Are you ready to indulge in a delicious treat that won’t derail your healthy eating goals? Meet the Chocolate Chip Zucchini Protein Bars—your new favorite guilt-free snack! Packed with protein, fiber, and the goodness of zucchini, these bars are not only scrumptious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you need a post-workout boost or a midday pick-me-up, these bars will satisfy your cravings without the added sugar. Dive into the recipe below and discover how to whip up these delightful, nutritious bars that are sure to impress your taste buds and keep you energized throughout the day!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, squeeze excess moisture from the grated zucchini. This is crucial to prevent bars from becoming too wet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, protein powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, mix almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add the drained zucchini to the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until a consistent batter forms.
- Fold in chocolate chips, reserving a small handful for topping.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Use parchment paper edges to lift bars out of the pan, then cut into 12 even rectangles.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
Tips
- Squeeze the Zucchini: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the grated zucchini as possible. This step is essential to prevent your bars from becoming soggy.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality almond butter and pure honey for the best flavor. Natural nut butters without added sugars or oils work best.
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on your bars. They’re done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Storage Tips: Store your bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them and enjoy a healthy snack anytime!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
