Chocolate Orange Protein Bar
The ultimate decadent protein bar, drawing on a classic combination of chocolate and orange. These no bake bars are chewy, satisfying bars to keep in your fridge for a grab-and-go snack or to keep the hunger pangs at bay!Combining a delicious mix of nuts, oats, coconut, dates and oranges and no refined ingredients to provide a nutritious, convenient and great tasting snack that will satisfy your cravings and help you feel fuller for longer.These homemade protein bars are endlessly customizable as you can change the nuts, add extra dried fruit, change your protein powder (or leave it out) and try different flavours and spices.You can save so much money by making your own homemade protein bars and they taste so much better than anything you can buy at the store. Many of those bars resemble cardboard and have lots of ingredients you cannot even pronounce.Beyond pleasing your palate, homemade protein bars can fit your nutritional needs to a T as its easy to add more nutrition into each bite. Want carbohydrates that will provide a more gradual stream of energy? Throw in some fiber-rich dried fruit or whole grain cereal. Need a bit more protein to help satiate you? Add more nuts and things high in protein like hemp or chia seeds. Equally important, making your own bars means you get to leave out the ingredients you don’t love so much or need to avoid for health reasons. Use this recipe as you base template and continue to mold it into the energy/protein bar you want, loaded with protein and healthy ingredients, making them a great option busy days or in your gym bag.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds or walnuts or a mix
- 1 cup dates, soaked at least 30 minutes and drained
- 1/2 cup oats, instant or quick
- 1/2 cup peanut (or any nut or seed) butter
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/4 cup protein powder
- 1/4 cup cocoa or cacao powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 oranges, juice and zest
Chocolate Topping
- 3/4 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, oats, and coconut into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates and continue to process until mixture is sticky and well combined.Add peanut butter, cocoa, coconut oil, protein powder and orange juice and zest and pulse until well combined. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture and different sized “bits” in your protein bar.Press the base mixture into the bottom of your pan or dish evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the chocolate topping.
Chocolate Topping
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave 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.Spread melted chocolate onto top of chilled bars and spread out evenly.Place back in fridge to firm up and set.Remove the bars and after checking they are set, remove from pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 10-12 bars.To Store: In the fridge for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 6 months. If in the freezer, remove bars and leave at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to let them thaw and soften before eating.
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
