Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Bars

These no-bake protein bars are made with simple pantry ingredients and your favorite protein powder. My go-to protein powder is Moon Juice Vanilla-Mushroom Adaptogenic Protein Powder but there are many great ones on the market, so choose your favorite! These bars are packed with healthy fats, are easy to customize based on your personal tastes, and are a great homemade treat to have on hand for lunch boxes or a post-workout snack .

Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Bars

Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Bars

Yields 9 bars

Ingredients:

1/2 cup creamy almond butter

2 TB coconut oil

1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup if vegan)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup vanilla protein powder

1 cup GF oats

1 TB chia seeds

2 TB chocolate chips + 1 tsp coconut oil

1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Optional: 1/3 cup dried tart cherries, Maldon sea salt for sprinkling

1- Spray a 9x9-inch square pan with nonstick spray. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit, leaving 1-inch of overhang on all sides.

2- In a small bowl, heat almond butter, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla on high power in the microwave, for 2 minutes, stirring every 45 seconds or so. Mix together until well combined and smooth. Transfer to a large bowl.

3- Stir in protein powder until smooth, then fold in oats, chia seeds, coconut, and dried cherries (if using). Place in the prepared baking pan, using spatula to press the bars into the corners and smooth the top evenly.

4- In a small bowl, microwave the chocolate chips & 1 tsp coconut oil until melted. Stir to emulsify. Drizzle over the top of the bars. Sprinkle with Maldon salt (if using).

5- Place bars in fridge for at least 1 hour before removing from pan and cutting into 9 squares. Store bars in fridge, tightly wrapped in plastic, or in an airtight container up to 1 week.