One thing I always do whenever I go out to eat is I customize my order.
I just am never satisfied with how the dish is served as is from the menu. I always have to add more stuff to it, subtract some items, or swap out and replace some items all together.
What can I say? When it comes to my food, I just gotta have it my way yo!
I either need to add more protein, I need to add more veggies, I need some extra sauce on the side, or I need to remove some unnecessary carbs (like the burger bun or white rice).
And removing all those unnecessary carbs and fats from the main dish, leaves me enough room so I can go all out and fully enjoy my dessert(s)!
Well, whenever I get the chance to go to my favorite crepe spot, Crepevine in San Francisco for dessert, I love to order their “S’mores” crepe. And I always like to add in my usual extras—- blueberries, banana, nutella, and cinnamon.
I don’t care if I have to pay extra, or how much it costs, because…
if I’m gonna have a cheat meal, then I’m gonna have a CHEAT meal, you know what I’m sayin’??!!
Well, for this recipe, I set out to create the ULTIMATE protein bar. Just like my fully-loaded dessert at Crepevine, I wanted to throw everything in there, including the kitchen sink.
I wanted it to include a bunch of my favorite flavors, be high in protein, high in antioxidants, high in fiber, low in carbs, use real ingredients, and taste super, fantastically delicious!
I wanted the person who tried this to have a mouth-gasm and scream, “OMG! That was the best protein bar I have ever had in my life!!”
Well guys, after much experimentation, and lots of trial and error, all I can say is….mission accomplished!
So without further adieu...
Enter….my Dark Chocolate Blueberry Hazelnut Protein Bars!!
These oven-baked protein bars have got to be one my FAVORITE recipes of the entire blog—–bar none.
And they contain a boatload of all of my favorite ingredients….
super-nutritious blueberries….
delectable hazelnuts…
aromatic cinnamon….
refreshing amaretto….
fiber-loaded almond flour…
muscle-building whey protein…
nutrient-filled peanut butter….
and that antioxidant-rich, 72% cacao dark chocolate drizzle….
YOW-ZA!!
Behold…..the ULTIMATE combination of flavors and nutrition!
I literally threw the entire kitchen sink into this one.
And they’re soooo damn delicious.
All the flavors mesh so well together.
These protein bars use a combination of almond flour and finely chopped hazelnuts as its base, along with the whey protein powder. The almond flour adds the thickness to the bars, while keeping it low in carbs, and the hazelnuts add texture, crunch, and its addicting flavor to every bite.
Blueberries are my favorite fruit, and tops in nutrition, so of course, I had to throw those in there.
Peanut butter mixed into the batter adds some “healthy” fats and oils that help keep these bars moist.
The amaretto flavor is produced by adding almond extract. This stuff is so concentrated with flavor, that just a tiny bit of this stuff is all you need to get that boost of flavor. Even so, I like to use 2 tsp per recipe, just to make sure that flavor really pops.
Almond extract is my preferred extract to use, and after experimenting with it in my earlier recipes, I have made it a point to include it in almost ALL of my dessert/snack recipes going forward.
In my humble opinion…
ALMOND extract > VANILLA extract
No doubt about it! It just tastes SOOOOOO much better, the flavor is more noticeable, and it’s WAAAAAAY more cheaper than vanilla! I’m sorry, but a little 2 oz bottle of that stuff is just way too expensive!
And honestly, I can’t even taste the difference with or without it. Can you??
Oh, and did I mention, hazelnuts + dark chocolate = best combination ever? If you want to simulate the flavor of nutella, in a healthier, compact package, with added protein— THIS is it!
OK, here are the nutritional benefits of the main ingredients in these Dark Chocolate Blueberry Hazelnut Protein Bars…
Blueberries are widely-considered to be one of the world’s most nutritious foods. They are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients. Numerous studies have shown these berries to maybe help fight cancer, fight inflammation, support heart health, and boost brain function. Also, Its high fiber content helps promote healthy digestion.
