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High Protein Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars

High Protein Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars - recipe card
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These no-bake bars combine the rich flavors of dark chocolate and sea salt with a satisfying crunch from mixed nuts. Packed with protein from whey protein powder and peanut butter, they make a perfect guilt-free snack or post-workout treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, cashews, walnuts), roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup whey protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavor)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or any nut butter)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons water, if needed

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped mixed nuts, rolled oats, whey protein powder, shredded coconut, and dark chocolate chips. Mix well.
  3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Do not boil.
  4. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until everything is evenly coated. The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed. If it seems too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press down firmly and evenly with the back of a spatula or your hands to compact the mixture into a flat, even layer. This is crucial for bars that hold together.
  6. Sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top of the bars. Gently press the salt into the surface.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. For best results, chill for 2 hours.
  8. Once firm, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into 4 equal bars.
  9. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If frozen, thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating. Protein Boost: For an extra protein kick, substitute the rolled oats with an additional 1/2 cup of protein powder, but note that this may alter the texture; you may need to add more liquid. Alternatively, serve with a side of Greek yogurt for a protein-packed snack.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein bars, dark chocolate nut bars, sea salt snack bars, no-bake protein bars, homemade protein bars, healthy snack, post-workout snack, chocolate sea salt, nut bars, protein-packed

Find it online: https://thehighproteinrecipes.com/high-protein-dark-chocolate-and-sea-salt-nut-bars/