!

Healthier Copycat 3 Musketeers Protein Bars

Three Musketeers Candy also called Cool Whip Candy, is a homemade, super delicious and fluffy candy bar that is light, creamy and chocolatey ! This healthy candy tastes so impressive no one will believe how easy it is to make! Whip up a healthier batch for the holidays, as a gift for a friend of just to treat yourself.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword chocolate protein bars no bake, clean eating candy, clean eating dessert or snack, copycat 3 musketeers bars, healthier copycat 3 musketeers protein bars, healthy chocolate protein bars, no bake chocolate protein bars

Servings 8

Ingredients

Creamy Filling

• 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Chocolate Coating

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

• Note: Place the can of coconut cream in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.

  Line an 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.

  When ready to make the bars, open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.

Creamy Filling

• Place the hardened coconut cream into a mixer bowl and use a whisk attachment to whip the coconut cream to form soft peaks.

  Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a medium dish and microwave with 20 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.

  Fold the melted chocolate into the whipped coconut cream until incorporated.

  Pour the cream chocolate mixture into the lined pan and spread out evenly.

  Allow to set in the freezer for a couple of hours.

  Take out of the freezer and cut into 8 bars or more smaller squares depending on your preferred size.

  Keep in the freezer until ready to dip the chocolate.

Chocolate Coating

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 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.

  Put the bars on a lined sheet or dish (something that will fit in your freezer or fridge).

  Working quickly, using two forks, dip one bar at a time into the bowl of melted chocolate until it is fully coated. Lift the bar from the bowl of chocolate and let any excess drip off, then place it onto a tray lined with baking paper. Repeat with the remaining bars.

  Or hold each one with a fork over the melted chocolate and spoon it over letting the excess drip back into the bowl. 

  Place the bars in the fridge or freezer to finish setting.

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

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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