Gluten-free, Vegan, Refined Sugar-free
A high protein breakfast bar that uses Chickpeas as the base! Nutritiously satisfying with a rich chocolate taste, this is a perfect recipe to start your day – just top with your favorite yogurt and you have yourself the perfect balanced breakfast- NO PROTEIN POWDER NEEDED!
I was looking for a rich a decadent recipe that had chickpeas in it, for three reasons! 1- the protein and 2-the fiber and 3- the iron! And I am happy to say I am in love with these homemade chocolate protein bars, made with ZERO protein powder.
Since my toddler does not like to eat a lot of meat, I needed to come up with something that hits these important nutrients. The best part about these chocolate protein bars is that our whole family loves them! I recently shared them with one of my son’s swimming friends too, and this little guy also seemed to enjoy it. Which means, we all win! yay!
Let’s dive into the recipe and explore why the ingredients are so good for and the value of each one.
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The (healthy amazing pantry) ingredients
Just as the heading states, there is a strong likelyhood you can find these ingredients in your pantry right now!
- Chickpeas (1 can): Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber, which are essential for muscle repair and digestive health. A single can typically contains about 15 grams of protein and 12 grams of dietary fiber.
- Natural Organic Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): Peanut butter is a good source of healthy fats, protein, and potassium. Half a cup offers around 14 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber.
- Maple Syrup (1/2 cup): As a natural sweetener, maple syrup provides antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese. It’s also a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
- Hemp Seeds (1/3 cup): These seeds are a superfood, rich in essential fatty acids, protein, and fiber. This amount contributes about 10 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber.
- Oats (1 cup): Oats are full of soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels. They also contribute additional protein — about 6 grams.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): While not significant in nutrients, vanilla adds a rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bars.
- Baking Powder (2 tsp): Used primarily as a leavening agent, it helps the bars rise during baking.
- Chocolate Chips (1/3 cup): Chocolate chips not only add a delightful crunch and flavor but also contain iron and some antioxidants from the cocoa.
- Cacao Powder (2 tbsp): Cacao boosts the bars with more antioxidants and a deep, rich chocolate flavor while contributing a small amount of fiber and protein.
- Almond Milk (2 tbsp): great non-dairy choice that is rich on Vit E
How to make the Protein Bars
This recipe requires only a blender or food processor, your baking cups, and an oven!
I gather all my ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, and place it all into my blender.
The batter will be very thick, and that is okay! Just be sure to stop the blender a few times, and scrap down the sides so that all the ingredients can incorporate really well. This will take a few minutes. This is what the batter looks like in the blender
TIP: if you blend the chocolate chips, instead of stirring them in, they tend to melt a little and give these bars a more chocolatey flavor, but you won’t be able to see or taste the separate bits of chocolate chips in the end product. I like to do it both ways!
Using this square silicone baking tray makes it really easy, as you don’t have to cut them when they are done, and I know each bar is going to cook evenly. They pop our super easy and are all the same size!
However, this is just my preference. You can definitely use muffin cups, or bake it in a 9 x 12 baking dish, cutting them up after they have cooled and been removed from the dish. Please use parchment if you choose this method, as I am not sure how well they will come out of the dish!
THE BATTER IS REALLY THICK and STICKY, and I used my fingers with a tiny bit of water on them, to shape the squares into the molds and make them all flat.
Once cooked, let me cool in the silicon pan for at least 15-20 minutes.
Serving the protein bars
These Double Chocolate Hemp Seed Protein Bars are not just tasty but also packed with nutrients that promote energy and well-being. They are perfect for a post-workout snack, a quick breakfast, or a healthy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth without guilt. With every bite, you’re enjoying a blend of flavors and health benefits, making these bars a delightful addition to your dietary routine. Enjoy your homemade chocolate protein bars that keep you energized and feeling great!
For breakfast:
Since they are so nutritious they can be a perfect breakfast option. I take a dollop of my favorite yogurt and add it on top for a balanced start to my day.
For a snack:
My toddler tends to eat this mostly as a snack. I take a bar with me on the go, especially when going to swimming lessons or soccer, since he is famished afterwards, and I feel so good about him eating these. Also great for the park, shopping or just at home.
For Dessert:
Yes you can eat this for dessert! It’s rich chocolate and decadent taste makes it a great (and healthy choice) for a dessert. Think of it as a brownie, warm it up in the microwave and top it with some vegan ice cream. Yum!
Finding new ideas for breakfasts or snacks cna be tough! Let me share some other healthy ideas you can try today!
- Apple and Cinnamon Mini Pancake Stackers
- Blueberry Jam Chia Pudding
- Mixed Nut Protein Bar
- Coco Goji Bars
Double Chocolate Hemp Seed Protein Bars
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Loading...Enjoy homemade Double Chocolate Hemp Seed Protein Bars! Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Perfect for a healthy snack, post-workout treat or healthy dessert! Super fudgy and decadent that is also good for you.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1/2 cup organic natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup hemp seeds
- 1 cup oats
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup dark (vegan) chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place all ingredients except the chocolate chips in a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth mixture.
Stir in the chocolate chips manually to distribute evenly.
Scoop the mixture into a silicone square muffin tin. This recipe should make about 10 bars.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.
Allow the bars to cool before removing them from the tin.
Nutrition
-
211 Calories
-
20g Carbohydrates
-
11g Fat
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2g Fiber
-
6g Protein
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2g Saturated fat
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40mg Sodium
-
12g Sugar
Notes
Each bar has 2% IRON daily value The nutritional information provided is an estimate only, using an online nutritional calculator, and can vary depending on the products used. It does not substitute for professional nutritional advice. It is essential to consult your healthcare provider or physician before implementing any suggestions or ideas mentioned in the blog.
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