Chocolate Almond Protein Bar Recipe

I finally got around to making this recipe this weekend, which I found on fitsugar.com. It was too good not to share again with you guys. I went into it, not expecting much. Eh, I’m no where near a good “baker” so was almost positive it wouldnt turn out. (I know, so optimistic right?)  Well, it turned out fantastic! I had my boyfriend taste test these, then a quest bar and he said that mine tasted better! Shh…dont tell anyone. 🙂

Ingredients:

1 cup raw almonds
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
5 ounces  vanilla protein powder
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional- I left these out)

Directions:

1. Prepare an 8 x 8-inch square pan by lining with parchment paper or cooking spray.
2. Measure out 1/4 cup of the almonds, chop, and set aside for the topping.
3. In a food processor, pour in the remaining 3/4 cup of almonds and the salt. Process until you have almond butter, several minutes.
4. Add the oats, protein powder, and maple syrup, and process until smooth.
5. Press mixture into the pan using the back of a spoon. Top with chopped almonds, pressing those into the bars.
6. Place chocolate chips in a small glass bowl, and microwave until melted. Drizzle chocolate over the bars, and allow to set in the fridge for 20 minutes before cutting.
7. Store uneaten bars in an airtight container in the fridge.

The only problem I encountered was the fact that the bars were not sticking as well and the mixture felt too crumbly. My fix- adding a tablespoon of coconut oil.

These can definitely be mistaken for a dessert….but nope! Totally vegan, 13 grams of protein per 166 calorie serving. Such a good snack, which I cant stop snacking on.

Enjoy! xo

Recipe source: Fitsugar.com