Hazelnuts are also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and they are known to be one of the most nutritious out of all the nuts found in the world. Studies have shown that regular consumption may help to fight off cancer, help prevent heart disease, protect the brain from degeneration, and its high Vitamin E content helps keep the hair and skin healthy.
Dark chocolate has been shown to contain high amounts of antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids—all of which are believed to help fight cancer, fight free radical damage, and fight disease. Certain research has shown dark chocolate to maybe help improve brain function, boost memory, and enhance focus. Studies have found flavonols in dark chocolate may help improve blood circulation to the heart and may help lower blood pressure.
Almonds which are basically ground up to create almond flour, are packed with nutrients, and are good sources of protein, fiber, vitamin E, riboflavin, magnesium, manganese, and calcium. They contain a special kind of vitamin E, called gamma-tocopherol—studies show this antioxidant to be a powerful cancer–fighter.
Here’s what you’ll need…
Some quick notes before you get started…
-The hazelnuts don’t have to be that finely chopped. I like the crunchy texture of the chopped hazelnuts mixed into the batter. I don’t mind random, big pieces of hazelnuts hidden in a few bites. If you’re using a food processor, just pulse for a few seconds to break them down a bit. Or to avoid the cleanup, just throw the hazelnuts into a ziploc bag and smash them down with a mallet.
-You can use hazelnut flour if you prefer. Same measurements apply.
-You can sub in applesauce, about 1/2 cup, in place of the large banana.
-I use frozen blueberries, but fresh blueberries will work just as good!
-You can use any other natural sugar alternative, like stevia or erythritol, instead of monk fruit sweetener. I just prefer the monk fruit sweetener over the others. More detailed info on monk fruit can be found here.
-For easier mashing, thaw out the frozen blueberries in the microwave for about a minute or two before breaking them down with a fork.
-Store protein bars in airtight container, and store in the fridge. Best if consumed within 3-5 days. Try warming them up in the microwave!
For more blueberry recipes, you gotta check out my…
Alright then, let’s get to it!!
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Servings |
bars
|
- 3/4 cup hazelnuts (finely chopped)
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
- 1.5 tsp cinnamon
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tbsp monk fruit sweetener (or other natural sugar alternative)
- 1 large banana (or 1/2 cup applesauce)
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 2/3 cup blueberries
- 4 squares dark chocolate bar (70% cacao or higher)
- hazelnuts (chopped)
Ingredients
batter:
topping:
|
|
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Add dry ingredients to bowl. Mix well. Add wet ingredients to separate larger bowl. Mix well. Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients bowl, mixing thoroughly. Set aside.
- Grease a 9x9 square baking pan with olive oil, or line with parchment paper. Pour batter onto pan until bottom is fully covered.
- If frozen, microwave blueberries for a minute or two to thaw. Mash blueberries with a fork until broken down into compote-like consistency. Add blueberries onto batter, swirl around with a fork to evenly cover surface.
- Bake in oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until center surface is set, and/or toothpick down the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven. Let stand for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, melt dark chocolate in microwave, stopping to stir every 45 seconds or so, until completely melted.
- Slice batter into 9 equal sized, square bars. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over bars. Add chopped hazelnuts on top. Serve immediately!
-The hazelnuts don't have to be that finely chopped. I like the crunchy texture of the chopped hazelnuts mixed into the batter. If you're using a food processor, just pulse for a few seconds to break them down a bit. Or to avoid the cleanup, just throw the hazelnuts into a ziploc bag and smash them down with a mallet.
-You can use hazelnut flour if you prefer. Same measurements apply.
-You can sub in applesauce, about 1/2 cup, in place of the large banana.
-I use frozen blueberries, but fresh blueberries will work just as good!
For easier mashing, thaw out the frozen blueberries in the microwave for about a minute or two before breaking them down with a fork.
-Store protein bars in airtight container, and store in the fridge. Best if consumed within 3-5 days. Try warming them up in the microwave!
