Almond & Date Protein Bars
Chewy, crunchy, packed with chocolate flavor, these protein bars are going to become your favorite with the first bite! They are loaded with healthy fats from coconut and nuts and have a lightly sweetened, rich dark chocolate flavor.
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecan halves or walnuts
- 1 cup almonds or cashews
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Drizzle
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- 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.Place the nuts and dates in a food processor and pulse several times to "chop" them into a crumbly texture - a few larger pieces are a good thing - don't overmix!Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and stir in coconut, protein powder, melted coconut oil, cocoa, almond butter and vanilla extract. Gently stir in the chocolate chips.Transfer mixture to lined pan and spread evenly using a spatula or back of a spoon.
Chocolate Drizzle
- 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.Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 8 bars or more smaller squares.Place on a parchment paper lined tray or dish and drizzle melted chocolate over them. Bars will start to melt around room temp due to the coconut oil, so they will need to be kept chilled to stay firm. Store in fridge for up to1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.