Decadent Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bars Recipe

Indulgent Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bars Recipe

Indulgence meets nutrition in these delectable chocolate sea salt protein bars that pack a powerful punch of flavor and energy.

Rich, velvety chocolate blends seamlessly with a hint of sea salt, creating a mouthwatering treat for health-conscious snackers.

The combination of sweet and salty notes dances across your palate with each satisfying bite.

protein-packed and wholesome, these bars offer a guilt-free alternative to store-bought options.

Crafted with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for post-workout refueling or a midday energy boost.

Homemade goodness never tasted so delicious – you’ll want to whip up a batch of these irresistible bars right away.

Ingredients for Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bars

For Nutty Base:
  • Almonds: Provides rich, creamy texture and heart-healthy fats with a delightful crunch.
  • Cashews: Adds smooth, buttery flavor and helps create a silky protein bar foundation.
For Binding and Sweetness:
  • Dates: Natural sweetener that binds ingredients together with caramel-like richness.
  • Egg White Powder: Enhances protein content and helps create a cohesive, firm texture.
For Flavor and Depth:
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate intensity and antioxidant benefits.
  • Sea Salt: Elevates chocolate flavor with a sophisticated, mineral-rich touch.
  • Cacao Nibs: Introduces intense chocolate crunch and extra nutritional boost.
  • Water: Helps blend ingredients and achieve perfect bar consistency.

Tools Required to Whip Up Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bars

  • Food Processor: Essential for grinding nuts into a fine texture and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • 8-by-8-inch Baking Sheet: Perfect for creating an even layer of protein bar mixture.
  • Foil or Parchment Paper: Helps line the baking sheet for easy removal and clean-up.
  • Tart Tamper or Sturdy Glass: Great for pressing and compacting the mixture evenly.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to cut the bars into uniform pieces after chilling.
  • Measuring Cups: Useful for accurately measuring water and ingredients.
  • Waxed Paper: Ideal for wrapping individual bars for storage.

Instructions for Crafting Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bars

  • Nutty Foundation

Grab your food processor and toss in a mix of almonds and cashews. Blend these beauties until they transform into a silky, creamy butter-like consistency.

  • Sticky Sweet Binding

Drop in dates piece by piece, creating a rich and chewy base. Add egg white powder and cocoa powder to give your bars some serious flavor punch. Splash in water to help everything come together in a perfect, moldable texture.

  • Smooth Compression

Transfer the mixture into a lined baking sheet. Use your hands or a flat tool to press and pack the dough tightly, ensuring a solid and compact bar that won’t crumble.

  • Crunchy Topping Adventure

Sprinkle a delightful mix of chopped almonds, cacao nibs, and a generous pinch of sea salt across the surface. Gently press these toppings into the dough for maximum flavor and texture.

  • Chilling and Setting

Pop the pan into the refrigerator for about half an hour. Once firm, slice into 8 delectable bars. Wrap each bar individually and store in the fridge for a quick snack or freeze for longer preservation.

Flavor Swaps & Nutrition Tips for Protein Bars

  • Mix and match different nuts like pecans or walnuts for unique flavor profiles and textures.
  • Replace egg white powder with plant-based protein powder or collagen for alternative dietary needs and protein boosts.
  • Drizzle melted dark chocolate or sprinkle extra cacao nibs on top for added decadence and richer chocolate taste.
  • Keep bars in airtight containers with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness during refrigeration or freezing.
  • Roll mixture into energy balls instead of bars for quick bite-sized snacks perfect for on-the-go protein needs.

How to Serve Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bars

  • Protein Power Breakfast: Pair these bars with a morning smoothie or Greek yogurt for a protein-packed start to your day. The nutty, chocolatey flavor complements creamy breakfast options perfectly.
  • Fitness Fuel Snack: Toss a bar in your gym bag for a quick energy boost before or after workouts. These protein-rich treats help muscle recovery and provide sustained energy for active lifestyles.
  • Afternoon Energy Companion: Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or coffee as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. The sea salt and chocolate combo creates a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that combat mid-day hunger pangs.
  • On-the-Go Nutrition: Pack these bars for hiking, road trips, or busy workdays when you need a nutritious, quick snack. Their compact size and protein-dense ingredients make them an ideal portable meal replacement.

Keeping Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bars Fresh

  • Chilled Delight Storage: Refrigerate these protein bars in an airtight container to maintain their fresh, crisp texture for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Individually wrap bars in waxed paper, then store in a sealed freezer bag for convenient grab-and-go snacks lasting up to 1 month.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Batch prepare these bars during weekend downtime, creating a week's worth of nutritious, energy-boosting treats that save time and support healthy eating habits.
  • Temperature TLC: Keep bars cool and dry to prevent softening, ensuring optimal taste and texture by storing them in the refrigerator or freezer away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 13

Print
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Decadent Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bars Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bars


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade chocolate sea salt protein bars deliver a perfect balance of sweet and salty nutrition. Protein-packed ingredients combine for a delicious snack you’ll crave after workouts or midday energy slumps.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup (90 grams or 180 ml) egg white protein powder
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole almonds
  • 1 cup (240 ml) raw cashews
  • 1 cup (170 grams or 6 oz) pitted dates
  • 3 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 24 tbsps water, as needed
  • Cacao nibs
  • Flake sea salt
  • Additional whole almonds

Instructions

  1. Nutty Base Preparation: Pulverize almonds and cashews in a food processor until transforming into a silky, butter-like texture, creating a foundational nutty essence.
  2. Dough Composition: Incorporate dates, egg white powder, cocoa powder, and water into the processor, blending until a cohesive, slightly crumbly dough emerges that maintains structural integrity when compressed.
  3. Texture Refinement: Adjust dough consistency by incrementally adding water, ensuring optimal binding without compromising moisture levels.
  4. Pan Setup and Dough Compression: Line an 8-by-8-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, transfer dough, and use a tart tamper or glass bottom to evenly compress the mixture into a compact, uniform layer.
  5. Topping Enhancement: Artfully scatter chopped almonds, cacao nibs, and sea salt across the surface, gently pressing toppings to create a textural and flavor-rich profile.
  6. Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the prepared mixture for 30 minutes until firm, allowing the bars to solidify and develop a consistent structure.
  7. Portioning and Preservation: Extract the chilled dough, slice into 8 uniform bars, individually wrap in waxed paper, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze in an airtight container for a month.

Notes

  • Precision Processing: Blend nuts thoroughly for 3-5 minutes to achieve a smooth, butter-like texture, which is crucial for bar consistency.
  • Moisture Management: Add water gradually to create a cohesive dough that holds together without becoming too wet or dry.
  • Compression Technique: Use a tart tamper or flat-bottomed object to evenly press dough, ensuring dense, sturdy bars that won’t crumble.
  • Smart Storage: Refrigerate for freshness or freeze for longer preservation, keeping bars intact and maintaining optimal texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 25 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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