Salted Caramel Protein Bars

A wholesome and healthier alternative to the traditional protein bar.

Recipe: Sugar Free Sundays

Ingredients:

Shortbread base

• 40g coconut flour
• 20g vanilla vegan protein powder
• 2 tbsp (15 ml) sticky sweetener of choice
• 20g almond butter
• 120ml almond milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Caramel filling

• 50g Almond butter
• 20g Xylitol
• pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp almond milk

Chocolate topping

• 100g sugar-free chocolate of choice (vegan if desired)
• 20g vegan protein powder
• Sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
2. Combine the coconut flour and protein powder in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl combine the almond butter, sticky sweetener of choice, almond milk, salt and vanilla extract and microwave for 20-30 seconds, until you can mix them all together nicely with a smooth consistency. Then pour into dry mix until a dough forms.
4. Press dough into a lined baking tray and bake for 10 minutes (should be a light golden brown).
5. While that bakes, prepare the caramel filling: You can use the same microwaveable bowl as before (saving water!). Combine all the ingredients and heat for 20-30 seconds. Give it a good mix and heat again for 20 seconds.
6. Add your protein powder and mix. If it becomes too dry you can add a tsp or 2 of coconut oil.
7. Remove biscuit base from oven and pour caramel over. Put in the fridge or freezer to cool down and harden up before you add the chocolate topping. It takes about 10 minutes in the freezer.
8. Heat your chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler. Remove before fully melted as you don’t want it to burn; it will continue to melt once you remove it.
9. When your caramel and biscuit have cooled, pour on your melted chocolate topping.
10. Add sliced almonds or any other desired toppings. Put in the fridge for 15 minutes to harden before slicing. Don’t let it harden fully otherwise if your chocolate is thick, it will be difficult to slice.
11. Store in an airtight container and eat within a week. You can store it out of the fridge, in the fridge, or in the freezer if you like it extra crunchy.