No Bake Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Bars

If you know me, you know that my absolute favorite ice cream flavor has always been, and will always be, mint chocolate chip. The refreshing mint taste, paired with decadent chocolate brings me back to my childhood summers on the beach….And I’ll take that memory any time, any where!
Recently my friend David Perry asked if I would collaborate with him on a recipe. Being that his favorite flavor ice cream is also  mint chocolate chip, I knew this would be a successful “like-minded” collaboration. His prime goal was to create a food that would mimic the benefits of a post workout smoothie without actually having to make a smoothie. So we decided to try and translate the elements of a smoothie into a bar recipe….

One of the top priorities in a good smoothie is quality protein and so when creating these bars, I searched for that same quality element. I went with Vega Sport Performance Chocolate – its vegan, stevia sweetened, nearly 30 g protein and tastes great – an all around winner when it comes to protein powder. I paired it with nuts – which are a great source of whole fats – and oats and dates, which are good quality complex carbs. This recipe takes all the things that you would find in a smoothie and wraps them up in a portable bar! The fresh mint adds a nice bright flavor and the digestive benefits that mint offers. (I myself wind down every night with a cup of mint tea )

These bars are delicious and are easy to make and store, making them a great option to have on hand as a quick bite before or after a workout. You can also pop a couple in your bag and have them as snacks throughout your day. I recently took some on a trail run with friends and they traveled really well, not to mention they were a big hit!

Remember – with homemade bars you can control the ingredients! So if you are not a mint fan, leave it out. Love mint? Add some more! Have cocoa nibs on hand? Those would be great addition! This recipe is versatile and there are endless opportunities! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Recipe

• 2 cups old fashion oats
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup vegan chocolate protein powder
• 1/4 cup fresh mint
• 2 cup pitted dates (soak in warm water to soften)
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

1. In a food processor combine oats, cocoa powder, protein powder and fresh mint. Grind until a flour forms.
2. Once ground up, add dates, nuts and almond butter. Grind again until well combined. Then add water slowly until a dough forms.
3. Once a dough-like batter forms add chocolate chips process again.
4. Roll into balls or flatten into a 9×7 Pyrex lined with parchment . Let freeze for at least 2 hours before cutting. Makes 12 bars