First, I need to ask….how much chocolate is too much chocolate? Well, in my opinion there is never enough. From cakes, ice cream, or fudge, its rich flavour elevates the mood. Agree? We all cherish it.
However, it is worth considering that artificial sweeteners and preservatives in store bought sweet treats can risk our health. So what to do, you ask? Fret not. I have a super yummy recipe here for you today. It will allow you prepare healthy Snickers bars at home, free from the junk – the truckloads of refined sugar, the unhealthy oils, the preservatives and the artificial flavours and colourings.
Now, with this recipe, you can whip up a wholesome chocolate treat that is good for you and your loved ones. Once you try it out, but warned… there’s no going back to the store-bought version anymore. There is just no comparison. In my opinion these Healthy Snickers Protein Candy Bites are better than the original, and of course a whole lot better for you.
When I first started making them, I used to make half the quantity. But they were so good, and I was disappointed when they were all snapped up quicker than I could blink. So, I’ve increased the volume to double, and now I promptly hide half of them in the freezer in some non-descript container…so I at least get a look in after all the effort!
This homemade Healthy Snickers Protein Candy recipe is an easy way to satisfy any sweet tooth craving! They are so addictive and easy to make with healthy pantry ingredients. They have WAYYY less sugar than a regular snickers bar as they are sweetened with dates and are a super healthier alternative to eating the store-bought snickers candy bars.
These bad boys are higher in protein, gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free! They are a healthier version of the candy we all love but made with simple, whole ingredients. The combination of crunchy layers with smooth and chocolatey coating is amazing – these are easily one of my favorite recipes I’ve made!
That gooey inside, combined with crunchy peanuts and a velvety chocolate coating. I was hooked. These snickers bites are a balance of healthy fats, fiber, and protein and make a satisfying snack, post-meal treat, or even candy for your next movie night. 😉
Whenever I say that I have at least one sweet treat every day, people ask me how I can still be in shape. My answer is quite simple. First things first, I allow myself to eat a bit of everything in moderation. Over the last few years I have let go of food restrictions, and this keeps me from overeating on “forbidden foods”.
Second secret is making my own healthy desserts at home, with wholesome ingredients and better macros (protein, healthy carbs and fats ratio).
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!
I. LOVE. DATES. They are just one of those snack cabinet staples I can’t live without. In my quest to find healthier snacks, I have started buying more dates, to use as a natural sweetener in a cookie or frosting.
Dates are a great snack on their own and they are high in fiber, rich in antioxidants, great for heart health and they provide a little energy boost thanks to the natural sugars. They are little morsels of natural sugar and a great alternative to refined sugars.
The dried fruit has a caramel-like sweetness that can also help reduce cravings for sugary snacks. I’m always on the hunt though for creative ways to dress up my dates, and I just knew these bars would be delicious! If you haven’t cooked with dates yet, you have so many delicious uses just waiting to be discovered!
Eating a few dates for a 3 p.m. sugar boost is good, but it can get a little boring, so I started to look for ways to jazz them up. There are lots of date-focused recipes on social media these days, but when I came across this copycat healthy snickers bar recipe using dates I knew I had to try it. And it did not disappoint!
Chocolate and caramel is a match made in heaven – there is something about the sweetness and subtle saltiness of the caramel marrying with the richness of the chocolate. This the easiest caramel recipe you will make. Just a handful of ingredients, 5-ish minutes of prep time, and voila! My mouth is watering just thinking about it LOL.
What goes better together than chocolate and caramel? Or sweet and salty? Or chocolate and nuts? This dessert/treat has all of these combos, and it’s also healthy. Bonus!
Healthy ingredients – this recipe is made with just a small handful of wholesome ingredients to provide a healthier alternative that tastes just like a caramel candy!
Easy to make – just mix everything together in a food processor, freeze, cut into squares and then dip in chocolate. Store these delicious bites in the fridge (or freezer for longer) for whenever that craving strikes.
Incredibly delicious – a sweet, smooth caramel covered in rich chocolate. If there is anything better I want to know about it. 😊
Healthy Snickers Protein Candy Bites
Ingredients
Date Caramel
- 2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 4 tablespoons peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Oaty Chewy Layer
- 1 cup oat flour (blended rolled oats)
- 1/2 cup cashews or almonds
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2-4 tablespoons any milk
Peanut Layer
- 1 cup peanuts, roasted, salted, crushed
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Flaky salt if desired
Instructions
Date Caramel
- Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until thick and smooth. A few bits of dates remaining is fine. Remove the caramel from the food processor to a bowl.
Oaty Chewy Layer
- 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.Add the cashews and oat flour to the food processor (no need to rinse) and process until broken down and crumbly. Add protein powder, coconut oil and milk and process again.This should form a slightly sticky “dough” that will hold together when you pinch it. If the mixture seems too dry, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time or if it seems to sticky add more oat flour or protein powder.Scoop the mixture into the lined loaf pan and spread out evenly with the back of a spoon.Use a spatula to spread the date caramel evenly over the chewy layer, then sprinkle the peanut pieces over the caramel. Use your fingers to press the peanuts into the caramel layer, so they are embedded. Place in the freezer for 60-90 minutes, until firm.Remove the frozen filling from the tin and cut into 6 bars or more bite-sized pieces. Return these to the freezer while you melt the chocolate.
Chocolate Coating
- 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.Working quickly, using two forks, dip one bar at a time into the bowl of melted chocolate until it is fully coated. Lift the bar from the bowl and let any excess drip off, then place onto a tray lined with baking paper. Repeat with remaining bars,Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired and refrigerate bars for 5-10 minutes, to allow the chocolate to harden.Bars are best stored in the fridge and will last there for up to 10 days.You can also place them in the freezer, where they will last for up to one month.If storing in the freezer, before eating, allow the bars to thaw at room temperature for 5 minutes.
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
