Double Chocolate Coconut Protein Bars

Don't mind the chocolate under my nails…haha woops, I was really getting into things I guess!
Hey guys! Sorry for the late post but I couldn't help but share my newest creation! I just enjoyed two of these awesome new chocolate protein bars! They are filled with all natural ingredients making them a great meal replacement or healthy snack choice as well as a delicious dessert! The pictures speak for themselves.

I used my favourite protein powder Trutein to bake these! I highly recommend it. These can be eaten in the serving size of 1 Bar for only 117 calories and 8g of protein. Or 2 bars as a healthy breakfast for only 234 calories and 16g of protein! (Expanded nutrition facts below)

Serves 12

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Oat Flour
• 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 2 Scoops (about 60g) Vanilla Whey (I recommend trutein!)
• 1 heaping 1/2 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup chocolate or vanilla unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
• 4oz mashed banana (113g or 1 large banana)-Could also sub. unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/4 cup plain 0% greek yogurt
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 5-6 drops stevia sweetener or to taste (make the batter a little sweeter then you'd think)
• 2tbsp mini chocolate chips (I used the gluten-free enjoy life brand)
• 2 tbsp(15g) unsweetened desiccated coconut
• (KEEP SEPARATE FROM BATTER) 1/2-1Tbsp granular sweetener that measures like sugar (such as splenda)

**OPTIONAL**

• Add 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips inside the batter as well
• Add crushed peanuts or almonds for topping

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350* and spray an 9×9 inch square pan with cooking oil. Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl with a whisk. In a medium bowl whisk together all wet ingredients except the stevia drops. Add your wet to dry and whisk together. Now slowly add stevia drops to the batter, tasting each time until it is sweet to your liking. (A little goes a long way, be careful!). Using a spatula, stir in optional mini chocolate chips and pour the batter into the pan. Spread evenly then sprinkle lightly with additional sweetener, mini chocolate chips and coconut. Place in the oven and bake for 23-25min or until a tooth pick comes mostly clean(DO NOT OVER BAKE! we want them somewhat fudgey). After they are cooked, switch the oven to broil on high for 1 minute to lightly toast the coconut on top. Then remove from oven and let them cool before cutting them into twelve squares and enjoy reheated for a few seconds in the microwave or just the way they are! I highly recommend topping it with a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt! You can also layer these in parchment paper and freeze in a plastic container for an easy quick breakfast or snack! Just thaw on the counter or reheat in the microwave as said above! Happy Eating 🙂