So like...about chickpeas in protein bars. I mean, what's not to love?
I'm sure you can think of a lot of things you love more than vanilla chickpeas.
Like doing laundry. Emptying the dishwasher. Scraping the zucchini out of your vegetable peeler.
Considering I myself am basically a chickpea, it should come as no surprise that I stuffed chickpeas into bars. I wanted to do a base of something other than nuts since I've been eating my weight in hemp seeds, chia seeds, almond butter, and avocado lately. Healthy fats galore! I mean it's not wonder why I have to get my nails done like every two weeks. They grow like weeds! Thank you, nut and seeds. My hair and nails adore you.
So naturally I threw a can of chickpeas in the food processor and crossed my fingers. Welp, my frands....these babies are FAB. They have this totally amazing texture and flavor that I just can't get enough of. I used MCT Lean vegan natural vanilla protein powder, a plant-based protein powder that I've been using for a little over a year now. Remember when I put it in these peanut butter protein cookies? And these peppermint brownie protein muffins?! Oh and how can I forget these banana nut protein bars?
I'm very picky when it comes to protein powder. It must have good ingredients, but it also has to taste good and not be super chalky like most brown rice protein powders are. The first time I ever tried MCT Lean was the chocolate flavor in a smoothie with frozen banana and almond milk. I was shocked how much it tasted like a dreamy chocolate milkshake! Now you all know I'm not really one to put protein powder in my smoothie every day. I use it more in baking to create more filling snacks for the week.
MCT Lean Vegan Protein Blend is made of pea and brown rice protein (20 grams per serving), which together have an ideal amino acid profile for enhancing lean body mass. I personally love that MCT Lean is not only 100% plant-based, but it's also free of GMOs, gluten, dairy, lactose, soy, and corn. It's also 100% Pharmaceutical Grade Verified by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP). Considering the fact that supplements aren't regulated, this is something important to look for whenever you're buying a supplement in order to verify good current FDA manufacturing practices. Did you know that fewer than 1% of the 55,000 or so supplements on the market today bear this recognition?
And let me reiterate---it actually tastes kind of dreamy.
Now trust me when I say that these bars will not taste good unless you use a vanilla protein powder that you LIKE. If you can't tolerate it in a smoothie, you won't like it in these bars either! Make sure your protein powder is sweetened (MCT Lean uses a combination of evaporated cane juice and stevia) and preferably vanilla flavored, although chocolate would probably be yummy as well! If you're using an unflavored variety, try adding some coconut sugar or stevia to sweet it up. Liquid sweeteners would probably make the batter too wet.
These bars are like hummus' evil twin cousin. Bad has never tasted so good.
Print
Vanilla Chickpea Protein Bars (No-Bake)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Snack
Description
These flourless no-bake protein bars feature chickpeas, protein powder, and seeds to power you through the day!
Ingredients
- 1-15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 6 large Medjool dates
- ¼ cup creamy almond butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 scoops MCT Lean vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbsp hemp seeds
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or wax paper. You may want to spray the pan with cooking spray first to help the paper stick.
- Combine chickpeas, dates, almond butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a large food processor. Process until very smooth, scraping down the sides if necessary.
- Add in protein powder, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. Process again until very well combined. The mixture should start to form a "dough" ball.
- Using wet hands, press mixture evenly into lined loaf pan.
- Freeze for about an hour before removing paper from pan and slicing into 8-10 bars. Place cut bars in a baggie or tupperware and store in the refrigerator or freezer. These will become soft at room temperature.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by MCT Lean Vegan Protein Blend. I was compensated for my time. All opinions are my own.
sharona says
please please please let us know the protein to carb ratio in these? can't try the them til I know!
Ashley says
Hi! Is this recipe no longer available? For some reason I can not see the ingredient list.
Thanks!
Alexis says
Thanks for letting me know, Ashley! I'm working through some kinks after redesigning some blogs and it seems some recipes got lost in the shuffle. I'm on it!
Lindsey says
Do you know roughly how much protein is in each?
Lindsey says
Do you know roughly how much protein is in each?
Dee says
I know this is an older post, but hoping you can provide the number of servings, serving size (in grams or ounces), and the nutritional information per serving for this recipe. Thanks!
