Chocolate Workout Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Workout Bars are a delicious and nutritious treat perfect for fueling your active lifestyle. Packed with protein-rich black beans and rich cocoa, they offer a satisfying, low-carb snack that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup nut butter of choice or oil
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, honey, agave, or date syrup
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2/3 cup oat flour or almond flour, or 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (not optional)
• Optional chocolate coating:
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 2 tsp oil to melt, or
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 2 tbsp melted coconut oil, and 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or agave

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line an 8-inch pan with parchment or wax paper.
2. Step 2: Drain and rinse the black beans very well to remove any residue.
3. Step 3: In a food processor, blend the beans, salt, nut butter or oil, maple syrup (or your chosen sweetener), cocoa powder, and oat or almond flour (or rolled oats) until smooth. If using a blender, stop and stir regularly to ensure even blending.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chocolate chips by hand, then smooth the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Step 5: Freeze the mixture to set, about 30 minutes or until firm.
6. Step 6 (Optional): For a chocolate coating, melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips with 2 tsp oil to create a thin sauce, or whisk together 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 2 tbsp melted coconut oil, and 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave to form a sauce.
7. Step 7 (Optional): Spread the chocolate coating over the bars and freeze again until the chocolate is set.

Tips & Variations

• For a lower-carb option, swap oat flour for almond flour and choose a keto-friendly sweetener.
• Using a food processor will give you the smoothest texture, but a blender can work if you pause and stir often.
• Experiment with different nut butters like almond or peanut for added flavor variety.
• Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storage

Store bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Let them thaw for a few minutes before eating for the best texture. Refrigerating is possible but may make bars softer and less firm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans without rinsing?

It’s best to drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove any canned flavors and reduce sodium content, which improves the bars’ taste and texture.

Are these bars suitable for a low-carb diet?

They can be adapted for low-carb by using almond flour instead of oat flour and choosing a low-carb sweetener like a keto-friendly syrup or sweetener.

Chocolate Workout Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 56 reviews

These Chocolate Workout Bars are a nutrient-dense, protein-packed snack perfect for post-workout energy or a healthy treat. Made with black beans, nut butter, natural sweeteners, and rich cocoa powder, they offer a deliciously fudgy texture enriched with chocolate chips. The bars are easy to prepare by blending ingredients and freezing, with an optional chocolate coating to add an extra indulgent layer.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup nut butter of choice or oil
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, honey, agave, or date syrup
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2/3 cup oat flour or almond flour, or 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (not optional)

Optional Chocolate Coating

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 2 tsp oil
• OR 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or agave syrup

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch pan with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
2. Blend Ingredients: Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly. In a food processor, combine the beans, salt, nut butter or oil, pure maple syrup or chosen sweetener, cocoa powder, and oat flour or substitute. Blend until smooth and well combined, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides if needed.
3. Add Chocolate Chips and Mix: Stir in the 1/2 cup chocolate chips by hand to preserve their texture within the mixture.
4. Form the Bars and Freeze: Spread the blended mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Place the pan in the freezer to set firmly, approximately 30 minutes or until bars hold shape.
5. Optional Chocolate Coating: After bars have chilled for at least 30 minutes, prepare the chocolate coating. Either melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips with 2 tsp oil to make a thin sauce, or whisk together 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 2 tbsp melted coconut oil, and 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or agave into a smooth sauce. Spread the sauce evenly over the chilled bars and return to the freezer to set the chocolate layer.
6. Serve and Store: Once set, cut into bars and serve immediately or store them in the freezer for a quick, delicious snack anytime.

Notes

• Make sure to rinse the black beans well to remove any canned taste.
• Oat flour can be substituted with almond flour or rolled oats for different texture or dietary preferences.
• The optional chocolate coating adds an extra layer of flavor, but the bars are delicious on their own.
• These bars are best kept frozen or refrigerated for optimal texture and freshness.
• You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave to suit dietary needs or taste preferences.

Keywords: protein bars, chocolate bars, workout snack, healthy snack, black beans, no bake, vegan optional, high protein