Home appetizers Dark Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Protein Bars

Dark Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Protein Bars

by gino

dark chocolate macadamia nut protein bars

Macadamia nuts and dark chocolate—-just like the Macho Man Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth—these two are a match made in dessert heaven.

Macadamia nuts just have that unique, nutty flavor I can’t get enough of.   And dark chocolate because, well….dark chocolate.   Need I say more?  Nothing can be more addicting on the face of the earth than this stuff!

I’m sure you’ve all seen those chocolate-covered macadamia nuts by Hawaiian Host sold in airports or in ABC stores.   I could devour a whole box of those and not even know it.

Those are dangerously good.

Definitely one of my all time favorite snacks and/or desserts.

So, naturally, at some point, I had to find a way to incorporate these ingredients into a healthier, nutritious dish, fully loaded with more protein.

I thought to myself, “How could I load as much protein as possible into a dark chocolate macadamia nut recipe without sacrificing texture and taste? Is it possible?”

Oh HELL YES it was possible!

Enter my Dark Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Protein Bars!

dark chocolate macadamia nut protein bars

These protein bars will more than satisfy that sweet tooth, as they are also loaded with muscle building protein, chock full of vitamins and minerals, and are a great source of fiber!

Medjool dates give these bars its natural sweetness, and moist, chewy texture.

Chopped macadamia nuts provide an exquisite, buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Subtle hints of shredded coconut and cinnamon provide a pleasant, unique zest.

And the melted dark chocolate drizzle provides a lucious, delectable finish.

This is just a super duper, delicious combination, and a guaranteed winner!

dark chocolate macadamia nut protein bars

For these dark chocolate chip macadamia nut protein bars, I used a combination of both almond and coconut flour as the base.  Both flours are low carbhigh in fiber, and gluten free.   Coconut flour does have more fiber per serving versus almond flour, but almond flour has more protein.

Almond flour is generally my go-to flour whenever I bake, but this time, I wanted to experiment using both flours at the same time.

After numerous attempts, and many taste tests later, I finally stumbled upon the winning formula!

Combining just the right amount of almond flour, coconut flour, protein powder, and medjool dates, these bars came out moist, chewy, and deliciously addicting!

dark chocolate macadamia nut protein bars

Just like those Hawaiian Host‘s chocolates, I seriously could NOT stop eating these!  They were SO good!  And more nutritious to boot!

 

Speaking of which, here are some quick hit nutritional benefits of the major ingredients of these protein bars:

Macadamia nuts are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.  Studies have shown that phytonutrients and flavonoids inside these nuts help remove toxins and protect the body against disease and cancer.  These nuts are also high in manganese, which supports bone health and the nervous system. 

Dark chocolate has been shown to contain high amounts of antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols—all of which are believed to help fight free radical damage to cells in the body and help prevent cancer.  Also according to some studies, flavonols in dark chocolate have been shown to improve blood circulation to the brain and heart, and also help lower blood pressure.

Medjool dates are one of the most nutritious fruits on the planet and are a great source of fiber, potassium, and magnesium.  The high fiber content of this fruit helps fight constipation, keep the digestive system running smoothly,  and help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.   Studies have shown that minerals found in dates also helps the body by strengthening bones and fighting bone diseases.

Almond flour is basically ground up almonds, and almonds are another one of the world’s most nutritious foods. Almonds are fully loaded with Vitamin E, riboflavin, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, protein, and fiber.  Studies have shown this amazing nut to fight free radical damage, fight cancer, help the body absorb nutrients, maintain skin health, and protects arteries from plaque buildup.

dark chocolate macadamia nut protein bars

Some additional notes before you start baking:

Medjool dates are an absolutely necessary ingredient, as they keep the bars moist, chewy, and add a natural sweetness.  Loads of fiber too!

-To remove the pits by hand, just simply break the dates in half with your hands and remove the pits.  Simple!

-To finely chop the macadamia nuts, just blend for a few seconds until chopped into smaller pieces.  When adding into the batter, don’t forget to leave some aside for the garnish!

-Adding instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor of these bars.

-Adding shredded coconut is totally optional, but preferred.  The extra hint of coconut does come through along the multitude of the other flavors, and it provides a nice exotic touch.

-I added peanut butter to the mix because its creaminess, along with the added water helps break down and puree the dates in the blender much more easily.  It’s weird but in the finished product, you won’t even taste the dates or the peanut butter.

-I use Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein, Vanilla flavor.  Each scoop yields 24g protein.  You can sub any other protein powder / flavor you wish, but keep in mind, it may alter the texture of the bars as not all protein powders are created equal.  You may have to experiment to find the right combination.

