Rich, citrusy, chocolatey bliss with a nourishing protein twist
Chocolate and orange is one of those flavour combinations that never goes out of style. It’s rich yet fresh, indulgent yet bright. These Chocolate Orange Cashew Protein Bars capture that classic pairing in true Blended Bites fashion – made with real ingredients, naturally sweetened, and boosted with protein so they actually satisfy.
They taste like a chocolate orange truffle bar… but secretly fuel your body.
No baking. No refined sugar. Just wholesome ingredients blended into thick, fudgy perfection.
Why You Will Love These Bars
At the heart of these bars are dates – nature’s caramel. They provide natural sweetness, chewiness, and that sticky texture that helps bind everything together. They are also packed with fibre and minerals, making them the perfect base for no-bake bars.
Dates are a super fruit! They are a great source of nutrients and vitamins such as potassium, magnesium, vitamins B6 and K, calcium and iron, which contribute to various health benefits. They also provide a natural energy boost and are low on the glycemic index so your blood sugar won’t spike when eating them.
I love to use dates as a base in most of my snack balls, no-bake bars, or if I need a natural sweetener in a cookie or frosting. They are little morsels of natural sugar and a great alternative to refined sugars. You don’t need many dates to make something sweet!
Cashews bring a soft, creamy richness that pairs beautifully with chocolate. When blended, they create a smooth, almost truffle-like texture. Combined with cocoa powder and a scoop of protein powder, the base becomes dense, fudgy, and so satisfying.
The orange element is what makes these bars shine. Fresh orange zest and a touch of orange juice brighten the chocolate and give the bars that unmistakable chocolate-orange flavour – fresh, slightly tangy, and completely addictive.
To finish? A silky dark chocolate topping that sets firm in the fridge, giving you that perfect snap when you bite in.
Soft centre. Chocolate shell. Citrus lift. Protein boost.
Very Blended Bites.
Perfect For:
Post-workout refuelling
Afternoon energy dips
Healthier dessert swaps
Lunchbox treats
Freezer snack stash
These bars store beautifully and actually improve in texture once chilled, making them ideal for meal prep. ✨
Chocolate Orange Protein Bars
Ingredients
Chocolate Orange Base
- 1 cup cashews, soaked 3+hours and drained
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Optional Toppings
- Extra orange zest
- Flaky sea salt
- Chopped cashews
Instructions
- 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.
Chocolate Orange Base
- In a food processor, blend cashews until finely broken down and crumbly.Add dates and blend until sticky and combined.Add cocoa powder,protein powder, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla and salt. Blend until a thick, fudgy dough forms. If the mixture feels too dry, add an extra teaspoon of orange juice. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the lined tin. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Place in the fridge while you melt the chocolate topping.
Chocolate Topping
- 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.Pour and spread chocolate evenly over the base.Add optional toppings if desired.Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.Slice into 8 bars or more smaller squares using a sharp knife.Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Best enjoyed chilled for that firm chocolate top and fudgy centre.
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
