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Easy No Bake Protein Bites are a healthy low calorie energy snack. Made with dates, almonds, unsweetened cocoa powder and no added sugar...
Have you ever made protein bites (or bars) from scratch? Well, it may surprise you but it’s way easier than you might think.
Protein bites are a wonder food. They’re sold in packets in stores and health clubs under the names of Power this or Power that. They’re seen as an instant energy fix for athletes and loaded with you guessed it…protein.
I’m all for high protein snacks, especially when exercising but you know, I’m tired of buying packaged foods with questionable ingredients. I mean really, what exactly are those words on the ingredient label that I can’t even pronounce?
In these little bite-sized protein bites you’ll find simple ingredients. You’ll only see dates and unsweetened cocoa powder which aid in naturally satisfying sugar cravings as well as ground raw almonds to help fill you up and boost your energy level.
Two or three of these little bites, either before or after a workout are perfect for me. Or perhaps, if you’re up late studying for an exam, you might find a bite gives you just the right amount of energy to keep going. These simple bites pack a big punch and they’re intensely flavorful.
I topped these protein bites with a few chocolate covered sunflower seeds to brighten them up a bit. Of course you don’t need to use chocolate covered sunflower seeds, use plain sunflower seeds, or use salted sunflower seeds, or don’t use any sunflower seeds at all.
You’ll need a food processor for this recipe too. I realize a lot of college students may not have a food processor but it’s a gadget you might want to consider owning. You can find them to be inexpensive though Amazon and other discount stores. Once you have one, you’ll be surprised how often you use it. You can make your own hummus, pesto, peanut butter…the list goes on and on.
These protein bites taste better than a candy bar. The subtle hint of chocolate will totally satisfy your sugar craving – trust me on this one. They’re loaded with pure, healthy ingredients and are a breeze to make. Another thing I love about these is that they don’t leave any aftertaste. I don’t know about you, but I find packaged protein bars leave a lingering taste in my mouth that isn’t very pleasant. These don’t.
First, place 1 cup of the raw almonds into a food processor and run it.
Melt 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and add it to the ground almonds.
Blend until it resembles thick almond butter and add in 1 cup pitted dates. Keep blending.
Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder and keep on blending.
When the mixture is smooth, turn it out onto a piece of parchment paper and shape it into a rectangle.
If you’re using sunflower seeds, sprinkle them over the top and gently press them into the date mixture.
Wrap it in the parchment paper and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes, then unwrap and slice into bite size pieces.
Enjoy!
No Bake Protein Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds optional
Instructions
- Place the almonds in a food processor and process until finely ground.
- Add in the melted coconut oil and continue processing until the mxture resembles almond butter.
- Add in the pitted dates and continue to process until smooth.
- Add in the cocoa powder and process until well blended.
- Remove the blade of the food processor and scoop the nut/date mixture onto a piece of parchment paper. Shape the mixture into a rectangle about 1/2 inch high.
- If using sunflower seeds, scatter over the top of the nut/date log and gently press the seeds into the log.
- Cover and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from the refrigerator and slice into squares.
