Monday 9 March 2015

White Chocolate & Matcha Protein Squares






Do you remember a few years ago when everyone was like OH GREEN TEA WILL SAVE US IT IS SO GOOD FOR YOU...COFFEE IS THE DEVIL ARGH!


I sure do.

And I clutched onto my extra-large cup of joe in fear or trying anything different. I am a faithful, loyal, unwavering coffee supporter and drinker! ONLY!


But then I tried green tea and I sort of loved it. A lot. And it became this wonderful relaxing purifying ritual I had to have every day or I would go crazy. Now don't get me wrong, I am still a coffee gal through and through but this is one trend I definitely appreciated.










Then I tried Green Tea Kit-Kats. Yes those ones in the picture. Once for my birthday and then because I was obsessed with them, again for Christmas (thanks to M for that, by the way)!


Honestly...my only advice for you is to leave whatever it is you are doing and get those Kit-Kats at whatever cost. They are a game changer. Thankfully those are the mini version -- so the level of shame is brought on quite a bit faster when you look down at all the wrappers below your chocolate covered hands.








If for WHATEVER reason you cannot get your hands on these -- I have a much healthier option for you!


I bought the matcha powder from a specialty shop downtown -- that place is HEAVEN. They have the most exotic and wonderful things from all over the world. HEAVEN!!!! I had been absolutely dying to use it. I had the recipe in my draft bin for the longest time waiting to try it.









Now I for one, know that I am critical. I was after something very very specific here! I made the bars, waited patiently to try them and then reserved judgement until I let  my whole family try them. I was SHOCKED to discover...







They were the most popular flavour square to DATE! Yes! I was so nervous that the flavours would be too off or too tea-y for everyone but it was the opposite! The herbal and slight grassiness that the green tea brings is perfectly balanced against the sweetness of the coconut and chocolate.



And I must say despite my initial fears -- everyone was right! These are definitely for a refined palate but their appeal extends beyond fancy tea drinkers. It really is a delight to eat!








The best part of all? High quality raw vegan protein from the SunWarrior and a slow release of energy thanks to the healthy fats, fibre and protein!







For an absolutely vegan version (if you cannot find vegan white chocolate chips/don't want to make them from scratch) use a good quality vegan dark chocolate or melt down some Enjoy Life chocolate chips!






White Chocolate & Matcha Protein Squares


Yields 16 Squares

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

Ingredients:

For Base:

  • 1 1/2 cups oat flour 
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) 
  • 5 teaspoons matcha powder 
  • 1 cup vanilla brown rice protein powder (SunWarrior)
  • 1/2 cup honey, agave or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup nut butter of choice (I used almond)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/3 - 1/2 cup non-dairy milk of choice 

Coconut Filling:

  • 1/2 cup cream cheese (dairy or non-dairy), softened 
  • 2 tablespoons coconut butter
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1/3 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 tablespoons liquid sweetener (maple syrup, agave, honey)


White Chocolate Ganache Layer:

  • 1/3 cup chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips*
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil


*You can purchase vegan white chocolate chips online or make your own (which can be a bit tricky -- it involves cocoa butter, sweetener, non-dairy milk and some other ingredients) for the vegan version you can simply omit the chocolate ganache or use a high quality vegan dark chocolate instead! both combinations taste really delicious! -- another option is to use the cream cheese glaze like on these bars* 


Directions:


For Base

  1. Mix all dry ingredients (including chocolate chips) in a large mixing bowl and set aside
  2. In a small saucepan combine sweetener, coconut oil and nut butter until fully combined, if using additional flavourings or stevia drops add those into this mixture at this point 
  3. Pour your sweetened nut butter mixture onto your dry ingredients adding splashes of almond milk until you have a large cohesive ball of dough
  4. Press dough into an 8x8 pan lined with foil or plastic wrap 
  5. Set in fridge for 10-15  minutes


Coconut Filling


  1. Add all ingredients into a medium sized mixing bowl and whisk together until it is fully combined
  2. Spread coconut filling over matcha bars and place back in the fridge to set for another 10-15 minutes 

White Chocolate Ganache Layer



  1. Once chocolate has been melted add in the coconut oil and stir until chocolate becomes thin, easy to stir and very shiny
  2. Pour in an even layer over coconut filling 
  3. Tap on the counter to remove air bubbles
  4. Place in fridge to set another 30 minutes at least
  5. When set, remove bars from pan and cut into 16 squares or 32 bars depending -- keep refrigerated after serving 








Like I had mentioned -- these are an absolute DELIGHT.


I promise even the anti-tea drinkers will like them! My brothers friend who sampled the squares as well admittedly did not at all like green tea. But he liked these!

Game changer.







These work perfectly with, well, tea! But they are great post-workout, too. It's a nice energy boost and pick me-up for the afternoon. Or maybe post-dinner treat. Ah heck, eat these all the time!


I am so excited to use matcha powder in more desserts! I am also trying to think of other more exotic flavours to try for my next protein-packed recipe!






I was thinking fruit. To be real I am not a huge fan of fruit in my desserts! I know it's shocking to admit that. Shhh!









Except pie. Oh my goodness. I love fruit in pie. Yum yum YUM!







Any ideas!??!


Ah come on...I know you have one!



Let me know your thoughts and if you try these! Even if you don't like green tea -- I think you'll love these!



Happy Matcha Makin'


XO

6 comments:

  1. These look so yummy!! I have matcha and I've been looking for something to make with it, this is going to be it :) so creative! They look exactly like something I'd love!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Leigha! I hope you give them a try! I was shocked that some people in my family (the picky eaters!) loved them as much as they did. The flavours work really well together !

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  2. These were amazing!!!

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  3. Awesome! These are currently in my top three (but I still have more of your homemade protein bar recipes to try), along with the Strawberry protein bars and the Coconut-Lemon protein bars. The common ingredient seems to be shredded coconut! My husband also approved, and he's not even a green tea fan! Either your original Peanut Butter Chocolate protein bars or the new "healthified" Snickers bars are next!

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    Replies
    1. Shredded coconut always seems to make things better, doesn't it?! These were a hit with non-green tea fans in my family, too! The 'Snickers' bars are definitely the new favourite over here, ever since I made them everyone has been asking when I am making them again! Let me know how it goes <3

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