Chocolatey Peanut Butter Protein Bars | No-Bake & Zero-Waste
On-The-Go, In The Gym, After Din
This year, Dusty and I have committed ourselves to working hard on making gains in the gym, and we constantly get asked where we get our protein on a plant-based lifestyle. Simply put, all foods contain protein, and if you’re eating enough calories, you’re getting enough protein. We don’t count calories, macros, or grams of protein, but we do need extra fuel for our highly active and on-the-go lifestyle…
Enter—the easiest, no-bake, homemade, gluten-free, vegan protein energy bar—that’s a mouthful, (and so is this tasty treat)! This fast fuel recipe is quick, simple, inexpensive, and tastes like your very own Clif Bar, without the added artificial flavors and other no-so-friendly ingredients.
After dinner, I’m always craving something a little sweet, and these puppies double as the perfect dessert!
Arm Yourself With Weapons Of Mass Nutrition
Most protein and energy bars in stores are overpriced and over-processed. Artificial sweeteners and other mysterious ingredients can be a burden on our bodies, and over time, create symptoms like leaky gut, indigestion, and even cause us to hang onto excess weight. Remember: If you can’t read it, don’t eat it!
Not only that, individually packaged bars create excess waste that our landfills simply don’t need. Going zero-waste is near impossible, but recipes like this make it easier to lean in that direction, and do a little good for our bodies and the planet!
Chocolatey Peanut Butter Protein Bars
The combination of protein plus healthy fats from whole food sources combines to make a deliciously simple energy bar that will keep you fueled on-the-go, in the gym, and as a sweet, post-dinner treat. Not only are they unprocessed, these bars are also zero-waste and super-duper kid-friendly!
vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, zero-waste, high protein, healthy fats
time: 10min + freeze time // makes: 8-12 bars
ingredients:
1 cup soaked pitted dates
1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
2 tablespoons peanut butter (or almond butter)
2 tablespoons shredded coconut
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
1 scoop SunWarrior Vanilla Warrior Blend (optional, but delicious!)
Use discount code EatMoveRest for 20% off!
3/4 cup dairy-free dark chocolate bar or chips
steps:
Pour all ingredients into a food processor (including a splash of the date water) and pulse until well-combined.
When well-combined, turn food processor on and let run for about a minute. Eventually a ball will form—this is good!
Once all ingredients are soft and shapeable, spread and press into a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Meanwhile, melt dark chocolate bar or chips in a small pan on the stovetop on low heat, being careful not to burn the chocolate.
Drizzle or spread thin layer of chocolate on top of bars and place in freezer for at least 1 hour.
Take out of freezer and slice into desired sizes with chef’s knife.
Keep in refrigerator and enjoy within 5-7 days, or longer in the freezer!
note:
Make sure bars are solid before removing from freezer and cutting. If too soft, chocolate will crack.
As Seen On YouTube
Join us in the kitchen as we whip up these tasty protein treats on the EatMoveRest YouTube channel! Be sure to Subscribe, click that bell to turn on Notifications, give it a Thumbs Up, leave us some love in the Comments, and Share with family and friends!
Monkey See, Monkey Do
If you’ve got kiddos, they’re gonna love getting messy making these delicious sweet treats. The more you can involve your littles in the grocery shopping, garden planting, and food making experience, the more likely they’ll be to opt for healthy choices that’ll keep ‘em happy! Lead by example and show them just how delicious and fun plant foods can be!
If you want to see more of our favorite healthy vegan snacks, high protein treats, and kid-friendly goodies, let me know in the comments!