Monday 15 December 2014

Chocolate Fudge Protein Bars




Do you ever have those recipes that never fail you? You make it countless times because it is reliable and delicious?


That is absolutely the case with these protein bars which were initially a granola bar that escalated to this chocolate fudgy protein madness.


All was well until the day I tried to blog the recipe. I actually had to throw a batch out. I HATE having to get rid of beautiful edible food. As someone who truly knows the value of a dollar...I HATE DOING THAT.





Can we admire these adorable Branch Pencils I bought a few weeks ago??




I don't know what happened! It was a stressful week, I was in a rush to make the bars and I made countless silly mistakes that I normally wouldn't do! Sometimes when the wheels in my brain get to spinnin' they really don't stop. Usually I can keep them quiet enough to do some baking but sometimes I make the silliest mistakes. Being in the kitchen is a great stress reliever but not if your spacing out!











One batch I made I used way too much almond milk and they essentially turned into gooey messes. The next batch was with a protein powder that just didn't taste good and it made the bars taste really terrible.









Failure after failure. However rest assured that these are not the failure -- as long as you pay close attention and don't do anything crazy it will work out perfect! The bars themselves have a wonderful chewiness to them which is punctuated with sweetness from the chocolate chips and coconut. The added protein is a bonus! Making these the perfect snack.











Word of caution: use the almond milk very very sparingly. You want them to stick together, right?! If you do add too much simply stir in some oat flour or flax seeds to soak up some of the moisture!







And also: press those bars down nice and firm. Otherwise your bars won't hold together as nicely!









Enough of the jibber jabber, let's get to the recipe!







Chocolate Fudge Protein Bars

Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, High Protein, Vegan Option


Yields 12 Bars

Ingredients:

  • 1 heaping cup rice crisp cereal
  • 1 heaping cup gluten free rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 scoops protein powder of choice* 
  • 1/3 cup coconut flakes 
  • 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
  • Optional: 1/3 cup marshmallows (I used vegan) 
  • 1/2 cup nut butter of choice (I used peanut butter)
  • 1/2 cup liquid sweetener of choice (I used maple syrup)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil 

*I  tested this recipe with SunWarrior and also tested this recipe with whey protein and it works perfectly! The granules don't dissolve as easilyas the SunWarrior but don't panic! It  yielded a really satisfying chewing texture!  The SunWarrior bar wasn't as chewy but held together much better. Also honey binds a bit better for me than the maple syrup* 



Directions:


  1. In a large mixing bowl add your rice crips, oats, cocoa, coconut and protein powder and mix together 
  2. In a small saucepan add the nut butter, sweetener and coconut oil, stirring occasionally until fully combined
  3. Pour your warm sweetener mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until all the dry ingredients are coated. If desired, wait a few minutes to add in chocolate chips so they don't melt. Sometimes I wait, other times I don't -- it's personal preference. 
  4. Add the almond milk in increments until you notice the protein powder granules dissolve (works better if you warm the almond milk as it helps to 'melt' the powder) you may need more or less depending on your ingredients. You want your dry mixture to be evenly coated but NOT too runny! 
  5. Press the mixture into a lined 8x8 pan firmly until it's even
  6. Place in the fridge to set for a minimum of 1 hour
  7. Slice into 12 bars and serve! 
  8. Keep uneaten portions refrigerated for up to 1 week 




Also: I love, love LOVE these vegan marshmallows (the brand is called 'Dandies'). I am officially obsessed with them and now that the bag is done I really hope I find them again.










I love these bars a lot. The texture is really satisfying and if you choose to add on chocolate chips on the top it gives a great added crunchiness. I think the add-ins are endless and you can change the recipe to suit your needs. You could even just use oats or just use rice crisps cereal, too!


Like a chocolaty protein rice krispie square! Ooooo!






You could go nuts and drizzle it with chocolate, too. Ah why not!







Look at that profile! It's just loaded with yummy things!







Well there you have it: chocolate fudge protein bars with coconut and rice crisp cereal. Yum


I hope you give this recipe a try and of course let me know how it goes!


Happy Bar Eatin'!


XO 

2 comments:

  1. These look like something my kids and I would LOVE! Have you ever used brown rice syrup? It really binds Bars like this together even at room temperature!

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    Replies
    1. Jess - I have never used it in my bars! I MUST try this that would be amazing! Thank you!

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