Carob Chip "Perfect" Bars
Behold! A dairy free protein bar that fulfills every PB dream you have ever had.
Scout's honor so you know homegirl ain't messin'.
Okay, y'all. These have proven themselves hall of fame worthy. Roommate tested, PMS approved. Sorry not sorry the cravings are real, and these did not disappoint. They are so rich and peanut buttery and caroby and proteiny and I'm pretty sure Jesus has these in heaven as appetizers. Playing with blasphemy there, but I'm pretty confident in these.
One thing to note: These are very rich. You could almost make bites out of them and they'd curb the sweet/chocolate craving just as much as the bar, but I was really going for protein in the morning versus a sweet bite. These would also be great with cacao nibs instead, as they would cut through some of the sweeteners. Try it! I'd love to see how you play with the recipe.
And while you're making them, listen to the Smooth Roller playlist I put together on Spotify. Trying to be all real and vulnerable on here, and truth is music is BAE. Still listing #musicschooldropout on my list of past achievements.
(*Note, I do have a degree, just from a state school, not a private music school that cost as much as selling my first born.)
Carob Chip "Perfect" Bars
1 16oz jar peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup brown rice syrup
1/2-3/4 cup vanilla protein powder (I use Trader Joes Pea Protein, as whey has dairy!)
1/4 cup chocolate protein powder (I used Juice Plus)
1/4 cup carob powder
1/4 cup carob chips (use your discretion here)
Add all ingredients into a bowl, only using 1/2 cup of vanilla protein powder to start. Mix, and if it needs more texture (stiffness) add more protein powder slowly as needed. Eventually the dough will start to take form, it will be tough. Feel free to use your hands, but it will blend and soften into itself.
On a 13x9 (or smaller) sheet or baking pan, cover with parchment paper and flatten dough. (I used a 13x9 cookie sheet and it filled about 3/4 of it with the thickness I chose.
Lastly, cover and chill dough for 3 or 4 hours to set. Cut into bars and place back into refrigerator to store for up to 4 weeks.