Healthy Chocolate Protein Bars

A quick and easy chocolate protein bar recipe with wholesome ingredients to satisfy your sweet tooth without the added sugar.

Easy Homemade Protein Bars

I honestly don’t believe that I’ve ever met someone who doesn’t enjoy the creamy richness of a delicious chocolate treat! From cakes and cookies to mousse and muffins- chocolate is everywhere! And adored by many around the world.

There’s a reason that this sweet treat produces smiles of satisfaction. Did you know that chocolate triggers a signal in the brain to release serotonin and endorphins (which relieve pain and stress)?

Although I do believe that enjoying a special treat is entirely okay from time to time, I also believe that it’s often just as easy to create a healthy version at home for a fraction of the cost.

This healthy chocolate protein bar recipe came about as the result of my kiddos and I playing around in the kitchen one day. When creating a recipe for the first time I typically scribble down notes and directions (in almost unintelligible chicken scratch) and then place it in a notebook in case it needs perfecting.

This part must have slipped my mind that day because after realizing that we had a winner, I somehow managed to lose the priceless piece of paper that I jotted down the ingredients on! Needless to say I failed miserably at my attempt to recreate them a few days later! Mommy brain for the win 😉

Thankfully after digging around several notebooks, after the fact, I was able to find the original!

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What Makes These Chocolate Protein Bars Healthy?

I think that some people are under the impression that all chocolate is bad for you. That is simply not the case! The cocoa bean as well as dark chocolate have many health benefits.

Now I’m not saying that all dark chocolate is created equal, and obviously you need to keep an eye on the sugar content. However, when eaten in moderation, there are several health benefits to enjoying this tasty snack or dessert.

Natural cocoa beans have been scientifically shown to have high amounts of antioxidants. Dark chocolate contains fiber, iron, manganese, magnesium, and copper to name a few.

These homemade protein bars are made from all natural ingredients (aside from the optional dairy free dark chocolate chips). Almond flour and oats provide the base, while banana and maple syrup add a touch of sweetness. The cocoa and protein powder bring about a rich chocolate flavor. The almond butter adds extra protein while binding everything together.  

*On a side note, I would recommend opting for a protein powder with a limited amount of ingredients while trying to keep it as natural and minimally processed as possible. Orgain Organic just recently came out with their Simple line of protein powder. My favorite to use for these healthy protein bars is the Simple Vanilla (I still also purchase the original vanilla as well as it is much cheaper) which consists of only 8 ingredients that are all natural and organic. If you’d like to give either of these a try please use promo code JOYFUELED at Orgain.com for 30% off your first order!  

Are These Homemade Protein Bars Cheaper Than Store Bought?

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a frugal girl. Coupons and sales are right up my alley! I definitely enjoy saving where I can. Although I will forever be a fan of GoMacro bars (oh Smooth Sanctuary, you are so dreamy!), it’s not feasible to purchase them all throughout the month. I cannot justify spending $2.50/bar when I can easily make my own protein bars at home.  Not every store bought version is quite as expensive, but the average (plant based) is around $2.00 a piece.

I took some time to do the math on the ingredients needed to make this chocolate protein bar recipe. Although the initial investment of purchasing all of the ingredients may seem more costly if you don’t already have them on hand, making them yourself will definitely save you money in the long run.

½ cup almond flour                                         $1.50

½ cup quick oats                                             $0.09

½ medium banana                                          $0.15

1 TBSP pure maple syrup                              $0.25

2 TBSP cocoa powder                                    $0.15

2 TBSP almond butter                                   $0.45

1 scoop Orgain Organic Vanilla                   $0.58

2 TBSP dairy free chocolate chips              $0.55

Total:                                                                $3.72

$3.72/ 6 bars =   $0.62 per bar!

So, yes, making healthy protein bars at home can save a boatload of money a year if you’re used to purchasing a few store bought bars a week!

Related Post: HEALTHY VANILLA PUMPKIN SPICE BARS

How To Make Chocolate Protein Bars

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Gather up all of your ingredients. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside. Then add the quick oats to a food processor and grind until they become a powder like consistency. Next add all the rest of the ingredients to the food processor and pulse until everything is thoroughly mixed creating a soft dough. Transfer the dough to the loaf pan and press down with the back of a spoon until the mixture is smooth and even. Pop it into the oven for 11 minutes, then remove to let the bars cool. You may choose to melt some additional almond butter to drizzle over your bars if you’d like!

*You can easily sub in some honey in place of the maple syrup if need be or use peanut /cashew butter in place of almond butter.

These homemade protein bars are a delicious afternoon snack or dessert, but also work perfectly after a tough workout because of the additional protein which helps to repair broken down muscle.

Healthy Chocolate Protein Bar Recipe

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• ½ cup almond flour                                        
• ½ cup quick oats                                              
• 1/4 cup banana (smashed)                                          
• 1 TBSP pure maple syrup                             
• 2 TBSP cocoa powder                                    
• 2 TBSP almond butter                                   
• 1 scoop Orgain Organic Vanilla Protein Powder (or protein powder of your choosing)                 
• 2 TBSP dairy free chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Gather up all of your ingredients and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
3. Add the quick oats to a food processor and grind until they become a powder like consistency.
4. Add all the rest of the ingredients to the food processor and pulse until everything is thoroughly mixed, creating a soft dough.
5. Transfer the dough to the loaf pan and press down with the back of a spoon until the mixture is smooth and even.
6. Bake for 11 minutes, then remove to let the bars cool.
7. (Optional) Melt some additional almond butter to drizzle over your bars if you’d like!

I hope that these quick and easy bars become a new favorite in your home! Enjoy =)