Whey Protein Energy Bars

Ingredients

• 15 dates , pitted and chopped
• 1 cup oat flour
• 0.5 cups whey protein powder
• 0.25 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.75 cups chopped pecans , divided
• 0.75 cups shredded coconut , divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon water , or more as needed
• 2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. 1

   Place dates in a bowl and add boiling water to cover. Let soak for 10 minutes. Strain dates and discard the water.

2. 2

   Blend oat flour, protein powder, and cocoa powder in a food processor until well combined. Add dates, 1/2 cup pecans, 1/2 cup coconut, vanilla, and salt. Pulse to combine, adding water as needed, to get a soft dough consistency.

3. 3

   Transfer dough to a bowl. Add remaining pecans, remaining coconut, and chocolate chips; mix well.

4. 4

   Scrape dough onto a piece of parchment paper and place another piece of parchment paper on top. Toll bars out to about 1/2-inch thick. Refrigerate until firm, 2 to 3 hours.

5. 5

   Slice into 12 bars and serve.