Almond Nougat Protein Bars
If you have been on the search for an easy, nutritious homemade protein/energy bar, then this is the ULTIMATE one! This no-bake recipe is so delicious and is so easy to put together. Adjustable, delicious, these Almond Nougat Bars are the best for a post-workout snack or start to a busy day!Who doesn’t love a good protein/energy bar? They are among the most tasty, filling, and convenient healthy snack ideas you can enjoy. If you are looking to make homemade protein bars, though, then you have probably got an inkling that DIY’ing it has certain advantages.The main draw with going the homemade route is the infinite customizability. When you make your own bars, you never have to compromise on getting exactly what you are looking for.You can also save money by making your own healthy homemade bars and they can taste way better than anything you can buy at the store.Store bought protein bars can be expensive. Even the cheaper brands that tend to have more added sugar and other unnecessary ingredients are still a few dollars per bar. Not to mention the bars with more quality natural ingredients. These homemade bars - have a chewy, crunchy texture and are made with ingredients that you can find at almost any grocery store.They are one of my go-to recipes to make so I can have a quick snack to grab on a busy day. In my opinion, they are better than store-bought protein bars because they don't have any preservatives and artificial sweeteners. What I love most about this recipe:They have the most addictive dense textureThey are loaded with nut butterProtein. Whiiiich, They have.The perfect bar ingredients are super simple and cleanEveryone who tries them loves them.This recipe is loaded with healthy ‘stuff’. making them a great option on-the-go or in your gym bag. or the perfect snack to curb your sweet tooth.Be prepared to fall in love with these Almond Nougat Protein Bars. So simple and delicious! Everyone loves them. They’re quick, they’re easy, they’re convenient, and with the proper ingredients, they are pretty healthy and satisfying too. The result is, in a word, phenomenal. Imagine a subtly sweet bar that’s packed with flavour and wholesome ingredients. A bar that’s soft and fudgy enough to melt in your mouth, yet dense and textured enough to surprise you with the occasional crunch. A bar that satisfies not only your body, but your soul as well. Super easy to make and can be stored in the freezer for whenever a sweet craving strikes
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almonds
- 1 cup unflavored protein powder
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8”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.Place almonds and coconut into a food processor and process until they turn into a flour like consistency.Add protein powder, peanut butter, coconut oil, honey, vanilla and almond extract and continue to process until smooth and well combined.Scoop out the mixture into the lined baking pan and smooth out evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon. Chill the slab in the fridge for 30 minutes or until firm while you melt the chocolate.
Topping
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave at 50% power with 30 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.You can spread the melted chocolate over the bars in a smooth even layer or pour on top and simply swirl with a knife in a haphazard manner for a more rustic look. Or you can drizzle the chocolate over the top of the bars (easiest method). Put the bars into the freezer for at least 4 hours.Once chocolate is set and crisp, slice into 10-12 bars.TO STORE: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to one week or place in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
