Fitness / September 9, 2023

Homemade Protein Bars with Chocolate and Almonds {Gluten Free and Super Simple}

These homemade protein bars are made of oats, chocolate and almonds. They’re quick, easy and a perfect healthy snack!

Chocolate Almond Protein Bars - SO easy and WAY healthier than storebought! | foodfaithfitness.com | #healthysnack #recipe #chocolate

Let’s talk about “snugging.”

Not to be confused with “snuggLing.” No, this here word is a new creation from Mr. FFF.

Now, I know it sounds kind of cute. HOW-EV-ER, it is not.

It’s “snuggling”…from Hell.

The other day we were lying on the couch, watching “Chopped” (favorite!) and snuggling.

Or at least I THOUGHT that was what we were doing.

Suddenly, OUT OF THE BLUE, the Huberoni started INCESSANTLY poking me. It was an all-out, non-stop poke fest ya’ll.

I told him to stop. He did not listen.

I told him it hurt. He laughed (jerk.)

So, amidst the poking, I asked him what the heck he was doing.

He replied “I am snugging you.”

And that, my peeps, is my life. Welcome to the craziness that is the FFF household.

Sometimes I don’t even know who he is.

Thankfully, it was a one-time experience. I do not care to be “snugged” ever again in all the evers that I have left on planet Earth.

Even more thankfully, the Hub-o-rama left for work shortly after so I had a whole evening of “me-time” to recover from the traumatizing event.

You know what I turned to? Chocolate.

Because, it’s what normal people do. I know that you think that we are totally ca-ray-zay after above story, but I PROMISE we are normal.

But, I might be lying.

I have professed my undying love for all things chocolate and almond before in the form of healthy almond joy cheesecake, paleo chocolate lava cakes recipes with almond butter, whipped homemade almonds butter and baked donuts, so clearly that was where my brainular device landed.

HOW-EV-ER, I can’t confirm or deny that it was dinner time when I was seeking this comfort, so I figured I should incorparte some protein.

You know, to make it acceptable as a meal.

I thought about covering chicken with chocolate and almonds.

My head told me “No. That’s weird.”

Thankfully for both you and I, I decided upon homemade protein bars. A balanced meal in ONE bar that I could even send to work with Mr.FFF.

After eating 1 (read: 6) I decided to re-think above “sending to work with Mr.FFF”

These homemade protein bars are not meant to be shared guys.

Besides, he didn’t deserved such yumminess after what he had just put me through.

You understand.

I also shared the Chocolate Protein Bars Recipe over at Food Fanatic – make sure to check it out there as well!

P.s Sorry for the lack of photos. I was tired that day.

Chocolate Protein Bars Recipe

Chocolate Protein Bars chock full of almonds – that you make at home. Gotta love that!

Course Healthy Eating

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Servings

Calories 230kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

3/4 cup Quick Oats plus 2 tablespoons
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
3 tablespoons Chocolate Protein Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 cup Slivered Almonds
1/2 cup Milk Chocolate Chips
1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
3 tablespoons Almond Butter
3 tablespoons Honey
1 1/2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
2 tablespoons Unsweetened Apple Sauce

Instructions

Preheat you oven to 350°F and line a small baking dish (mine was 8×6) with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, protein powder, salt, cinnamon, slivered almonds and milk chocolate chips. Toss to mix evenly.
In a small bowl, melt the almond butter, honey and coconut oil in the microwave. Stir in the vanilla and apple sauce.
Add the almond butter mixture into the oat mixture and mix until well combined. I find using your hands is the easiest.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, really pressing down to make sure the mixture is press up all against the sides and compacted as well as possible
Bake until the sides just start to pull away and darken, about 33-35 minutes .
Let cool completely before lifting the parchment out of the pan and slicing.
Bars can be kept at room temperature for 4-5 days, and then stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Notes

You can get away with 1 tbsp less of brown/granulated sugar is you likes a less sweet and less “commercial” tasting bar. I preferred it with the recommended amount.
The bars will be VERY soft and appear undercooked when done. They set up A LOT once cooling.