Description

These Chocolate Workout Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack perfect for replenishing energy after exercise. Combining peanut or almond butter, cocoa powder, and oat flour, they offer a rich chocolate flavor with the option to boost protein content for added muscle support. Easy to prepare and no-bake, these bars set in the refrigerator, making them an ideal grab-and-go healthy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup oat flour
1/4 cup protein powder (optional)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
1/4 cup honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup
2 tbsp milk of choice, as needed

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bars later.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey (or chosen syrup), and cocoa powder. Stir until smooth and well incorporated, creating a chocolatey base.
Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the oat flour, optional protein powder, and salt. Mix until a thick dough forms, ensuring all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Adjust Consistency: Gradually add milk one tablespoon at a time if the dough feels dry or crumbly, stirring until you achieve a moldable consistency.
Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of chocolate in each bar.
Shape the Bars: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon or your hands for an even surface.
Chill to Set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to firm up and hold their shape.
Slice and Store: Once set, slice into 8 bars and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Notes

You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or any other nut/seed butter to suit your preference or dietary needs.
The protein powder is optional but helps increase the protein content, making these bars more suitable for post-workout recovery.
Adjust sweetness by choosing honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup according to your taste and dietary restrictions.
Adding milk is to help achieve the right dough consistency; use dairy or plant-based milk as preferred.
Store bars in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
For a crunchier texture, try adding chopped nuts or seeds into the mixture.