Snickers Crunch Crack Protein Bars
These aren’t called Crack Bars for no reason.. Let us preface..
Consuming a predominately plant-based diet, along with some seafood, I am always trying to find ways to get more protein into my diet. Mainly because, simply put, you cannot build muscle without enough calories and/or protein. It is also one of the more satiating macronutrients, is needed for every function of our bodies, and is a great, healthy choice that are typically lower in calories (not that they matter! Just a fact!) than other carb-ridden choices.
However, with that being said, I’m also a SUCKER for all things sweets. I don’t know if it is just me, or if this is a normal thing, but I almost always have to have something sweet after a savory meal. Like I will literally continuously think about sweets until I put something in my mouth. Its terrible. Throughout years of this, and binge-eating struggles, I have found two things that work really well to help me stay on track!
Prep a treat at the beginning of the week! - This has worked wonders for me, because it takes the anxiety out of what you may end up eating and stops you from reaching for unhealthy options. Ill think about what sounds good, maybe make one or two different things, and stick it in the freezer/fridge for easy access throughout the week. This has been a game changer for me because I can feel good about consuming a nutrient-dense dessert that tastes super naughty.
Add protein! - Sneaking protein into everything has been something that has come extremely easy to me from all of my practice. With all of the yummy protein powders and collagen supplements on the market these days, it can be an incredibly easy (AND DELICIOUS) addition to any treat. This way, you’re also getting more bang for your buck and more nutritional value.
So let’s get onto the goods, shall we!? The other day I was craving something sweet.. and it was not just a normal sweet craving. I wanted something decadant. All the chocolate, all the caramel, all the crunch (I’m ridiculous, I know). I wanted a damn snickers bar. In the past, I’ve created raw vegan snickers bars that are to die for but this time around, I wanted to add a little extra something to add to their nutritional value and to help keep me satiated - enter protein. You can totally omit this, but I think it’s a good addition to keep around. You can use any flavor of protein you desire (chocolate, caramel, and vanilla all work great for these) and you could totally swap the protein powder for collagen, however it may not add the same level of sweetness. So I’ll quit rambling now and get on to these Snickers Protein Crack Bars.
Ingredients:
Chocolate layer for top & bottom:
(If you don’t have dark chocolate you can whip up my raw vegan chocolate magic shell & this will work just as well.)
200g dark chocolate/vegan dark chocolate (I used Eating Evolved)
2 Tsp coconut oil
Crispy Layer:
1 cup puffed brown rice or rice cereal
2 tbsp peanut butter (I used Georgia grinders) or nut butter of choice
2 scoops Collagen (I used ancient grain vanilla bone broth collagen protein)
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla
3 Tbsp maple syrup
Pinch of sea salt
Caramel Layer:
2 tbsp crunch peanut butter or almond butter
4 tbsp maple syrup (could sub some stevia to keep this lower sugar)
1/4 tsp Sea salt (Omit if your nut butter is salted)
1 Tsp Coconut oil
Instructions:
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Melt half of the chocolate with 1 tsp of coconut oil. Spread evenly on bottom of pan and place in the freezer to set.
Melt the peanut butter, coconut oil, vanilla, maple syrup, & sea salt until fully combined. Stir in the protein if using. Pour over the puffed brown rice or rice cereal and stir to combine. Press mixture firmly onto the chocolate layer and place back in the freezer to set.
Combine all ingredients in small sauce pan on high heat. Whisk to combine until mixture starts to bubble. Once bubbling, stir for another minute or so. Remove from heat and continue to stir for 1 more minute. The mixture should start to thicken. Pour mixture over crispy layer. Melt remaining chocolate with 1 tsp coconut oil and pour over caramel layer evenly. Place in freezer to set for a couple hours. You can top these with sea salt (So yummy!), a drizzle of chocolate or the caramel, chopped nuts, etc. Have fun with them!