Easy Chocolate Almond Chia Protein Bars

Recipe by Sweet Like Cocoa

These energy and protein packed Chocolate Almond Chia Protein Bars are an incredibly easy snack full of wholesome ingredients - no baking required!

Ingredients

• dry Ingredients:
• 1½ cup oats
• ½ cup protein powder** (I used Iron Vegan Sprouted Protein)
• ½ cup almonds (roughly chopped)
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup chia seeds
• ¼ cup dairy free chocolate chips
• ¼ tsp salt
• wet Ingredients:
• ~150 grams dates (this was about 22 dates for me, mine were really small!)
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• ½ cup dairy free milk (unsweetened)
• ¼ cup maple syrup (if your protein powder is very bitter, you may need to add more sweetener. Add 1 tablespoon at a time and taste until satisfied)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Start with the dates; using a blender or food processor, combine the dates and water, and blend/process until you have a date paste. Add a tiny bit more water to get things going if you need to
2. In a medium bowl, combine the date paste with the remaining wet ingredients (peanut butter, dairy free milk, maple syrup and vanilla extract) and stir until everything is combined. If your peanut butter is very thick, try warming it a bit until its mixable
3. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients (oats, protein powder, almonds, cocoa, chia seeds, chocolate chips and salt) and stir to combine
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until everything is fully incorporated - it helps to use your hands here!
5. Once everything is mixed, evenly press the mixture into an 8x8 pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper
6. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour, or the freezer for 30 minutes before removing from the pan and cutting into 16 squares. After being cut, I like to store these bars in the fridge
7. Enjoy!

View the recipe instructions at Sweet Like Cocoa