Black Bean Protein Bars (No Protein Powder Needed) Recipe
These homemade protein bars without protein powder are a delicious and nutritious snack option, combining black beans, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and oats to create a rich, chocolatey treat packed with protein and fiber. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a post-workout snack, these bars are easy to make using a food processor and no baking is required.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes (freezing time)
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Black Beans (15-oz can / 425g, drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 cup Peanut Butter
- 1/3 cup Maple Syrup
- 1 cup Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 teaspoon Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly to remove any liquid. Measure out the cocoa powder, peanut butter, maple syrup, rolled oats, chocolate chips, and coconut oil for easy access.
- Combine in food processor: Add the black beans, cocoa powder, peanut butter, maple syrup, and oats into a food processor bowl. This mixture will form the base of your protein bars.
- Process mixture: Process at medium to high speed until the mixture forms a thick chocolate paste. Pause the processor 2-3 times to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula to ensure even blending. The black beans should be fully pureed but small oat pieces can remain for texture.
- Adjust consistency: Check the batter's texture by squeezing a small amount into a ball. If it feels too wet and sticky, add additional oats gradually and process again until it holds shape without being overly sticky.
- Form the bars: Line a flat surface with lightly oiled parchment paper. Press the batter onto the parchment into a rectangular shape. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and press firmly to flatten and evenly shape the top layer.
- Melt topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Apply chocolate layer: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the top of the formed bars, leaving the edges uncovered to make cutting easier after setting.
- Freeze to set: Place the assembled protein bar in the freezer for about 12 minutes, allowing the chocolate topping to harden and the bar to firm up.
- Slice and serve: Remove from the freezer, place on a chopping board, and cut into 6 equal-sized bars ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the black beans well to reduce any canned bean flavor.
- Use natural or unsweetened peanut butter for best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, consider increasing maple syrup slightly, but be cautious as it affects firmness.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats provide better texture than instant oats, which can make the bars gummy.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks if preferred.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to one week.
