No Bake Chocolate Brownie Protein Bars with Dates and Walnuts

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No Bake Chocolate Brownie Protein Bars with Dates and Walnuts

Thick, fudgy no bake chocolate brownie protein bars naturally sweetened with Medjool dates and loaded with walnuts and chocolate chips. About 13g protein and 9g fiber per bar with zero baking required.

Prep Time15

Chill Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bars, brownie, chocolate, dates, energy bars, healthy bars, no bake, protein, walnuts

Servings: bars

Calories: 410kcal

Author: Kim Lange

Equipment

Food processor
9x5 loaf pan
Parchment paper
Microwave or double boiler (for chocolate drizzle, optional)

Ingredients

Brownie Walnut Base

1 ½ cups pitted Medjool dates (12 to 14), softened if needed
1 cup walnuts
½ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter or for 3-5 more grams of protein per bar, add peanut butter protein powder (22 g)
2 scoops (44g) Premier Protein Chocolate + Fiber powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon coconut flour
1 teaspoon psyllium husk powder optional
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
Melted chocolate for drizzling Optional
Chopped or crushed walnuts Optional
Flaky sea salt Optional

Instructions

Make the Brownie Base

Soften dates if needed by soaking in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
Add 1 1/2 cups pitted Medjool dates, 1/2 cup nut butter or 1 scoop of peanut butter protein powder (22g), 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 scoops (44g) protein powder, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon psyllium husk powder (if using), and a pinch of salt to a food processor. Process until a thick, sticky brownie-like dough forms.
Check the texture. If too soft, add 1 tablespoon coconut flour. If too dry, add 1 to 2 teaspoons water or milk.
Add 1 cup walnuts and 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips. Pulse a few times until folded in with chunky pieces throughout.

Assemble and Chill

Line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
Transfer dough to the pan and press firmly into an even layer.
Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until firm, then slice into 6 bars.

Add Toppings (Optional)

Drizzle with melted chocolate, scatter chopped walnuts on top, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
Protein boost: Add 1 extra scoop peanut butter protein powder plus 2 tablespoons hemp seeds to reach about 16g-20 protein per bar.
Dates: Make sure your dates are soft before processing. If they're dry, the 10-minute warm water soak makes a big difference.

Nutrition values are estimates based on Premier Protein + Fiber Chocolate powder and PB2 Foods Peanut Vanilla Protein. Peanut butter protein not reflected in the nutrition values.

Nutrition