Peanut Butter Bars (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
02 - ¼ cup (84g) honey, or swap with coconut syrup if you prefer it vegan
03 - 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, melted
04 - ½ cup (40g) vanilla or plain protein powder of your choice
05 - ⅓ cup (40g) flaxseed meal, finely ground
06 - ¾ cup (192g) unsweetened creamy peanut butter (made with peanuts and a touch of salt)

→ Topping

07 - A sprinkle of coarse sea salt to finish
08 - 2.5 ounces of an 85% dark chocolate bar you like best

# Instructions:

01 - In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peanut butter, melted coconut oil, honey, and vanilla. Stir until it's smooth and well blended. Gradually mix in the ground flaxseed and protein powder. When it becomes too thick to stir, use your hands to bring the dough together until it feels similar to cookie dough.
02 - Line an 8x4 inch pan with parchment paper. Firmly press the mixture into the pan so it spreads into a nice, even layer.
03 - Melt your dark chocolate in a small pot until it's perfectly smooth. Pour it over the peanut butter base, tipping the pan slightly to help the chocolate coat the surface evenly.
04 - Pop the pan in the fridge for 30-60 minutes until the layers firm up. Slice into squares or bars (10 pieces total). Keep them chilled in a sealed container for up to two weeks.

# Notes:

01 - If the dough feels too crumbly, try adding ½ - 1 tablespoon of extra melted coconut oil.
02 - Collagen peptides (like Vital Proteins) or plant-based protein powders (like Aloha Vanilla) work great for texture and taste.
03 - These bars have a flavor that's a lot like peanut butter cups, but they're packed with protein!