Vegan German Chocolate Energy Bars
Energy bars are such a convenient way to provide some quick fuel when you really need a boost. They're great for during a hike for a post workout snack, or even that 3:00 pm slump, but unfortunately they're not all the healthiest choices. Some protein or energy bars have lots of sugar, which can of course pack the calories that you just burned off, right back on. Others might have ingredients that you can't have, or don't want. And let's face it - keeping your pantry stocked with energy bars can make a huge dent in your wallet.
So here's a little secret. They're REALLY easy to make, and not a drop of added sugar is needed. They also keep for quite a while in the freezer, so they're ready when you are. Even better, you can customize the size, so if a whole bar is too much, you won't feel compelled to finish it.
My friend Lisa shared this recipe with me, and they're just too good to not share with you! They call for vegan protein powder, but feel free to substitute whey protein powder if you prefer it.
Wrap them individually and store them in an airtight container. They'll keep for 5 days in the refrigerator, or about a month in the freezer.
Who am I kidding? They'll be gone much sooner than that.
PS - This entire recipe cost me less than $5 to make, and I've got LOTSA bars. Bring on hiking season!
Recipe
Ingredients
- â…” cup Old Fashioned Oats
- â…“ cup Steel Cut Oats
- ½ cup vegan protein powder
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates soaked in water for about 30 minutes
- ½ cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- water as needed
Instructions
- Place both kinds of oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, and coconut in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the chopping blade. Process until everything is ground into a fine powder.
- Drain dates well, and add to the bowl, along with pecans, coconut oil, vanilla and salt. Process until dates are broken down and mixture comes together in a dough ball.
- Add additional water by the teaspoon if dough seems too firm. It should be a bit sticky.
- Scape the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper or a silpat baking mat.
- With your hands, or a rolling pin dusted with cocoa powder, shape dough into a large square, about ½-inch thick.
- Wrap the rolled out dough in plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator to firm up, for about 2 hours.
- Cut into 12 equal pieces and wrap each piece in plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Store bars in the refrigerator for 5 days, or up to a month in the freezer.
Notes
Nutrition
What's your favorite pre or post workout snack?
Eat well!
I just made these bad boys. Can’t wait to try them out later tonight. The raw dough was A+!!!
So glad you liked it Carrie! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
I love German chocolate anything! Did you dust the tops with cocoa powder? they almost look baked.
I did dust them with a little cocoa powder - good eye! It helped to keep them from sticking to the mat 🙂
I love anything homemade and am growing oh so tired of my Lara Bars! These look fabulous!
Thanks Kathi 🙂 They're great to keep in the freezer for a quick snack or treat!
This looks really good. Beautiful pictures also. I think I will give this a try....no cooking! Thanks
I LOVE a no cook/bake recipe too! Thanks for stopping by Pat!
These sound so easy and delicious, definitely giving these bad boys a try! Love your header by the way!
Thanks so much Emily! Hope you enjoy them 🙂
I'm the one who made changes to the original recipe so I wanted to add this comment. I do not pulverize the oatmeal because I like the chewier texture. Each person who makes it can add their own personal signature, which is what I did. I think the bars will be fine without the protein powder because the dates + oatmeal + water act as the glue. BTW-had 1 for breakfast before my workout & felt energized, but not too full.
Thanks for stopping by Lisa, and for your comment! I love the changes you made to the original recipe - it's my new favorite healthier snack food 🙂
These look incredible! I know I never like when people want to change a recipe, but I'm not a huge fan of protein powders...do you think I can just leave it out or substitute it for something? Thanks!
Thanks for stopping by Chelsey! The protein powder is really what binds everything together. If you prefer to leave it out, you can try adding extra oats or maybe dried milk powder to the mixture to help firm it up. The bars would of course be much lower in protein though. If you modify it, let me know how it works out!