As a person who works out a lot (almost every day of the week, as a matter of fact), I make sure to adjust my diet to my training routine. So, over the past three years I have significantly increased my protein intake and am much more aware of the nutritional value of everything I put into my body.
In the past year, I’ve also been exposed to all kinds of on-the-counter protein bars, and although they are not a big part of my diet (it’s very rare I eat them at all actually), sometimes it’s nice to have something quick and tasty to pull out immediately after a workout if I do not have time to eat something a little more organized.
However, store-bought protein bars are both expensive and also not necessarily the most delicious thing in the world. This is why I decided to try and make homemade protein bars. I wanted to make protein bars that would keep in the freezer for a long while and I could just grab one or two as a sweet snack before or after a workout.
I made these protein bars with dates, oatmeal and cocoa powder, added some whey protein powder, and the result was simply delicious and so easy to make. These bars are such a great healthy snack and they contain about 7 grams of protein each. It’s not such a high amount of protein in general, but they are simply delicious and the protein is just a nice bonus.
Photo: Efrat Lichtenstadt
Homemade Protein Bars with Oatmeal and Chocolate
For the bars:
- 200 grams (2 cups) whole oats
- 120 grams (6 units) pitted dates
- 80 ml. (1/3 cup) soy milk
- 25 grams (2 ½ tbsp.) protein powder
- 15 ml. (1 tbsp.) pure maple syrup
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- 20 grams (2 tbsp.) cocoa powder
For decoration (optional):
- 50 grams dark chocolate
- In a food processor with a steel blade put oats, dates, soy milk, protein powder, maple, salt, vanilla and cocoa are blend until a uniform, slightly sticky batter is obtained.
- Transfer the mixture to the pan and the tightly press it in a uniform layer.
- Freeze for 3-4 hours until set.
- Using a sharp knife cut into 12 bars.
- Decoration: dissolve the chocolate in the microwave or over double-boiler until it is completely melted.
- Transfer the melted chocolate to a small piping bag and drizzle a little chocolate at the top of the protein bars.
- Freeze for a few minutes to set and serve.
- Keep the bars in the freezer for up to a month.
- The bars can be served directly from the freezer or if you prefer them a little softer – at room temperature.
- The protein powder is optional, but of course increases the amount of protein in the bars. I used whey vanilla protein powder that is available here (affiliate).
- Instead of maple, you can use date syrup or honey in the same amount.
- For vegan protein bars, it is important to make sure that the protein powder used is vegan.
Photo: Efrat Lichtenstadt