Lately I’ve been in need of a pick me up mid-afternoon. I think I’m probably not the only one who might get a mid-afternoon slump of energy on a busy day? I created this recipe to give you a burst of nutritious energy and protein to keep you satisfied during your busy day. Of course.. I used my favourite Genuine Health Fermented Vanilla Vegan Protein Powder (I just can’t get enough of it!)
In all honesty, if I made these bites solely for myself I definitely would add in shredded coconut or coat them in it buutttttt.. not everyone likes coconut. So, I thought I would relax on the coconut today. However, if you love coconut like me… feel free to add in a tablespoon of coconut (or two) or roll them in coconut at the end before refrigerating. Chocolate and coconut is just too good to be true…
Ingredients (makes ~18-20 bites):
- 1 1/2 cup large flake oats
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1.5 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 scoop Genuine Health’s Fermented Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder*
- 1 tbsp Kirkland natural almond butter (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pitted packed dates**
- 2 tbsp Silk Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted (may swap for an alternative oil e.g. flax oil)
- 1 tbsp psyllium seed husk (adds a fibre boost – you can swap for ground chia or ground flax)
- 2 tsp ground flax
- 1/3 cup dairy-free or dark chocolate mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup large flake oats, cocoa powder, protein powder, and flax meal. Mix.
- In a small microwavable dish, add 1/2 cup dates with 2 tbsp water. Heat on high for 40 seconds to soften the dates. Mash the dates.
- Add the dates to the mixing bowl.
- In the same microwavable dish, melt the coconut oil. Add to the mixing bowl when it has turned liquid.
- Pour this mixture into your food processor, Vitamix, or Ninja. Add the maple syrup, vanilla, and almond milk. Blend.
- Remove the pureed mixture from the processor and add back into the mixing bowl. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup large flake oats and psyllium seed husk using a spatula. It should be dense and hard to mix. Use your muscles!
- Last but not least, fold in your dark chocolate chips and shredded coconut if desired.
- Roll into bite sized balls (make sure each bite has some chocolate chips! They tend to fall to the bottom of the bowl). Store in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy chilled. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy for up to 5 days.
*I use Genuine Health’s Vegan Protein powder because of its great taste and vanilla flavour it adds to recipes. It is also fermented so your body will absorb a great percentage of the proteins! If you swap this protein powder for another I cannot guarantee the flavour or consistency will stay the same. Feel free to swap at your own risk!
**I buy dates in pitted and packed blocks. To make it easier for blended and even distribution in recipes, I always heat the dates to soften them with 1 tbsp water per 1/4 cup pitted packed dates. This makes for easier mashing.
Nutrition Facts Per bite:
Calories: 67 calories, Carbs: 9.6g, Fibre: 2g (Net Carbs: 7.6g), Fat: 2.3g, Protein: 3g, Sugars: 3.8g