Almond Coconut Protein Bar

• 1/3 heaping cup pitted dried dates (soaked, and roughly chopped)
• 1 cup almond
• 1/4 cup any protein powder
• 1/4 cup dried coconut meat/ desiccated coconut
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp espresso
• 2 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• pinch of cayenne pepper
• pinch of salt

You'll need:

1. Food processor or a powerful blender
2. Rubber spatula
3. Saran wrap
4. Baking Sheet (Optional)

Preparation:

• Soaked dried dates in enough water to cover the dates.
• Roughly chopped the dates, and add to the food processor. Pulse until it turns into a paste, and all the remaining ingredients and process for about 1 minute or until thoroughly.
• Transfer to a baking dish or small pan with saran wrap so it's easy to lift later on.
• Optional: Sprinkle desiccated coconut and chopped almonds as a garnish. ;)
• Using a spatula press down and flatten the mixture. You can extra saran wrap so the mixture won't stick.
• Chilled for few hours (or at least an hour) before cutting into bars.

You can do the same with cashew and peanuts, just replace the almond measurement. (Wink!)

Notes:

Soaking the dates until they get soft (mine, I soaked overnight) will make your texture a lot easier to blend in the food processor or blender.

You know you need to make adjustments when the mixture won't blend well. If the mixture is too dry, this happens if the dates are not soft enough. Just add lukewarm water or if you're okay having more coconut taste to your protein bombs, you can add more coconut oil. Make sure you add the liquid a little bit at a time.

You might also want to try these yummy and healthy protein balls! (Recipe and notes edited)

Ingredients:

• 1 heaping cup pitted dried dates (soaked, and roughly chopped)
• 2 cup mix nuts (Mine I put; macadamia, pecan, walnut, brazil nuts, & sunflower seeds)
• 1/4 dried blackberries
• 2 cup your favorite protein powder
• 2 cups flaxseed meal
• 5 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp espresso
• 4 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil
• 2 tbsp raw oats
• 1/8 salt (only if nuts are not salted)

Preparation:

• Soaked dried dates
• Roughly chopped the dates, and add to the food processor. Pulse until small bits remain, and all the remaining ingredients and until the mixture is thick.
• Roll into balls and sprinkle oats or chopped nuts on each rolled balls so they won't stick together.

You can also adjust the ingredients to your liking, just be aware not to have too many carbs. I chose to use more flaxseed instead of adding more oatmeal because lesser in carb content. Also, it's high in fiber and gives the protein bombs a more nutty flavor.

I use raw oatmeal since I was just lazy to roast them in the pan, but you can go ahead roast them quick in a non-stick pan if you are not a fan of raw oatmeal.

These are two kids of protein bombs, ones with oatmeal toppings and the other ones with mixed nuts toppings.

Satisfy those sweet-tooth cravings with these yummy and super healthy snacks!