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3-Layer Chocolate Date Caramel Protein Bars

Fudgy chocolate protein brownie base, a gooey date caramel centre, and a smooth chocolate protein topping. These no bake bars are naturally sweetened, rich, and perfect for a healthy dessert or snack with benefits. 🍫🤎
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating
Keyword 3-layer chocolate date caramel protein bars, 3-layer healthy chocolate date caramel protein slice, chocolate caramel protein bars, chocolate date caramel protein bars no bake, clean eating dessert or snack, no bake chocolate date caramel protein bars
Servings 12

Ingredients

Bar Base

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt

Date Caramel Layer

  • 1 1/2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
  • 2-3 tablespoons any milk or water
  • 1 tablespoon nut butter, (almond, cashew or peanut butter)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt

Chocolate Protein Topping

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup protein powder
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

Bar Base

  • Line a 8 x 8-inch 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. Or can make in a parchment paper lined muffin pan or a silicon muffin pan.
    In a bowl, mix almond flour, cocoa powder, protein powder, and salt. Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir until a thick dough forms. Press evenly into the base of the tin and place in the fridge to set while you make the date caramel layer.

Date Caramel Layer

  • Add dates, milk, nut butter, vanilla, and salt to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Spread the caramel evenly over the chilled brownie base.

Chocolate Protein Topping

  • Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 15 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.
    Stir in protein powder until smooth. Pour over the caramel layer and smooth out with a spatula.
    Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Slice into 12 bars or more smaller squares.
    Store up to 1 week in fridge or up to 3 months in freezer.
    Tips for Perfect Bars
    If date caramel is too thick, add more milk or warm water one tablespoon at a time. until it becomes a scoopable texture.
    For extra indulgence, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before chilling.
    Store bars in the fridge for the best texture.
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