Choc chip cookie dough protein bars

Sometimes finding high protein snacks can be difficult, especially in a form that can be eaten quickly on a quick break or in between locations. Protein shakes are a good quick source of protein, however they are mostly void of any other important nutrients. Store bought protein bars are expensive and often contain a long list of ingredients. These bars take 10 minutes to make and have a balanced amount of carbs, protein and good fats. I used Bulk Powders Natural Vanilla which is flavoured with Stevia.

Ingredients

Serves 10

Wet ingredients

1 heaped tbsp melted honey 3 tbsp melted coconut oil 3 heaped tbsp peanut butter (I used Mayver's protein plus hemp seeds PB) 1/4 cup + 1-2 tbsp water

Dry ingredients

2 tbsp coconut flour 1/2 cup almonds 1 cup oats Pinch of salt 60-80g vanilla protein powder (I use whey protein isolate from bulk powders*)

Topping

2 tbsp dark choc chips

Method

Line a 27.5cm x 17.5cm tray with baking paper.

Blitz almonds and oats in blender for around 30 seconds or until fine, put in medium sized bowl.

Add protein powder, salt, coconut flour, peanut butter, water and mix well.

Put a tablespoon of solidified coconut oil in small microwave safe dish for around 30 seconds or until melted. Measure 3 tablespoons of melted coconut oil and pour in oat mixture. (You may pour any extra coconut oil back into the jar).

Heat honey in microwave for 20 seconds and add to mixture. Mix well. Once combined, knead with hands.

Pour mixture into the pan and spread and flatten with hands. Scatter the choc chips evenly over the top of the slice. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to push down the mixture firmly so it is as flat as possible.

Note: If you have had not added enough water it will crumble/ break apart and will not push together. If this is the case, slide the mixture back into the bowl, add a tiny bit more water and then re-knead. Place in fridge over night. I usually store these in a container in the fridge cut into bars and then just wrap one in foil in the morning to take with me for the day ahead.

Gluten Free alternative: Use gluten free oats or quinoa flakes instead of oats. Oats are naturally gluten free so would be fine for those who are gluten sensitive, but cross contamination in processing does not make them safe for coeliacs unless they are specifically labelled "gluten free".

*Protein powder used can be bought from this link: https://www.bulkpowders.com.au/shop-by-range/protein-powder/whey-protein-isolate/naturally-formulated-whey-protein-isolate.html

---

MACRONUTRIENTS: Serving size (1 slice)

Energy- 793kJ/ 188 cal

Carbohydrate- 10g

Protein- 12g

Fat- 11g

---