Dee says
I know this is an older post, but hoping you can provide the number of servings, serving size (in grams or ounces), and the nutritional information per serving for this recipe. Thanks!
lara says
would this work with cacao power + unflavoured pea protein powder? instead of the vanilla protein?
<3
Alexis says
Hmmm they wouldn't be as sweet since vanilla protein powder is sweetened so I'd add some sweetener to taste.
lara says
would this work with cacao power + unflavoured pea protein powder? instead of the vanilla protein?
<3
Alexis says
Hmmm they wouldn't be as sweet since vanilla protein powder is sweetened so I'd add some sweetener to taste.
Devin Brooks says
Hi!
I just recently went vegan and stumbled across this recipe looking for vegan protein bars.
Could I potentially swap the protein powder with hemp protein powder? Will it change the taste too much?
Thanks!
Devin Brooks says
Hi!
I just recently went vegan and stumbled across this recipe looking for vegan protein bars.
Could I potentially swap the protein powder with hemp protein powder? Will it change the taste too much?
Thanks!
Marie says
I made these bars this week for snacks, but replaced the dates with dried blueberries, and they are seriously the most fantastic bars (homemade or purchased) that I've ever tried! I'm definitely going to make more next week!!
★★★★★
Marie says
I made these bars this week for snacks, but replaced the dates with dried blueberries, and they are seriously the most fantastic bars (homemade or purchased) that I've ever tried! I'm definitely going to make more next week!!
★★★★★
Marlys says
This is my first time go to see at here and i am genuinely pleassant to
read everthing at alone place.Next thing is, never install the
software on the affected drive as there are
chances that you would overwrite the data and loose it permanently.
They can attach to your keys or just be thrown in a drawer to keep all of your files safe.
The level of recovery of data solely depends upon the state of storage media.
Marlys says
This is my first time go to see at here and i am genuinely pleassant to
read everthing at alone place.Next thing is, never install the
software on the affected drive as there are
chances that you would overwrite the data and loose it permanently.
They can attach to your keys or just be thrown in a drawer to keep all of your files safe.
The level of recovery of data solely depends upon the state of storage media.
Emma says
Ummmmm yes to the Avocado & AB all day, e'ry day. I love the addition of chickpeas for an extra protein punch. I am curious as to what your thoughts are on the added sugar in the protein powder you recommend. I really try to avoid added sugars in all of my foods except for when I want a real dessert.
Emma says
Ummmmm yes to the Avocado & AB all day, e'ry day. I love the addition of chickpeas for an extra protein punch. I am curious as to what your thoughts are on the added sugar in the protein powder you recommend. I really try to avoid added sugars in all of my foods except for when I want a real dessert.
Georgie says
Ooo these look great! I'm a big fan of Vega protein powder but I'm always looking for new ones to try!
I've similarly been eating my weight in almond butter and avocado 🙂
Alexis says
Vega is awesome!
Georgie says
Ooo these look great! I'm a big fan of Vega protein powder but I'm always looking for new ones to try!
I've similarly been eating my weight in almond butter and avocado 🙂
Alexis says
Vega is awesome!
athletic avocado says
love that these are no bake! They look so good! great recipe!
Alexis says
Thanks doll!
athletic avocado says
love that these are no bake! They look so good! great recipe!
Alexis says
Thanks doll!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
genius!! Love the addition of chickpeas...
Alexis says
Thanks, Brittany!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
genius!! Love the addition of chickpeas...
Alexis says
Thanks, Brittany!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says
These are basically you in bar form aka my evil twin that never tasted so good. Let's get real though, I am probably the evil one in this relationship. Regardless I need these and intend to tell C there's chickpeas in them just so I can eat them myself.
Alexis says
If I could be a protein bar, I'd sure as hell be those. I'm glad C is a chickpea hater so you can nosh on these all day long without any disturbances.
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says
These are basically you in bar form aka my evil twin that never tasted so good. Let's get real though, I am probably the evil one in this relationship. Regardless I need these and intend to tell C there's chickpeas in them just so I can eat them myself.
Alexis says
If I could be a protein bar, I'd sure as hell be those. I'm glad C is a chickpea hater so you can nosh on these all day long without any disturbances.
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says
I just recently had the most delicious chickpea blondies at Toronto Veg Fest. These will probably taste pretty similar, so I can't wait to try them!
Alexis says
Yummm chickpea blondies are the BEST!
