Are you tired of boring, bland protein bars that taste like cardboard? Get ready to revolutionize your snacking with these incredible Gluten-Free, Vegan Chickpea Protein Bars that are about to become your new obsession! Packed with clean, nutritious ingredients and a secret weapon of protein-rich chickpeas, these bars are not just a treat – they're a game-changing healthy indulgence that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone looking for a delicious and nutritious snack, these bars are your ultimate solution!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 8 bars
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Pat the drained and rinsed chickpeas completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This helps ensure a smooth texture in the final bars.
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Process until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add the oats to the food processor and pulse until well incorporated. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Fold in the chocolate chips manually, reserving a few for topping if desired.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and press it down firmly into all corners.
- Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired, gently pressing them into the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown and the top feels firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the entire block out of the pan and cut into 8 even bars using a sharp knife.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
Tips
- Moisture Matters: Make sure to pat your chickpeas completely dry before processing. Extra moisture can make your bars too soft or mushy.
- Smooth Operator: Take your time when processing the chickpeas and almond butter. The smoother the mixture, the better the texture of your bars.
- Chocolate Chip Hack: Fold chocolate chips gently to prevent them from breaking and distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and maintain their shape.
- Storage Secrets: These bars keep best in an airtight container in the refrigerator, maintaining their texture and freshness for up to 5 days.
- Customization Option: Feel free to swap chocolate chips with dried fruits, nuts, or alternative sweeteners to suit your taste preferences.
- Freezer-Friendly: These bars freeze beautifully, making them a perfect make-ahead snack for busy weeks!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
