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6-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Protein Bars (Sweetened with Dates) Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

These 6-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Protein Bars are a quick and easy no-bake snack sweetened naturally with soft medjool dates. Packed with chocolate plant protein powder, peanuts, and cacao, they provide a deliciously fudgy and nutritious treat perfect for on-the-go energy boosts or post-workout fuel. The bars are topped with a silky chocolate drizzle and extra peanuts for added texture and flavor.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes plus overnight freezing
  • Yield: 8-10 bars

Ingredients

Protein Bar Base

  • 1 cup pitted soft medjool dates, packed (about 12 large dates)
  • 1 1/2 cup salted peanuts (plus more for topping)
  • ¼ cup chocolate plant protein powder
  • ¼ cup cacao powder
  • 1 tbsp water or milk

Chocolate Topping

  • 2 tbsp chocolate chips
  • ½ tsp coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan and Dates: Line a loaf pan with parchment or wax paper to ensure easy removal of the bars. If your dates are hard, soak them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to soften, making them easier to blend.
  2. Process Dates and Peanuts: Place the softened dates and 1½ cups salted peanuts into the bowl of a large food processor. Pulse for one to two minutes until a crumbly mixture starts to form.
  3. Add Protein and Cacao: Add the chocolate plant protein powder, cacao powder, and 1 tablespoon of water or milk into the food processor. Use a spatula to break apart and stir the mixture slightly by hand, then process again until a dense dough ball is formed.
  4. Shape the Bars: Transfer the dough mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press and flatten the mixture evenly and smoothly into the pan.
  5. Make Chocolate Drizzle: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
  6. Decorate Bars: Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the bars. Optionally, sprinkle additional crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch and garnish.
  7. Chill and Serve: Place the loaf pan in the freezer overnight to firm up the bars. Once set, cut into 8 to 10 bars and store in the freezer to keep fresh and fudgy.

Notes

  • Using soft medjool dates is essential for easy blending and natural sweetness. Soak them briefly if hard.
  • Adjust water or milk quantity slightly if the dough feels too dry or crumbly.
  • For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk or water.
  • You can substitute salted peanuts with unsalted if preferred, but the bars may taste less savory.
  • Store bars in the freezer for best texture and longevity; they can stay fresh up to 2 weeks.
  • Feel free to experiment with different nut butters or protein powder flavors for variation.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/6-ingredient-chocolate-peanut-protein-bars-sweetened-with-dates-recipe/