These simple protein bars are good and easy to make. They also are inexpensive compared to the store-bought versions and those homemade bars that require pricey protein powders (many of which aren't especially good for you). The bars get their protein from black beans, milk, milled flax seeds, and lots of peanuts. Dates sweeten the bars, and, if you'd like, you can add some chocolate chips, although they aren't necessary. The not too sweet bars are soft, a little squishy like a good brownie, and full of peanut flavor. Peanuts also dust the tops of the bars and provide extra flavor and crunch. In moderation the bars are great if you're on a diabetic diet or want to "eat healthy." I make the batter for the bars in the food processor and usually cook them in the air fryer in about 30 minutes. The bars make a nice, no-guilt snack with a cup of coffee or tea. Or try the bars for breakfast with a glass of milk if you're in a big hurry in the morning. Enjoy!
Low Sugar Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars (Diabetic Friendly) -- Makes an 8-Inch Pan
1/2 cup of oats (old fashioned or quick)
1/2 cup of pitted dates, plus 1/4 cup of coarsely chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup of drained and rinsed black beans
1/3 cup of canola oil
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2/3 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of milled flax seeds
1 cup of dry roasted, unsalted peanuts, plus 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts for the top
3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Spritz an 8-inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray, or, for easy cleanup, line the pan with aluminum foil and spritz the foil with spray. Add the oats and dates to the bowl of a food processor fitted with the S-blade and process them together until the oats are ground and the dates are chopped into little bits amid the oats. Add the black beans, oil, vanilla, milk, and flax seeds to the food processor with the oat/date mixture and process them in until combined. Add the cup of peanuts, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the mixture in the food processor and process everything together until the peanuts are completely ground into the mixture (the mixture may form a sort of loose ball in the food processor). Remove the S-blade very, very carefully, stir the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped dates into the mixture, and scrape the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with the remaining chopped peanuts and press the peanuts into the wet mixture a bit.
Air Fryer: Air fry the mixture at 320 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a pick inserted in the center comes out with no wet batter attached.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake the mixture for about 35 minutes or until a pick inserted in the center comes out with no wet batter attached.
Let the cooked mixture sit in the pan until cool before cutting it into bars. Store the bars in an air tight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator.
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