Fudgey Chocolate Chip Protein Bites!

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: 

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup large flake oats, cocoa powder, protein powder, and flax meal. Mix.
2. 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.
3. Add the dates to the mixing bowl.
4. In the same microwavable dish, melt the coconut oil. Add to the mixing bowl when it has turned liquid.
5. Pour this mixture into your food processor, Vitamix, or Ninja. Add the maple syrup, vanilla, and almond milk. Blend.
6. 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!
7. Last but not least, fold in your dark chocolate chips and shredded coconut if desired.
8. 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.
9. 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