Chocolate Mint Protein Bars (No-Bake, Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup cashew butter
- 1/3 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 3 tablespoons greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon spirulina powder (natural green food coloring)
- 1/8 teaspoon turmeric (natural yellow food coloring)
Instructions
- Add 1/3 cup cashew butter, 1/3 cup oat flour, 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon mint extract, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt to a food processor or mixing bowl. Mix until a thick, uniform dough forms.Check the texture by rolling a small amount of dough into a ball. It should hold together without sticking to your fingers. Add a spoonful of yogurt if dry, or a light sprinkle of oat flour if sticky.
- Line a small loaf pan or square pan with parchment paper. Press the dough firmly and evenly into the pan. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top and gently press them in. Freeze for about 15 minutes, until firm enough to slice.
- In a small bowl, stir in 1/4 teaspoon spirulina powder and 1/8 teaspoon turmeric for natural green coloring with melted coconut oil. Add 1/4 cup white chocolate chips and microwave in 25 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted.
- Remove the bars from the freezer and lift out of the pan. Cut into desired size. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top. Return to the fridge or freezer until firm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sugar, reduce the maple syrup slightly and use sugar alcohols like maltitol syrup.
Dough texture: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more oat flour. If it's too dry and crumbly, add more greek yogurt.
Soften before eating: Let chilled bars sit out briefly for the best texture.
Customize the mint flavor: If you love extra mint, increase the mint extract by 1/4 teaspoon, but don’t overdo it or it will overpower the chocolate.
Natural green food coloring: Be sure to use an oil-based or powder-based food coloring with the melted white chocolate. If you use a water-based food coloring, the white chocolate will seize and become dry and brittle. You can also omit the food coloring all together.
Did you make this recipe?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out :)