These flavor-packed frozen protein bars are the ultimate snack that will keep you full AND satisfied, with stable blood sugars and energy between meals or the perfect evening snack!
When I was first studying nutrition as part of my fitness qualifications, I was fascinated to learn that our cravings are truly messengers for us and when we can learn to work with them and not fear them, they can really improve our ability to tune into our hunger cues and serve our body’s needs – not just physically but mentally and emotionally. Diet culture has trained us to think that cravings and overeating are somehow a failure on our part when in reality these urges are often our body’s physiological response to restrictive eating habits.
As I started working with clients to help them release that diet mentality and improve their relationship with food one of the biggest surprises for them has consistently been when I suggested *adding* a snack or two into their day rather than implementing more willpower. The result – more energy, more stable appetite, less intense cravings or feeling out of control around food and more body trust!
In case you have not heard of this….the “addition diet,” also known as the “add, not subtract” approach to your eating, is a method that focuses on incorporating nutrient-rich, wholesome foods into your meals and snacks rather than emphasizing what foods to eliminate or restrict.
This approach encourages a positive and sustainable relationship with food by adding fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy, nuts, seeds, and other unprocessed ingredients to your diet.
The idea is that by filling your plate with nutritious options, there’s naturally less room for empty calories, which can lead to weight loss without the feeling of deprivation often associated with traditional diets. It’s about creating a balanced and satisfying diet that includes the foods you enjoy while meeting your nutritional needs.
A bit deep for snacks, hey? Haha… But this is just one of the many reasons I am such a fan of snacks! Snacks tend to get a bad reputation, but in reality they are something you can add into your nutrition toolbox to help keep you feeling good and energized throughout the day and make you less likely to tuck into less than healthy choices when cravings become overwhelming.
These protein-rich chocolate cherry protein bars are a great snack. Rich in protein, fiber, and nourishing fats, these will keep you feeling both full and satisfied in between meals so you are not constantly searching around for something more.
YESSS…creamy, rich coconut cream, cherries and chocolate combine for a healthy snacking win. A dream trio, indeed.
These protein snacks are supposed to be stored in the freezer and we LOVE a good freezer treat, right!? You can definitely store some in the fridge, I just love a more firm fudge texture! Either option is good.
I am going to experiment with fresh cherries when they are in season but for now, frozen cherries is where it’s at, you could absolutely substitute the cherries for cranberries (or any other berries) if you fancy too. Equally as fabulous outcome I would imagine.
Most pre-portioned snacks at the grocery store are so expensive and often way overpriced. They often have sugar or other unhealthy ingredients in them too, which makes them less attractive to have in you healthy eating regime.
But by making your own, you control the cost and quality of the ingredients and can make sure they are clean eating snacks. These bars have simple and clean ingredients anyways so its pretty easy to replicate them at home.
They are a great snack to keep on hand for an any time, after school, after work and are a great energy bar recipe for fitness enthusiasts, runners, cyclists, hikers, and other busy athletes.
I cut mine in bars You could make squares or balls or really any shape you could think of. I store them in the fridge, they will keep at least a week if you can get them to last that long! They freeze well too, so feel free to double the batch!
I love a good no-bake recipe when you want to prepare some snacks for the week ahead or make a dessert to impress without all the fuss. These little bars tick all the boxes, especially as they are nostalgic and familiar to most of us.
I’ve kept all the good parts about the much-loved chocolate bar and made a healthier, lighter and fruitier alternative for when you want something chocolatey and good-for-you.
Quick question before I go, would it be wrong to eat this whole batch in one day? Asking for a friend. Obviously. 🙂
Frozen Chocolate Cherry Protein Bars
Ingredients
Base Crust
- 1 cup nuts, almonds, cashews or a mix
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cherry Cream Layer
- 1 1/2 cups frozen tart cherries, semi-thawed
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
Chocolate Drizzle Topping
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Note: Place the can of coconut cream or milk 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.
Base Crust
- Combine all the ingredients for the base in a food processor. Process until the mixture starts to stick together. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your base crust.Spread the mixture evenly into lined pan spreading it out with a spatula or back of a spoon. Place the dish in the refrigerator while you make the middle layer.
Cherry Cream Layer
- 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.Combine all the ingredients for the middle layer in the food processor and process until smooth. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and pour the cherry mixture on top of the base mixture. Place the dish in the freezer and freeze until set, about 2 hours.
Chocolate Drizzle 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.Remove the baking dish from the freezer and drizzle the chocolate over the top with a spoon.Return the baking dish to the freezer, covered with plastic wrap and keep frozen until serving.Cut into 9 bars or more smaller squares before serving.Will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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
