Almond-Chocolate Protein Bars
Chewy, nutty protein bars with oats, almonds, and chocolate for a satisfying snack.
Equipment
- small baking dish (8x8 or similar), lined with parchment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup quick oats + 2 tablespoons
- 2 tbsp quick oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp almond butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out later.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the quick oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, chocolate protein powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Stir in the slivered almonds and milk chocolate chips so they are distributed through the dry mixture.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond butter, honey, and coconut oil; microwave in short bursts until melted and smooth, stirring between bursts. Stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and holds together when pressed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press firmly and evenly into the pan, compacting the mixture and pushing it against the sides.
- Bake for 33–35 minutes, until the sides begin to darken and pull away slightly from the pan.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using the parchment overhang and slice into 10 bars.
Notes
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help bars hold together.
- Let bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges.