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Best Chocolate Protein Bars Ever

I created this recipe when my sons were younger to give them an alternative to the not-so-healthy processed bars. This family fave is packed with whole food ingredients using dates in place of sugar with protein and fiber to keep your blood sugar (and energy) levels steady. If you’re looking for mood-boosting food that will leave you feeling happy and satisfied, try whipping up this signature chocolatey snack!

INGREDIENTS

Makes 12-14 bars

1 ½ cups fresh Medjool dates, packed & pitted
1 cup warm water (to soak dates to soften only if necessary)
1 cup cashews
⅓ cup old fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)
¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
⅓ cup all plant-based chocolate protein powder (I use Truvani) 
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
1 tablespoon coconut oil, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ – ½ teaspoon sea salt

OPTIONAL: 2 tablespoons cacao nibs

 

I created this recipe when my sons were younger to give them an alternative to the not-so-healthy processed bars. This family fave is packed with whole food ingredients using dates in place of sugar with protein and fiber to keep your blood sugar (and energy) levels steady. If you’re looking for mood-boosting food that will leave you feeling happy and satisfied, try whipping up this signature chocolatey snack!

INGREDIENTS

Makes 12-14 bars

1 ½ cups fresh Medjool dates, packed & pitted
1 cup warm water (to soak dates to soften only if necessary)
1 cup cashews
⅓ cup old fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)
¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
⅓ cup all plant-based chocolate protein powder (I use Truvani) 
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
1 tablespoon coconut oil, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ – ½ teaspoon sea salt

OPTIONAL: 2 tablespoons cacao nibs

 

METHOD

Line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Combine the dates and warm water in a small bowl if necessary to soften. Let stand for about 5 minutes until dates are soft. Remove water and pat dry with paper towels. (NOTE: I buy soft Medjool dates and skip this step.)

Place the cashew and oats in a food processor and process until finely chopped. Add the dates, coconut, protein powder, cocoa powder, softened coconut oil, vanilla, and salt. Process until the dates are finely chopped and blended and the mixture begins to stick together. Transfer the mixture to the lined loaf pan. It will be crumbly at first.

Use parchment paper or wax paper on top of the bar mixture to pack and flatten the mixture evenly in the pan. Sprinkle cacao nibs on top if using. Then cover the pan with the paper. Refrigerate 1 hour or more until firm. Using the edges of the paper liner, lift the mixture from the pan and uncover. Cut into individual bars.

Store in the refrigerator up to 5 days or freeze to have on hand ALWAYS.

Note: You can use any combo of nuts.

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