Cookie Dough Protein Bars.

Made using oat flour, almond butter, vanilla protein powder and topped with a silky smooth chocolate coating. These babies are Vegan AND gluten free!

The vegan aspect was a big one here. If you’re up to date with my Instagram, you’ll know that Bounce and As Nature Intended challenged me to try out veganism and I’d be lying I said I wasn’t skeptical.

A lot of my bakes contain chocolate, eggs, honey – all ingredients that aren’t vegan. And seeing as baking is one of my passions, I knew I’d HAVE to find something that was delicious, easy to make but still packed full of flavor.

Well, that’s how these came about! I love cookies, cookie dough and protein bars. BUT, protein bars are expensive and shop bought vegan cookies aren’t ‘that’ nice. So I saw it as a challenge.

There are a few reasons why this recipe is great. The top one being it requires ZERO cooking time.

Pop everything into a bowl, press the dough down, top with chocolate, whack it in the freezer then wait! The longer they’re kept in the freezer, the better but I’d suggest 2 hours at a minimum.

I added a sprinkling of sea salt at the last minute and I’m so glad I did! It might sound a bit weird, but it adds SO much flavor and cuts through the sweetness!

Serving Size.

Makes 12 bars.

Ingredients.

For the Base:

• 220g Oats
• 48g Free Soul Vanilla Vegan Protein Powder
• ¼ tsp Baking Powder
• 113g Maple Syrup
• 120g Meridian Almond Butter
• 60ml Alpro Almond Milk
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

For The Topping:

• 85g Lindt Dark Chocolate
• 1 tbsp Vita Coco Coconut Oil
• 1 tbsp Meridian Almond Butter
• Sprinkling of sea-salt for topping

Method.

1. Line a square baking tray.
2. Place the oats into a blender and blitz until you get a fine flour.
3. Place oat flour, protein powder and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.
4. Add maple syrup, almond butter, almond milk and vanilla.
5. Mix until you have a dough.
6. Using wet hands, press into tray.
7. Make the chocolate coating by placing dark chocolate, coconut oil and almond butter into the microwave at twenty second intervals for about a minute.
8. Pour chocolate over base and spread evenly.
9. Freeze for at least 2 hours before slicing into 12 bars.
10. Top with a sprinkling of salt.
11. Enjoy!

They’ll keep your soul happy and your tummy satisfied!

Give these DIY bars a go and if you do make any of the other recipes featured on my blog, be sure to tag me on Instagram. I love seeing my bakes appear elsewhere!

Happy Eating!

Amy xo.