Description
These Peanut Butter Chickpea Protein Bars with Sweet Potato Frosting are a delicious and nutritious snack, perfect for a protein boost. Combining creamy peanut butter and chickpeas with oat flour and maple syrup, these bars are naturally sweetened and vegan-friendly. The sweet potato and vegan chocolate frosting adds a unique, creamy twist while keeping the bars wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp dairy-free milk (may need to add more)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
For the Frosting
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup melted vegan chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the Bars: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, vanilla protein powder, oat flour, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, dairy-free milk, and sea salt. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming a dough-like consistency.
- Shape the Bars: Press the mixture evenly into a lined 8×8 inch baking dish or a large bread loaf pan, ensuring it is compact and smooth on top.
- Cook the Sweet Potato: Steam or boil the sweet potato cubes until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly to prepare for blending.
- Make the Frosting: In a clean food processor, blend the cooked sweet potato with the melted vegan chocolate until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating the frosting.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the sweet potato frosting evenly over the chickpea bars in the baking dish, covering the entire surface smoothly.
- Set the Bars: Place the assembled bars in the freezer and chill for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to cut.
- Serve: Once set, cut the bars into desired sizes and enjoy as a protein-packed snack.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or preferably in the freezer, thawing slightly before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of dairy-free milk to achieve the right dough consistency if needed.
- Use a high-quality vanilla protein powder for the best flavor and texture.
- Steaming the sweet potato helps retain more nutrients compared to boiling.
- For a firmer bar, keep refrigerated or frozen until ready to eat.
- These bars are naturally vegan and gluten-free, but verify your oat flour is certified gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: protein bars, vegan snack, peanut butter bars, chickpea bars, sweet potato frosting, healthy snack, gluten free, dairy free
