Nanaimo Protein Bars
Try this Nanaimo Protein Bars recipe
Try this Nanaimo Protein Bars recipe
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (i used gluten-free graham c
- 1/2 cup whey protein chocolate (i used jamie eason's lean body for her)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut
- 2 tbsp walnuts chopped
- 4 tbsp butter melted (or coconut oil)
- 20 drops vanilla stevia
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut
- 2 tbsp sugar-free honey (could sub for regular honey)
- 1/4 cup whey protein vanilla (i used jamie eason's lean body for her)
- 2-4 tbsp milk (i used almond milk)
- 1/2 cup stevia chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp coconut oil
- Carbohydrate 4.76012308579951 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 13.4782142297494 g
- Fiber 3.24649712631061 g
- Protein 1.59574812496383 g
- Saturated Fat 11.4446286362537 g
- Serving Size 1 1 bar (21g)
- Sodium 7.06754296843387 mg
- Sugar 1.5136259594889 g
- Trans Fat 0.824922475140376 g
- Calories 138 calories
Step-by-step
- In a medium bowl, mix together all the ingredients in the bottom layer, drizzling in the melted butter last.
- Press into an 8x8 pan misted with oil. If your mixture seems to dry/crumbly, add a bit more butter or coconut oil.
- Next, assemble the middle layer. Combine the coconut, coconut oil, vanilla and honey.
- Blend it all together in a blender or food processor until its a paste consistency.
- Once the coconut mixture is blended, fold in the whey protein and almond milk, add the milk a little at a time to get it to a spreading consistency.
- Spread the coconut mixture over the bottom layer in the pan.
- For the top layer, melt together your chocolate chips and coconut oil. The coconut oil helps to thin the chocolate a bit.
- Warm over the stove until melted, or I use the microwave in 30 second increments.
- Spread the chocolate over the coconut mixture.
- Place in the fridge until the chocolate is set (about 30 minutes).
- Cut into 16 bars and store in the fridge or freezer.
Nanaimo Protein Bars: My Go-To Healthy Snack
As a busy professional woman, finding time to prepare healthy and delicious snacks can be a challenge. Between meetings, client calls, and deadlines, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of protein bars. They're convenient, portable, and, most importantly, they keep me feeling full and energized throughout the day. However, many store-bought protein bars are loaded with artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. That's where this recipe comes in. My Nanaimo Protein Bars are a game-changer. They're incredibly satisfying, taste amazing, and are packed with wholesome ingredients. I love that I can control exactly what goes into them, avoiding those pesky artificial ingredients and ensuring I'm getting a truly nutritious snack. This recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your dietary preferences and what you have on hand.
The best part about these bars? They're incredibly easy to make! The entire process, from start to finish, takes less than an hour. The layers – a crunchy graham cracker base, a creamy coconut center, and a rich chocolate topping – come together beautifully. The combination of textures and flavors is just divine. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or even a satisfying afternoon treat. The protein from the whey protein adds to the satiety, keeping those hunger pangs at bay. I find that a single bar is usually enough to tide me over until my next meal. I usually prep a batch on the weekend and store them in the fridge for easy grab-and-go snacking throughout the week.
The Base Layer: The base layer consists of simple ingredients like graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, melted butter (or coconut oil for a healthier option), and a touch of sweetness from stevia. The result is a delightfully crumbly and slightly chocolatey base that provides a perfect foundation for the other layers.
The Middle Layer: The middle layer is the star of the show! It features a creamy blend of coconut, coconut oil, vanilla, honey (or sugar-free honey), and whey protein. This layer provides the bars with their rich, creamy texture and adds a protein boost. You’ll need a blender or food processor to ensure a smooth, spreadable consistency.
The Top Layer: Finally, the top layer is a simple yet decadent layer of melted chocolate chips and coconut oil. The coconut oil helps create a nice, smooth consistency, preventing the chocolate from being too thick. Once you've assembled all the layers, you simply pop the pan into the fridge to allow the chocolate to set. Then it's time to cut and enjoy!
I recommend experimenting with different ingredients. If you don't have almond milk, feel free to substitute with other milk alternatives. Similarly, you can adjust the type and amount of sweeteners to suit your taste. This recipe is your canvas for delicious and healthy creativity!
So next time you need a quick, healthy, and satisfying snack, reach for my Nanaimo Protein Bars. They’re the perfect treat to fuel your busy day. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these, you’ll never want to buy another store-bought protein bar again!
