No-Bake Chocolate Chia Protein Bars: Healthy Homemade Fuel ✨🍫💪
ingredients:
1 cup (100g) rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
½ cup (60g) vanilla or chocolate plant-based protein powder
¼ cup (40g) chia seeds
¼ cup (22g) unsweetened cacao powder or cocoa powder
Pinch of sea salt
½ cup (128g) smooth nut butter (almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
½ cup (120ml) maple syrup or agave nectar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: ¼ cup dairy-free mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts/seeds
directions:
1. Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds, cacao/cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In a separate medium bowl, combine the nut butter, maple syrup (or agave), and vanilla extract. If the nut butter is very stiff, you can warm it slightly to make stirring easier. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a thick, sticky dough forms. This might take some effort; using your hands might be easiest.
5. If using chocolate chips or nuts/seeds, fold them into the mixture now.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press down very firmly and evenly using a spatula or the bottom of a glass covered in parchment paper. Ensure the layer is compact.
7. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or in the freezer for 30-60 minutes, until the bars are firm and set.
8. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab out of the pan. Cut into bars or squares using a sharp knife.
9. Store the protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for longer storage.
Recipe Information:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes (+ chilling time) | Total Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours | Calories per Serving: approx. 180-250 per bar (varies with protein powder/add-ins) | Number of Servings: 9-12 bars
#ProteinBars #HomemadeProteinBars #ChiaSeeds #Cacao #VeganProtein #NoBakeBars #HealthySnacks #EnergyBars #GlutenFree #PlantBasedProtein