Chocolate Protein Bars
Time to say goodbye to overpriced snack bars full of sugars and artificial ingredients. These protein chocolate bars are better than the ones you buy. Healthier, more delicious and much cheaper! Perfect for snacking or when on-the-go.So what makes these bars so good? They are VERY chocolatey, for starters. They are soft and chewy in just the right way and they take no-time to make. They have protein powder for an added nutritional boost, yet they don't taste like a typical power bar (nor can you taste the powder). So they give you the boost of a protein bar, but they taste like areal dessert. And they have an amazing flavor thanks to the added almond extract. Like a delicious candy bar, but not overly sweet. Just right in every way. They have been described as a cross between a Mars bar and a chocolate covered granola bar.Protein bars are a quick convenient method of maintaining your daily protein intake, perfect for anyone with a busy lifestyle. Grab a guilt free protein bar today and fuel your body with high quality protein, energy boosting carbs and calories to suit your goal.Protein bars are the classic snack I always have in my bag when out and about. They're so easy and great for curbing hunger in a pinch. Problem is, they can get pretty expensive... whereas homemade ones can be made very economically.If you're looking to increase your protein intake or just need a healthy snack, these brownie protein bars are my pick!
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats, instant or quick
- 1 cup dates, soaked at least 30 minutes and drained
- 1/2 cup peanut (or any nut or seed) butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (could use orange extract or peppermint instead)
Chocolate Coating
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or another extract of choice - same as used in filling)
Optional Toppings
- cacao nibs, edible rose petals, coconut shreds, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Process all filling ingredients in a food processor until the mixture begins to form a ball (stop periodically to scrape down sides as needed). Be careful not to over process as its nice to have some different sized 'bits' in your protein bar. Transfer this mixture into a small parchment-lined rectangular Tupperware container, loaf pan or dish of your choice (I used a 3 x 5", but anything of a similar size will do). Press down into a flat even block. Then cover with a sheet of parchment paper and press down more, smoothing out the surface (can use a flat-bottomed object to help you). Freeze an hour or so until firm. When firm, remove the filling from the freezer. Transfer the set filling block onto a cutting board. Trim off any uneven edges and cut into 6-8 bars or squares. When ready to coat, 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.Skewer each bar or use 2 forks to hold each bar and dip into the melted chocolate, then place on a rack to dry. Dip twice for extra coating.Put the bars into the freezer for an hour or two until set.
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
