Description
These Chocolate Workout Bars are a quick and nutritious no-bake energy boost, combining protein-rich black beans with cocoa and chocolate chips. Perfect as a pre- or post-workout snack, these bars are naturally sweetened and can be customized with your preferred nut butter and sweetener. They are easy to prepare in under 5 minutes and require freezing to set.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup nut butter of choice or oil
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, honey, agave, or date syrup
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup oat flour or almond flour, or 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Optional Chocolate Coating
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tsp oil (for melting chocolate chips)
- or
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or agave
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Beans: Line an 8-inch pan with parchment or wax paper. Drain and rinse the black beans very well to remove any excess liquid and ensure a smooth texture.
- Blend Ingredients: In a good food processor, combine the drained black beans, salt, nut butter or oil, sweetener of choice (maple syrup, honey, agave, or date syrup), cocoa powder, and oat or almond flour/rolled oats. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If using a blender, stop and stir occasionally to blend evenly.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips by hand to evenly distribute them throughout the mixture.
- Shape and Freeze: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Place the pan in the freezer and freeze until set, about 30 minutes.
- Optional Chocolate Coating: After the bars have chilled for at least half an hour, prepare the chocolate coating. You can either melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips with 2 tsp oil to create a thin sauce or whisk together 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 2 tbsp melted coconut oil, and 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or agave to form a sauce. Spread the sauce over the bars evenly and freeze again until the coating is set.
- Serve: Once fully set, cut the bars into 8 servings. Keep refrigerated or frozen and enjoy as a quick, healthy snack.
Notes
- Using black beans makes these bars high in protein and fiber while keeping them low in carbs, especially if using almond flour.
- Ensure beans are rinsed thoroughly to prevent any beany flavor and to improve texture.
- Nut butter or oil helps bind the ingredients and adds healthy fats. Choose according to dietary preferences.
- Sweetener choice can be adjusted according to dietary needs or flavor preference.
- The optional chocolate coating adds extra richness but is not necessary.
- Bars should be stored in the freezer or refrigerator to maintain firmness.
- Rolling oats can be substituted with oat flour for a finer texture.
