These Protein Dream Bars are a delicious post-workout treat! The perfect macro combo to fuel your body deliciously.
Food as Fuel
The food we put in to our bodies, simply put, is pure fuel. Our bodies use that fuel for energy and nourishment, so why would we eat junk?
Silly question, I know. As well-intentioned as we may be, sometimes the only thing that will mend a broken heart, ease the exhaustion after a long day, or serve as any form of comfort is something that perhaps is less than healthy for us. And you know what?
That’s ok.
I’ve always focused on living a life of balance, and while that means more vegetables and less sugar…life just wouldn’t be complete chocolate. Or cocktails. Or carbs. I’m not enjoying these things in large doses every day, but you can bet they are part of my diet!
All of this said, I try to eat clean 85% of the time, with the remaining 15% reserved for smart indulgences. These Protein Dream Bars may have you wondering which category they fall in to…
Healthy or Indulgent?
Why choose! These Protein Dream Bars are the best of both. Nut butter serves as a delicious source of both protein and fat, with an extra protein kick from your favorite protein powder. Oats bring the carbs, and that “chocolate” layer on top brings the joy (it’s actually cacao powder ad coconut oil! But you can use chocolate if you like 🙂 ).
What Type of Protein To Use
Feel free to substitute your favorite flavor of protein powder. I like to opt for clean versions, whether plant of animal based. If I’m using animal protein, I search for protein powders that are grass fed and pasture raised. There are so many options out there to choose from!
In this recipe I used this unflavored protein powder, but this chocolate option would be delicious, this version would make the bars vegan, and don’t get me started on how delicious these sound with this churro flavored protein!
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Protein Dream Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup nut butter, see notes
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Sea salt
- 1/3 cup favorite protein powder, see note
- 2/3 cup oats
For the chocolate layer:
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp cacao or cocoa powder, substitute chocolate chips if you prefer!
Instructions
- In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine nut butter maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt. Stir every so often until mixture is fully combined and runny. This should happen quickly!
- Remove from heat and add proetin powder. Stir lightly to combine.
- Add oats, again tossing to combine. Once oats and protein powder are thoroughly incorporated, transfer to a parchment lined loaf pan. Using a spatula, press mixture in to pan to flatten.
- Microwave the cacao powder and coconut oil together until oil is melted. Stir together to combine, and pour over bars. Tilt pan so mixture completely covers all bars.
- Refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes. Portion bars out (in a loaf pan I slice in to 12 bars), store in a container and return to refrigerator until unger strikes
- Bars should keep in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Use your favorite nut butter! I've tried them with both peanut butter and almond butter - both are delicious! Cashew butter or sunflower seed butter would be great too, the latter making these nut free!