Mint Chocolate Protein Bars

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So I may have just created my most favourite protein bar (sorry don't tell the other protein bars here). As some of you may already know my love for all things mint chocolate runs deep. Almost as deep as my love for chocolate and peanut butter. Are there any other mint chocolate fans out there? Come on, show me your hands!

The best part about these bars is how they really aren't as indulgent as they sound. I used a handful of ingredients including quick oats, medjool dates, a touch of maple syrup, and chocolate whey protein isolate + some mint and caramel extract. That's the main make up of the bars, plus a bit of water to bring the bars together. No added sugars except the 1 tablespoon of maple syrup...you know how I roll.

One thing you will notice is that they have 20 grams of sugar, but that is due to the medjool dates (a fruit). So I wouldn't get too worried about it. Just think of these as a treat or healthy dessert with some added protein. Not an everyday thing.

These are so soft and chewy and UGH so good. You'll want to keep some stashed in the fridge for "emergencies". The actual bars come together quite quickly, they just need a little time to set up in the fridge and then you can cut them.

Then it's time to dunk them in melted dark chocolate with a dash of mint extract. However if you prefer them aú natural I would totally understand. No judging here ;)

Now go make them!

Mint Chocolate Protein Bars

(makes 6 bars)

Ingredients:

Filling

  • 2 cups (160g) quick oats
  • 9 medjool dates (about 156g with pits removed)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp pure peppermint extract
  • 1/2 tsp caramel extract
  • 1/4cup (31g) North Coast Naturals chocolate iso whey protein powder

Coating

  • 100g 70% dark chocolate
  • 1/4 tsp peppermint oil*

Directions:

  1. In a food processor, mix together all filling ingredients (from dates to chocolate protein powder), stopping as needed to scrape down the sides.
  2. Transfer the dough into a small rectangular baking dish lined with parchment paper (I used a 7x5 baking dish). Anything of a similar size like a plastic storage container will also work. Press the dough down firmly to shape for cutting into bars. Place the dish in the fridge for 30 minutes or longer to let them firm up.
  3. Cut the block of bars into 6 and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  4. When ready to coat melt the dark chocolate in a small heat proof bowl set over a pot of water on low heat; make sure the bowl doesn't touch the water. Once the chocolate is melted stir the peppermint oil in until smooth.  
  5. Dunk each bar into the melted chocolate with tongs or two forks, let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl then set back on lined baking tray. To add a special touch, drizzle the top of each bar with a bit of the remaining chocolate.
  6. Place the tray in the fridge until chocolate is fully set.
  7. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge.

Notes:

*Do not try to stir peppermint extract into your melted chocolate or it will clump together. It is the alcohol in the extract that makes this happen. This is why I used peppermint oil instead. You can find peppermint oil at any baking store like the Bulk Barn and even Walmart. 

Nutrition Facts

For one bar: 285 calories, 7.5g of fat, 3.7g saturated fat, 46g of carbs, 5g fiber, 23g sugar, 23mg sodium, 9g of protein

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Protein Bars

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These peanut buttery protein bars only require 6 ingredients for a healthy, tasty snack to have any time of day! Simply mix the first 5 ingredients together with a spatula and then add the water and mix until you get a doughy texture. 

They taste so decadent and rich, but are made from simple, healthy ingredients like crunchy peanut butter, coconut flour and honey.

I'm really loving the new chocolate coconut iso protein 100. Combining it with the other ingredients in these bars is so tasty. I'm totally hooked.

If you like having something sweet these are the perfect cure. They're really good after a meal as a healthy dessert too. I don't know about you guys but I often have an urge for something sweet after dinner ;)

With only 2.7 grams of sugar per serving, the only sweetener in these bars is a little bit of honey. Unless you opt to use 70% dark chocolate, then you will add another gram or two, but I chose to use stevia sweetened chocolate chips this time.

Just a little FYI, in case you guys wondered I mostly use North Coast Naturals ISO Whey Protein 100 in my protein powder recipes. I like the texture and taste it gives them and it has no added sugars, artificial flavours or colours. Plus it only has 1-3 grams of carbs per scoop/ serving. It's some of the best out there! If you can't get your hands on some though you can make these bars using another good quality vanilla whey protein powder.

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Protein Bars

(makes 6 bars)

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together first five ingredients.
  2. Add the water and mix thoroughly until a lightly sticky dough forms. If your mixture is too dry, add more coconut flour as needed; if the mix is too wet and more water one tsp at a time.
  3. Shape the dough into small 6 bars about 1 1/2 inches in length. Store in the fridge. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

For one bar: 126 calories, 7g of fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 7g of carbs, 2.3g fiber , 2.7g sugar, 23.3mg sodium, 10.6g of protein