Vegan Protein Bars

Step 1

Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides like handles.

Step 2

To the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, add the peanut butter, dates, and rolled oats. Pulse several times until the mixture breaks down, and the ingredients begin to incorporate with one another.

Step 3

Scrape down the bowl then add the chia seeds, protein powder, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Pulse until all ingredients are well combined. Depending on your food processor, this may take a few minutes.

Step 4

Check the consistency of your dough. When you pick up a small handful of it and squeeze, it should hold together and resemble cookie dough. If it is too dry, continue pulsing in milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency. Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Add the chocolate chips and, with a spatula (or your fingers), stir to combine the chips and moisten any bits of dough that the food processor didn't incorporate evenly.

Step 5

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it into an even, flat layer. Transfer the pan to the freezer for 15 minutes or to the refrigerator for 1 hour, until the bars firm up.

Step 6

Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment handles and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into bars of the desired size (I made and enjoy.