Looking for a delicious, sweet snack that will also be satisfying for that time in between meals? This chocolate peanut butter snack might be perfect for you! These protein bars are naturally sweetened with dates and have plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to satisfy.
This recipe uses peanut butter, hemp hearts, and protein powder which contribute to nearly 19 grams of plant-based protein per bar! Protein is essential to a variety of our body’s functions from muscle repair to organ function (Read More Here). The current recommendation is to consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day, but this will vary by person and activity level (NIH). Our bodies cannot absorb all of that protein at once, so it is important to spread it out in meals and snacks throughout the day. Higher protein foods also are more filling, so these bars are a great choice for a snack or on-the-go breakfast!
This recipe uses hemp hearts, which are amazing and nutritious! They are a complete protein source and a great source of healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp hearts are also a great source of micronutrients such as manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc (USDA). These awesome little seeds are a great pantry staple and can be easily added to smoothies, granola, yogurt, or as a topping for toast, salad, or a main dish!
These bars also use protein powder to help boost the protein content in this snack. I personally don’t use protein powder as a meal replacement, but rather, I occasionally use it as a snack/meal enhancer. In this recipe, I used unflavored pea protein, but you can use whatever kind you prefer!
Rich Vegan Protein Bars
Equipment
- Food Processor or High-Speed Blender
Ingredients
- 1 heaping cup Medjool Dates, pitts removed (about 7 ounces)
- 1 cup Peanut Butter (Tahini or Cashew butter would probably work well too!)
- ¾ cup Hemp Hearts
- ¼ cup Flaxseed Meal
- ½ cup Water
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Protein Powder (I used unflavored pea protein powder)*
- ¼ tsp. Salt
- 1 ½ tbsp. Cocoa Powder
- ¾ cup Rolled Oats
- Optional Toppings – Dark Chocolate, Coconut Chips, Hemp Hearts, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350° F. Make a “flax egg” by combining the flaxseed meal and water. Allow this to sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- To a food processor or high-speed blender, add the pitted dates, peanut butter, hemp hearts, flax egg, vanilla, protein powder, salt, cocoa powder, and oats. Process this until it forms a mostly uniform mixture (don’t worry if it isn’t completely smooth, just make sure the dates are all broken up). If you do not have a food processor, this may take some more time– it could be helpful to first combine all of the ingredients except the dates and add them a few at a time so you don’t overwhelm your blender.
- Add the processed mixture to a 9×9” baking dish lined with parchment paper. Press the mixture down evenly using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until the edges are golden-brown.
- Optionally, melt some dark chocolate on top of the bars and add your favorite toppings.
- Allow this to cool and move it to the refrigerator! I prefer to enjoy these cold!
