Chocolate Fudgy Protein Bars -

Chocolate Fudgy Protein Bars

Allergy-friendly, gluten-free, and vegan chocolate protein bars that are rich and fudgy.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Dessert, Snacks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: allergy-friendly chocolate protein bars, chocolate protein bars, gluten-free and vegan chocolate protein bars

Servings: Bars

Calories: 213kcal

Author: Mary Krick

1 cup Ripe or spotted bananas ~ mashed
2/3 cup Peanut butter or any nut butter of your choice.
~ I've used sunflower seed butter with great results. 
3 tbsp ~ or 1 scoop chocolate protein powder. ~ I use Orgain Organic Protein Powder; it is gluten-free and plant-based.
1/3 cup Cocao powder
1/4 tsp Salt
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1/4 cup
Pure maple syrup or agave ~ honey is an option for nonplant-based. 
2 tbsp
Chopped walnuts 
2 tbsp
Mini allergy-friendly chocolate chips 
~ I use Enjoy Life
Additional 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup chocolate chips, and chopped nuts for topping (optional)
1/4 cup Peanut butter ~ optional
1/4 cup Chocolate chip ~ optional
3 tbsp Chopped nuts ~ optional

Preheat oven to 325. Line an 8"X 8" pan with parchment paper.
In a medium-size mixing bowl add mashed bananas and peanut butter. Mix well. 
Stir in chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well. 
Add vanilla, syrup, nuts, and chocolate chips. Mix until well combined. 
Pour mixture into a lined baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes.
Don't test doneness, just remove them from the oven and let them reach room temperature. At this point, you can melt the additional chocolate chips and peanut butter together in the microwave in a small custard dish. Be careful not to burn the chocolate. I heat the mixture for about 40 seconds on 50% power. Stir to combine and drizzle or spread like a thin coating of frosting over bars. Sprinkle chopped nuts overall. As the chocolate cools it will become firm and this helps the nuts stick to the bars.
Another option is to sprinkle the nuts over the bars first and drizzle the chocolate peanut butter mixture over top. Either way works to help the nuts stay put...plus it's tasty too!
Cut the bars and enjoy! Now with that said, these bars are intended to be eaten chilled or frozen. I love them frozen best. They are like fudge candy. But...I always eat a warm one as well.

147 Calories without additional drizzle topping and nuts