3 Layer Chocolate Protein Bars

Healthy + Easy Alternative to Store-Bought Bars

I am always looking for quick, easy, and delicious ways to get more protein in my diet. These homemade protein bars are the perfect way. They are made with healthier ingredients but still taste delicious.

A lot of protein bars found at the store are overpriced and typically filled with a lot of artificial ingredients and extra sugar. This is why I love this recipe.

This recipe is also super versatile and can easily be adjusted to whatever your flavor preferences are. For example, you can coat in white chocolate instead of normal chocolate or change up the protein powder flavor. You can also switch up the nut butter flavor to get a different flavor each time.

Applesauce: I used unsweetened applesauce in this recipe as I find it is sweet enough from the sugar and chocolate. Ideally, you want the only ingredients to be apples and water. However, if you are looking for more sweetness or only have sweetened applesauce that will also work.

Sugar: I used coconut sugar in this recipe as it is refined sugar free. Any granulated sugar will work.

Almond butter: I used almond butter as it is my favorite nut butter. Any nut or seed butter will work. Be sure it is on the creamier side rather than chunky.

Protein powder: I used a plant-based chocolate protein in this recipe. Any flavor will work; however, I would recommend sticking to chocolate to get that rich chocolatey flavor.

Cacao powder: I like using cacao powder for the extra nutrients; however, cocoa powder also works.

Almond flour: I haven’t tested any other flours in this recipe. You could replace the almond flour with more protein powder if you prefer.

Maple syrup: any liquid sweetener such as agave or honey will work in place of maple syrup.

Sliced almonds: you can leave the sliced almonds out or use any nut or seed of your choice. I like adding them for a crunch.

Chocolate: any chocolate will work.

Ingredients:

• Applesauce

• Sugar

• Almond butter

• Protein powder

• Cacao powder

• Almond flour

• Maple syrup

• Sliced almonds

• Chocolate

Recipe:

Makes 4-5 bars

Base:

• 1/3 cup applesauce

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1/3 cup almond butter

• 1 scoop protein powder (33g)

• ¼ cup cacao powder

• ½ cup almond flour

Middle:

• 1/3 cup almond butter

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 1/3 cup sliced almonds

Top:

• 1 cup chocolate

Directions:

1.    Start by making the base. In a bowl combine the applesauce, sugar, and almond butter. Add in the protein powder, cacao powder, and almond flour. Stir until a dough is formed. Transfer the dough to a lined loaf pan. Press down evenly. Set aside.

2.    For the middle layer, combine the almond butter and maple syrup. Fold in the sliced almonds. Add on top of the dough. Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

3.    After the hour, slice into bars or whatever shape you want. Place back in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

4.    After the 30 minutes, melt the chocolate and coat each bar in the chocolate. Repeat until all the bars are coated.

5.    Place back in the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to harden. Optional: top with sea salt. Once hardened, enjoy!

Be sure to store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bites should last up to one-two weeks. You can store in the freezer to last longer.

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