These new Chocolate Protein Energy Bars happened when I was playing around with an older recipe last night and they actually came out really well!
I did use a whey protein powder for this recipe, which is part of why they held together well. I think an egg white protein powder might also work, but I’d avoid a plant-based protein powder – it will probably be too grainy.
When it comes to using dates, just make sure they haven’t dried out too much. You can put them in a bowl of water for a bit to re-infuse them with moisture before processing.
You can also vary this recipe with different nuts – I’ve done them with all walnuts, all almonds, and a mixture of both. I haven’t tried using seeds before, but I bet that would be a good experiment! Do let me know what you try!
Raw Chocolate Protein Energy Bars
Yield: about 12 bars
You will need: measuring cups and spoons, food processor, 8×8 or square pan
1 cup nuts (I used half almonds and half walnuts)
10-13 dates – make sure they’re moist
1/2 cup chocolate whey protein isolate
2 T cacao powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
handful of cacao nibs for garnish ️
1. Put the nuts, sea salt, cacao powder and protein powder in the food processor and blend until fine.
2. Pit dates and add them one at a time with your food processor running. When the batter starts to clump together, you’ve got it just right. ️
3. Turn out into an 8×8 pan and press down to flatten. You can moisten your hands a bit for this if it’s sticky. ️Sprinkle with cacao nibs and cover.
4. Refrigerate for an hour and they’re ready to go. They are actually done right when you first make them and will hold up at room temp, but they’re better and firmer cold.