Some thoughts and discussions from me.
No Bake Cocoa Coconut Protein Bars (Grain-Free)
When it comes to meals, I tend function best on a 3 square meals + 2 snacks regimen. And most of the time, I’m good about picking a healthy, sustainable snack after lunch. Something that has enough protein to hold me over, holds high nutritional value, and consists of real, whole foods.
But lately, I haven’t been doing that. I’ve been grabbing the most convenient food that’s tasty and will fill me up, and usually is wrapped in plastic – a protein bar.
I’ve turned into a protein bar fiend lately! They’re so convenient, tasty, and quick, and I’ve got a huge stash of different kinds in the lazy susan.
Protein bars can be great – and I always scope out the bar stash every time I hit up a Whole Foods. But while my go-to snack as of late’s name contains just two words, the ingredient list is typically pretty lengthy. Plus, it’s an expensive habit to eat a protein bar every single day for a snack! Like I always tell my clients,protein bars are not whole foods, so use them only when you’re in an emergency snack situation 
Even the cleanest protein bars still contain preservatives, and ingredients that didn’t come from your own kitchen.
To remedy both the ingredient list and my wallet, I took matters into my own hand, and made my own perfect protein bar. It’s high protein, super tasty, low carb, and most importantly, made of real whole ingredients that came from my kitchen. They’re admittedly not the prettiest bars, but they’re dang tasty – and good for you!
No Bake Cocoa Coconut Protein Bars (Grain-Free)
2.5 scoops chocolate protein powder (I use Whey Cool brand)
1/4 c. melted coconut oil
1/4 c. coconut cream (I like Trader Joe’s brand)
1/4 c. almond butter of choice (I used Nutzo Chocolate)
2 tbsp. honey
2-3 tbsp. coconut flour
1/4 tsp. sea salt
any other optional mix-ins
In a large bowl, mix together the protein powder and coconut oil until well incorporated. Add the rest of the ingredients, and stir until well it forms a dough. In a lined loaf pan, spread the batter and smooth. Refrigerate 1 hour, and slice into bars. Store in the refrigerator.
YUM!
What’s your go-to afternoon snack?
Oh these sound wonderful! With my high volume of training, I need to snack lots, and regularly, so I have lots of fruit and nuts, but sometimes it is nice to have a bar….but I prefer to make my own so I know exactly what is in it. These would be great! Thanks for the recipe Paige 🙂
Tina Muir recently posted…Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Recap: The Race
These look great! I’m trying to get better about not buying protein bars so often…they’re pricey!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…Love Your Body Challenge Recap.
Wow! Amazingly delicious 🙂
These sound delicious!!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…Cooking with Coconut Oil Cookbook Review
Okay yes. When I saw the picture of these bars, my eyes grew bigger that’s for sure! They look flipping mouthtastical!!!!
GiGi Eats Celebrities recently posted…Not So Devilish Deviled Eggs
I love me some protein bars…. these are def getting made this weekend!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…50% More Rest and Giveaway!
I am allergic to all nuts/seeds… any suggestions on something to substitute for the almond butter (I assume this is what holds it together)? I can’t have sunflower butter either, and I know that is often an alternative. Thanks!
wow wow wow great recipe love
yummy!!! these sounds great
Yum! These sound great! I love making my own protein bars over buying them. So much cleaner and so easy too!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome recently posted…Thinking Out Loud
Thank you for sharing this! My sister was just asking me if I had any homemade protein bar recipes:) I just passed along this one!
Yum! These look great. I have coconut flour, but have never been all that successful using it, therefore it just sits in my cupboard. I think I’ll have to give these a go for during the week. Gives me an alternative to my usual chia pudding, or apple/ oat protein bar.
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I am totally trying these out today! These are going to be perfect for work, since I’m basically on my feet all day and only have a 15 minute break once a day. Hah, I get no time to do anything except shove something quick in my mouth;)
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You had me with “Coconut” 🙂
First time I’m on your site, Paige, and you’re doing an awesome job. Thanks for the recipe!
You’ve mentioned that you eat quite a few protein bars, so I am wondering what your favorite brands are. If you’re up for it, I invite you over to my site to give an honest rating of your favorite gluten free protein bar(s).
Thanks
Daniel
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Amen to the no-bake part of this recipe. I love the recipe as it is and can’t wait to try it. I guess the optional mix-in for me would be nuts, just to add some extra crunch.