Chewy Dark Chocolate Cherry Protein Granola Pubs with Chia Seeds

Chewy protein-packed granola bars made with almond butter, protein powder, dark chocolate and cherries! These gluten-free and vegan-friendly bars are the perfect snack or breakfast time.

Did I tell you that Sundays certainly are a big day for me personally? Usually I awaken, hit the fitness center, then head right to the grocery store. From then on I go back home and make until my kitchen is normally trashed and I can’t possibly dirty another dish. It’s sort of my little ritual.

Needless to say Sundays will also be big because I’m determined to start out the week out on a good note. If you ask me, becoming healthy is really a big section of this. I forget the extremely delicious carrot cake cupcake I ate last week once i was pressured and remind myself that this week is completely new and full of healthy opportunities.

To encourage healthy taking in, I chop up celery, cucumbers and carrots for nibbling throughout the day, but occasionally I need something a bit more satisfying. THEREFORE I decided to make ridiculously great granola bars. With protein powder to help keep me full.

I’m actually a huge fan of several brands of proteins and/or granola bars. The chewy ones, the nutty types, the excess crunchy types. Heck, just provide me ALL OF THE BARS.

These are made with oats, puffed millet (or dark brown rice crisps), and vanilla protein powder. There’s also a hint of crunchy almond taste in the nut butter. Mmmmm, you know how I really like my nut buttas!

To sweeten the bars, I opted to employ a little maple syrup, but honey or agave would also function. The cherries and chocolates add antioxidants as well as the chia seeds add fiber, omega-3s and an amazing small crunch. CHOMP CHOMP.

To maintain these bars chewy, I would recommend using quick oats. If you don’t possess quick oats obtainable, it is possible to pulse oats in the blender or meals processor chip for 30 seconds.

You men won’t believe how filling these pubs are either! They have 8g of proteins and nearly 4g of fiber. I love feeding on them for breakfast time when I’m on the go, before a good work out, or being a snack.

If you make sure they are (or anything from AK), tag your photos on Instagram #ambitiouskitchen. I really like seeing everything you guys create!

xoxo!

Prep period:

10 mins

Cook period:

15 mins

Total period:

25 mins

Ingredients

1/3 cup organic chunky or creamy almond butter (or peanut butter)

1/4 cup natural maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1/3 cup dried out cherries, chopped

2.5 ounces dark chocolate bar, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1/4 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line 8×8 inches baking skillet with foil or parchment paper and spray with nonstick food preparation spray.

In a big dish, combine almond butter, maple syrup and vanilla until clean and well combined. Mix in oats, millet, salt and protein natural powder until well-coated, dense, and sticky. Add almond milk and stir again. Flip in cherries, 1/4 glass of chopped delicious chocolate, and chia seeds. (You’ll use the rest of the chocolates for the drizzle.)

Pour combination into prepared skillet and use a spatula to evenly spread. Next you need to use your hand to press the mix down VERY securely. This will make sure that the pubs stick jointly well. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.

To make chocolates drizzle: melt chocolates and coconut essential oil in a small saucepan over very low warmth. Stir until even. Drizzle the delicious chocolate over the pubs, then refrigerate for 30 minutes so that delicious chocolate can harden. Cut into 10 bars. You can even keep them at area temperature or independently wrap & freeze. Enjoy!

If you want to reduce the calories and/or sugar, you then have several options: You can use PB2 and glucose free maple syrup. I’ve in fact tried it this way and they turn out fairly darn tasty! If you use sugar free maple syrup, each club only provides around 5g of sugars.

Feel absolve to use your favorite nut butter instead of the almond butter.

Instead of pure maple syrup, you should use sugar free maple syrup, honey, or agave. Please note that honey is not vegan.

If you do not get access to puffed millet, then free free to replacement brown rice crisps, puffed grain, regular rice krispies, quinoa, as well as chex. I came across my puffed millet within the cereal section at Whole Foods.

If you are trying to make these vegan or gluten free, ensure that all of your ingredients belong to your respective diet guidelines. For example, make sure the chocolates is vegan.

You can sub any dried fruit you would like. Also experience free to include a handful of chopped nuts, coconut, or more chocolate!

We have been both on the same side. ðŸ‚

I just might be building these tonight!

Question: Will such handful of coconut essential oil have any effect on the final bars? I’ve some and will put it in, but just wondering in general what the goal of that small amount of essential oil is.

When you have just about any questions relating to in which and also the way to employ stuffed Zucchini boats calories, you’ll be able to call us on the website. Mike

Hi Monique

Easily dont have proteins powder can I simply keep it out? Can I substitute for something? Flaxseed maybe?

I’m trying to learn about healthy baking and substitutions…

I’m experiencing ur recipes!