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says
I just recently had the most delicious chickpea blondies at Toronto Veg Fest. These will probably taste pretty similar, so I can't wait to try them!
Alexis says
Yummm chickpea blondies are the BEST!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
The other day, chickpeas were on sale at the store and I literally bought about 10 cans. Thank you for giving me something to use them in other than salads <3
Alexis says
Bahahaha wait we're the same person!! I bought five cans of pumpkin the other day because they were on sale for a dollar. HOARDERZZZZ.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
The other day, chickpeas were on sale at the store and I literally bought about 10 cans. Thank you for giving me something to use them in other than salads <3
Alexis says
Bahahaha wait we're the same person!! I bought five cans of pumpkin the other day because they were on sale for a dollar. HOARDERZZZZ.
Dana @ fresh simple five says
It's as if you read my mind... I've been looking for a reasonably-priced, high-quality protein powder for awhile now. Thanks for the tip! I love the idea of chickpeas in bars - fabulous!
Alexis says
Fabulous! MCT is really awesome. Enjoy!
Dana @ fresh simple five says
It's as if you read my mind... I've been looking for a reasonably-priced, high-quality protein powder for awhile now. Thanks for the tip! I love the idea of chickpeas in bars - fabulous!
Alexis says
Fabulous! MCT is really awesome. Enjoy!
Ellen says
I'm a chickpea lover and can't wait to try these! Do you know about how much fat is in these bars? I know it's all good but I'm just curious!
Alexis says
Awesome! Nope--sorry, I didn't calculate any nutrition info.
Ellen says
I'm a chickpea lover and can't wait to try these! Do you know about how much fat is in these bars? I know it's all good but I'm just curious!
Alexis says
Awesome! Nope--sorry, I didn't calculate any nutrition info.
Julia says
My hair and nails could use some TLC, so I'll make a triple batch of these bad boys. Bring the action!
I'll have to nail down a vanilla protein powder because I am fourscore and seven years behind on those times. I'll have to give your fave a go considering I know I can trust your opinion when it comes to the proteins!
Love these vanilla chickpea bars, m'dear...so much more than doing laundry!
Alexis says
Heck yes!! And yes, they are SO much more fun than doing laundry.
Julia says
My hair and nails could use some TLC, so I'll make a triple batch of these bad boys. Bring the action!
I'll have to nail down a vanilla protein powder because I am fourscore and seven years behind on those times. I'll have to give your fave a go considering I know I can trust your opinion when it comes to the proteins!
Love these vanilla chickpea bars, m'dear...so much more than doing laundry!
Alexis says
Heck yes!! And yes, they are SO much more fun than doing laundry.
Dietitian Jess says
I'm always looking for non gross tasting, weird ingredient free protein powder, thanks for sharing, I'll have to try this one.
Alexis says
This once certainly doesn't taste gross! Enjoy!
Dietitian Jess says
I'm always looking for non gross tasting, weird ingredient free protein powder, thanks for sharing, I'll have to try this one.
Alexis says
This once certainly doesn't taste gross! Enjoy!
Hayley@healthyregards says
oooooo I love these!
Alexis says
Thanks, Hayley!
Hayley@healthyregards says
oooooo I love these!
Alexis says
Thanks, Hayley!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
I am not a fan of protein powders, but you may have convinced me that this one might be okay once in a while. 🙂 Anything with a chickpea and I'm down.
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
I am not a fan of protein powders, but you may have convinced me that this one might be okay once in a while. 🙂 Anything with a chickpea and I'm down.
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
I love chickpeas all day every day, so keep stuffing them into every recipe 😀 I'm also a huuuuge hater of chalky protein powder. I don't know how I used to eat that stuff!
Alexis says
Me either. There's nothing quite like a chalky smoothie :/
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
I love chickpeas all day every day, so keep stuffing them into every recipe 😀 I'm also a huuuuge hater of chalky protein powder. I don't know how I used to eat that stuff!
Alexis says
Me either. There's nothing quite like a chalky smoothie :/
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
You could have totally fooled me and given me one and then I would have eaten it and then been in love. Then blown up like a chickpea balloon.
Alexis says
Don't blow up like a balloon! I can't lose you!!!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
You could have totally fooled me and given me one and then I would have eaten it and then been in love. Then blown up like a chickpea balloon.
Alexis says
Don't blow up like a balloon! I can't lose you!!!