“You’re killin’ me Smalls!!”
Possibly my favorite movie quote of all time, from one of my favorite movies ever, The Sandlot. And I still quote that line, whenever I encounter a similar situation that Smalls was in, when he had no idea what a “s’mores” was.
That s’mores scene between Smalls and Ham is priceless! Pure movie magic. It kills me every time! Lol…
It was because of this very scene, that I was first introduced to a s’more. Yup, admittedly, I was just as clueless as Smalls!
I’m going back into my memory bank and I can’t remember ever eating a s’more before I saw this movie.
By the way, if you have no idea what I am referring to, or have not seen this movie classic— drop whatever it is you are doing and go watch it—-NOW!
So I can thank Hollywood for glorifying one of the most iconic summer treats ever created. I was 13 years old when I first saw The Sandlot, and it forever shaped my childhood in more ways than one.
S’mores would become a favorite treat of mine, one I would enjoy on a regular basis, growing up—roasting marshmallows over a campfire during the summer time was the best!
So of course, I had to put s’mores through the wringer, interchange some ingredients, and electrify it with some peanut butter….
Which brings me to my next recipe…
A healthier, protein-rich, lower carb, higher fiber, antioxidant-loaded, even more delicious s’mores hybrid….
Enter….my Dark Chocolate Blackberry S’mores Protein Bars!!
That’s right, s’mores protein bars! And it has some of my usual healthy fixins….
whey protein powder for some added muscle-building power…
low carb almond flour for its high fiber content…
dark chocolate for an antioxidant boost…
ultra nutritious blackberries for its delicious sweetness…
cinnamon to enhance the flavor…
and to take things waaaay over the top….of course, you can’t forget that melted peanut butter drizzle…
YOW-ZA!!!
Check out the inner workings of this protein bar..
The warm blackberry filling, that melted dark chocolate, the roasted marshmallows, the crunchy peanuts, that cinnamon–dusted peanut butter….
it’s calling out your name….
And you need to answer it!
ULTIMATE deliciousness!!
OK, so here are the nutritional benefits of the main ingredients in these Dark Chocolate Blackberry S’mores Protein Bars…
Blackberries are a nutritious powerhouse, and according to numerous studies, may be one of the top cancer–fighting foods. These berries have a high concentration of antioxidants, like anthocyanins and polyphenols, and both are said to help fight against inflammation and tumor growth. One of blackberries most powerful benefits, as it is said, is its ability to help prevent cell mutations that can cause cancer.
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. Also, flavonoids in dark chocolate have been shown to help improve heart circulation.
Cinnamon is considered the most antioxidant-rich spice available in the world. These antioxidants are believed to maybe help fight cancer, slow the aging process, protect DNA cell damage, prevent inflammation. Studies have shown cinnamon may also help fight allergy symptoms, certain infections, and combat bad breath.
Peanut butter, which is basically grounded up peanuts, contain about 8 grams of protein per ounce, this is more than all other nuts. Peanuts contain bioactives like flavonols and phenolic acids, that provide numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that resveratrol (found on the peanut skins), a bioactive found in only a few foods, may help lower risks of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.
Ok, here’s what you’ll need for these Dark Chocolate Blackberry S’mores Protein Bars.…
Some quick notes before you get started…
I use vegan marshmallows for this recipe, but regular marshmallows will work as well.-
Feel free to use broken down graham crackers instead of chopped nuts for topping. I chose chopped nuts because they have much better nutritional value (better macros), than graham crackers—more protein, fiber, vitamins, healthy fats, lesser carbs (yes, even the “organic” or “all natural” graham crackers’ macros are not that great—empty carbs, no fiber).
-Even though I use applesauce in this recipe, you won’t really taste it. It helps to keep these bars nice and chewy, and moist. You can sub in a mashed, whole banana in its place if you wish.
-Frozen blackberries are pictured above, just thaw in the microwave for about 30 seconds to easily mash ’em up. Fresh blackberries are easier to mash up!
-Use your broiler to char the marshmallows! My oven doesn’t have to top broiler option so I am unable to get that lovely char on the marshmallows. If your oven has a broiler, then don’t add the marshmallows before baking. Instead, throw the marshmallows on top at about the 17 minute mark of baking, then set the oven to broil. Watch closely for about 2-3 minutes. When a nice char is achieved, then remove from oven.
–Vegan marshmallows react to heat differently than regular marshmallows. They may take longer on the heat to get charred and roasted. Watch closely.
-Chop up your favorite dark chocolate bar, I prefer a 70% cacao or higher bar, into small pieces and add them on top of the finished product fresh out of the oven. Do this first before the other toppings! Its heat will gradually melt the chocolate and it will be super delicious!
-Store them in an airtight container and in the fridge. They should keep for about 5 days to a week. Eat them straight out of the fridge, or I like to stick ’em in the microwave for about 30 seconds to reheat them. Still tastes great!!
For other delicious protein bar recipes, check out my Dark Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Protein Bars, and my Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Protein Bars!!
Alright then, let’s get to it!!
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20-23 minutes |
| Servings |
bars
|
- 1.5 cup almond flour
- 2.5 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp stevia (optional)
- 3/4 cup applesauce
- 2 egg whites
- 1 whole egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 3/4 cup blackberries
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup marshmallows (vegan)
- cinnamon
- dark chocolate chunks (70% cacao or higher)
- peanut butter
- chopped nuts
Ingredients
batter:
toppings:
|
|
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Add dry ingredients to bowl. Add wet ingredients to separate larger bowl. 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 about half of batter onto pan, or until bottom is fully covered.
- Meanwhile, mash blackberries with a fork until broken down. Add blackberries onto batter, swirl around with back of fork to evenly cover. Add dark chocolate chips on top. Pour remaining batter on top. Swirl around with fork again to flatten mixture. Add marshmallows.
- Bake in oven for about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Add toppings. Drizzle that peanut butter on top. Slice into 9 equal sized, square bars. Serve immediately!
-I use vegan marshmallows for this recipe, but regular marshmallows will work as well.
-Even though I use applesauce in this recipe, you won't really taste it. It helps to keep these bars nice and chewy, and moist. You can sub in a mashed, whole banana in its place if you wish.
-If using frozen blackberries, just thaw in the microwave for about 30 seconds to easily mash 'em up.
-Feel free to use broken down graham crackers instead of chopped nuts for topping. I chose chopped nuts because they have much better nutritional value than graham crackers---more protein, fiber, vitamins, healthy fats, lesser carbs (yes, even the "organic" or "all natural" graham crackers are still pretty bad---empty carbs, no fiber).
-My oven doesn't have to top broiler option so I am unable to broil to surface to char the marshmallows. If your oven has a broiler, then don't add the marshmallows before baking. Instead, throw the marshmallows on top at about the 17 minute mark of baking, then set the oven to broil. Watch closely for about 2-3 minutes. When a nice char is achieved, then remove from oven.
-Vegan marshmallows react to heat differently than regular marshmallows. They may take longer on the heat to get charred and roasted. Watch closely.
-Chop up your favorite dark chocolate bar, I prefer a 70% cacao or higher bar, into small pieces and add them on top of the finished product fresh out of the oven. Do this first before the other toppings! Its heat will gradually melt the chocolate and it will be super delicious!
-Store them in an airtight container and in the fridge. They should keep for about 5 days to a week. Eat them straight out of the fridge, or I like to stick 'em in the microwave for about 30 seconds to reheat them. Still tastes great!!
Did you try this recipe? How did it turn out for you? I would love to hear from you! Sound off in the comments section below or use the social media links you see above or throughout the blog. Thanks guys!
