Vegan Protein Bars Anyone Can Make
This week, I found myself training outside a lot.
Even now, just as it's starting to get chilly and a bit rainy, making the park trails all muddy.
Honestly, this is the most enjoyable season to train outdoors.
The air is crisp, it's not too cold yet, and a short warm-up is enough to start peeling off the layers of clothing I pile on when I'm on my scooter.
Last Saturday, I went for a long run in Ariel Sharon Park in southern Tel Aviv, and besides one lone brave couple I passed along the way, I was completely alone.
Just me, the rain clouds, and the mud.
When I got back from the run, a bit soaked and with muddy shoes, I didn't really feel like a cold protein shake.
I wanted something sweet to nibble on next to a hot cup of tea.
It is winter, after all.
So, I mixed some oats with protein powder and a few other extras, and pop—into the oven for half an hour.
By the time I steped out of the hot shower, delicious and sweet vegan protein bars were waiting for me, hitting the spot perfectly after my workout.
They are so tasty and easy to make that truly, anyone can do it.
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A bit about the recipe
This recipe is gluten-free because I used oat flour and gluten-free oats I had on hand.
If you are sensitive to gluten, make sure you are using certified gluten-free oats.
I didn't add any sugar to the recipe because I feel the banana, raisins, and chocolate provide enough sweetness.
Not sweet enough for you? Feel free to add your favorite sweetener, just keep in mind it will increase the calorie and carb count accordingly.
I added 2 scoops of vanilla-flavored soy protein powder. In my opinion, chocolate-flavored protein powder would also work beautifully here.
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How to eat them?
2-3 bars after a workout, or alternatively 4 bars for breakfast, can be a great addition to your daily required protein intake.
Don't tell anyone, but I love nibbling on 2 of these before bed as well.
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Nutritional values by clinical dietitian and fitness coach Noam Bechar:
One vegan protein bar (out of 20) weighing 35g contains:
- 80 calories
- 5g protein
- 12g carbohydrates
- 2g fat
Looking for more vegan protein bars? Check them out here
Vegan Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup oat flour (oats finely ground in a blender)
- 1 banana ripe
- 1 handful raisins 40g
- 50 g dark chocolate
- 1 cup soy milk
- 2 scoops vegan protein powder 80g
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp oil
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 180°C
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In a deep bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork into a puree.
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Add all remaining ingredients except the chocolate and oil.
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Chop half of the chocolate with a knife and add to the batter.
Set the other half aside. -
Mix the batter well and let it thicken slightly. Transfer to a greased baking pan and flatten evenly.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out dry.
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Melt the remaining half of the chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler.
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Thin with a teaspoon of oil and drizzle over the baked slab.
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Cool completely for at least 20 minutes before cutting into bars.
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Storage: Keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
