Tuesday, May 24, 2011

No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Power Bars


These are awesome do-it-yourself energy bars that are fast, easy, and so decadent you wouldn't believe they are so nutritious. Perfect for a protein and energy boost post-workout or if you need an energizing snack during the day! 

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana (the riper the better for more flavour!), mashed
1 and 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3 Tbsp. shredded coconut
1/3 cup raisins (or other chopped dried fruit of your choice)
1/4 cup chocolate or carob chips (I used carob)
2 Tbsp. flax or chia seeds
1 and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup agave or pure maple syrup
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (other nut butters will work just as well too!)
2-4 scoops protein powder of your choice (I'm not a huge protein supplement girl so I omit this ingredient, so feel free to omit it as well if you're not too worried about getting a lot of additional protein in this bar)
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

Line an 8x8 baking pan or a tupperware container with plastic wrap. This will make the bar removal and clean-up easier when they are finished!

Mash the banana in a large bowl. Then add the oats, coconut, flax/chia seeds, cinnamon, and the protein powder (if using) and stir to combine. 

Add in the raisins, chocolate/carob chips, peanut butter, agave, and vanilla and stir to mix. I find it easier to use your hands that way you get everything evenly distributed.

Evenly press the bar mixture into the prepared pan or container. Cover and place in the freezer for 2-3 hours to harden. 

Remove from freezer and lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 10 individual bars (you can cut long and thin bars or squares). 

Wrap them in plastic wrap and store in the fridge or freezer. I store mine in the freezer and just grab them as needed because they don't really freeze rock solid and they soften up quickly at room temperature. 

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