I use a Nutribullet RX to puree the dates.   It has a 2.3 HP motor, so I’d say it’s about a medium-powered blender.  For those with lower-powered blenders, adding more peanut butter and/or water to the dates before blending helps break them down easier.

-When testing out the doneness of the batter. use the bottom of a fork and touch the surface.  If the top center surface is just about set, but still a little moist, then remove it from the oven.  You want to take it out just before it’s done.   Remember, it will still continue to cook even when removed from the oven.

-Enjoy these bars fresh out the oven with the warm, melted chocolate on top, or let the melted chocolate set in the fridge and enjoy it chilled.  Either way, they’re both super good!

-Store these in the fridge in an airtight container.  They should be good for about 5 days.

OK, here’s what I used for these dark chocolate chip macadamia nut protein bars:

dark chocolate chip macadamia nut protein bars ingredients

If you like these, then you gotta check out my…

Alright, let’s get to it!

dark chocolate macadamia nut protein bars

Print Recipe
Dark Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Protein Bars
Combining dark chocolate, macadamia nuts, medjool dates, cinnamon, almond flour----these dark chocolate chip macadamia nut protein bars are sure to satisfy that sweet tooth and are high in protein and fiber!
dark chocolate macadamia nut protein bars
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18-22 minutes
Servings
bars
Ingredients
dry ingredients
wet ingredients
fillings and toppings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18-22 minutes
Servings
bars
Ingredients
dry ingredients
wet ingredients
fillings and toppings
dark chocolate macadamia nut protein bars
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Mix all dry ingredients in mixing bowl.
  3. Blend macadamia nuts in blender for a few seconds just to pulverize. Set aside.
  4. Add dates, water, peanut butter to blender. Blend until smooth. Add more water if necessary.
  5. In larger separate bowl, scramble eggs. Add date puree and all other wet ingredients to the eggs and mix.
  6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients bowl and mix to form thick batter. Fold in macadamia nuts and chocolate chips.
  7. Line square baking dish with parchment paper and spray with coconut oil.
  8. Pour batter into pan and spread evenly. Bake in oven for about 18-22 minutes, or until top center surface is firm.
  9. Remove from oven. Cut into 12 equal bars.
  10. Add dark chocolate squares to bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals in microwave until melted. Drizzle over protein bars. Add leftover macadamia nuts on top for extra garnish.
  11. Enjoy warm, or let chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes until melted chocolate has set.
  12. Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes

-Medjool dates are an absolutely necessary ingredient, as they keep the bars moist, chewy, and add a natural sweetness.  Loads of fiber too!

-To remove the pits by hand, just simply break the dates in half with your hands and remove the pits.  Simple!

-To finely chop the macadamia nuts, just blend for a few seconds until chopped into smaller pieces.  When adding into the batter, don't forget to leave some aside for the garnish!

-Adding instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor of these bars.

-Adding shredded coconut gives a more coconut-ty flavor and tickles more taste buds.  Totally optional, but preferred.

-I use Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein, Vanilla flavor.  Each scoop yields 24g protein.  You can sub any other protein powder / flavor you wish, but keep in mind, it may alter the texture of the bars as not all protein powders are created equal.  You may have to experiment to find the right combination.

-I use extra large sized eggs.  If you have smaller eggs, add an extra egg white.

I use a Nutribullet RX to puree the dates.   It has a 2.3 HP motor, so I'd say it's about a medium-powered blender.  For those with lower-powered blenders, adding more peanut butter and/or water to the dates before blending helps break them down easier.

-Add more macadamia nuts and/or dark chocolate chips if you so desire.

-I prefer a 70% or higher cacao dark chocolate squares for the drizzle because the darker the chocolate, the healthier it is, but you can use any type that you wish.

Certain schools of thought argue that you should mix the dry ingredients into the wet, and not vice versa, but I have done both ways, and I got the same result either way.

-After spreading batter onto the baking dish, add extra chocolate chips and macadamia nuts on top for extra pizzazz!

-When testing out the doneness of the batter. use the bottom of a fork and touch the surface.  If the top center surface is just about set, but still a little moist, then remove it from the oven.  You want to take it out just before it's done.   Remember, it will still continue to cook even when removed from the oven.

-Enjoy these bars fresh out the oven with the warm, melted chocolate on top, or let the melted chocolate set in the fridge and enjoy it chilled.  Either way, they're both super good!

-Store these in the fridge in an airtight container.  They should be good for about 5 days.

**Nutritional information is an approximation using Nutrifox, information found on Google, and my own calculations to the best of my knowledge.  It is not the definitive values or guaranteed to be 100% accurate information.  Use only as a reference.**

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