Protein Coconut Bars

Jasmine Schmalhaus - The Upside Blog | Vitacost.com/blog

by | Updated: December 3rd, 2016 | Read time: 1 minute

Is it a candy bar or a protein bar? Many pre-packaged bars are disguised as a nutritional snack, but they’re really nothing more than sugar-coated sweets. You could waste time reading every label and making sure to pick the right post-workout treat. Or…you could make these chocolate-topped coconut protein bars. Honestly, you may still be left wondering if it’s candy or not. (Hint: it’s not!)

Homemade Chocolate-Coconut Protein Bars

Bars

3 scoops vanilla protein powder
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
¼ cup melted coconut oil
¼ cup almond milk
2 Tbsp. raw honey
10 drops coconut liquid stevia

Topping

1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tsp. coconut oil
Slivered almonds (optional)

Directions

  1. Line an 8” x 8” baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all bar ingredients, adding almond milk last. Slowly incorporate almond milk into mixture until you reach the desired texture (it should be easy to press into a pan).
  3. Pour mixture into prepared pan.
  4. In a small bowl, combine all topping ingredients and melt in microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for another 30 seconds, being careful not to overcook the chocolate.
  5. Spread chocolate topping over coconut bars. Top with slivered almonds and place in the refrigerator or freezer to set.
  6. Once hardened, slice and eat!