A chocolaty, refined sugar free, protein filled brownie bar that you can take with you to keep you fueled during a run or an intense weightlifting session.
As a rule, I don’t usually think about whether I eat enough protein every day. As all of you whole food plant-based peeps know, that’s not an issue when you eat a variety of healthy foods. But if you’re a super athlete, don’t eat a well-balanced diet, or you’re training for a marathon, maybe you should add a little bit more to your diet.
In case you all missed the news, I’m training for the 2016 Chicago Marathon! I’ve kicked up my running and my strength training and it’s only going to get more intense from this point on. I’ve even hired a running coach, my friend Susie from Suzlyfe, to help me reach my goal.
It’s exciting and overwhelming to think about, but I’m going to let the excitement take over and not think about how many miles my legs and feet are going to run. Like every sport, it’s mostly mental. You just have to get your mind right.
You also have to make sure that your body is ready and that means physical training and eating right.
A few mornings ago I woke up feeling super sore. I did a crazy leg and back workout the day before and my glutes and lats were screaming. And I was having a serious chocolate craving. So I listened to my body and my mind and I made a batch of vegan vanilla brownie protein bars.
Several months ago my friend and Arbonne representative, Aimee, asked me to try Arbonne’s vegan protein powders. We’ve been planning a vegan nutrition and beauty event and I’ve been working on recipes that use their protein powders. These protein bars are one of the recipes that I came up with.
They taste like brownies, but they’re not made with the oil, butter, and sugar that a typical brownie’s made with.
These super delicious chocolaty treats are made with oat flour, cacao powder, Arbonne vanilla protein powder, apple sauce, maple syrup, almond milk, and chopped nuts. They’re a one bowl, super easy, and incredibly good protein lovers treat.
You know how I know that these are really good? Because my husband took most of the batch to work with him. He never takes food from home.
Why protein is so important for athletes
When you work out hard you break down muscle fiber, and then your body uses protein to repair them. That’s what makes your muscles stronger and how you build muscle mass. The best time to consume protein is within thirty minutes after a workout. That’s when your body is primed for recovery.
These vegan vanilla brownie protein bars are perfect for helping you recover because they have good carbohydrates (don’t let anyone tell you that good carbs are bad) from the ground oats and protein from the protein powder.
Even though I get plenty of protein from my daily diet, I’m going to supplement after my more intense workouts. Even if it’s just a placebo, I do feel like I recover better. And it gives me a good excuse to eat one or two vegan vanilla brownie protein bars. Because who wouldn’t want an excuse to eat a brownie?
Alex and I love hearing from you. Please leave a comment and let us know what you think of our recipes. And let’s connect! Hop on over to Facebook page and give it a like, or follow us on Instagram or Twitter, and follow us and share this and other Veganosity recipes on Pinterest. We'd be so grateful if you did.
Tell me:
Have you ever completed a marathon? If so, which one(s)?
Did you go check out my friend Susie’s site? If not, you should. She’s pretty funny.
Do you need an excuse to eat a brownie?
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Vegan Vanilla Brownie Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup of ground oats 1 cup + 3 tablespoons of oats makes 1 cup of ground oats or oat flour
- ½ cup of vanilla protein powder
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons of cacao or cocoa powder
- ½ cup of applesauce + 1 teaspoon of baking powder – mixed together well
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon of finely ground sea salt
- ¼ cup of maple syrup
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup of chopped nuts your choice and optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°
- In a large mixing bowl whisk the ground oats, vanilla powder, cacao powder, baking soda, and sea salt together until well combined. Add the applesauce, maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of almond milk and mix until well combined. Add another tablespoon of almond milk if the batter is too dry. Add the nuts (optional) and stir to combine.
- Fill the bar pan to the top with batter or evenly press the batter into a nonstick 8 x 8 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack.
- Store in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze in a freezer bag for up to six months.
AvocadoPesto says
These sound delicious! I need to be eating more protein and have a whole jar of protein powder just waiting to be made into something delicious. Think you could something else in place of the applesauce? I never have that on hand.
Linda Meyer says
Hi! Thanks so much! You could use a flax egg, chia egg, or Ener-G egg replacer. You could even use a mashed banana if you don't mind the flavor of banana with chocolate.
Gin says
That's so exciting about the marathon Linda! That's SO far beyond my fitness goals, but I like to think about you doing it. 🙂 I'd love to pack one of these bars on a hike for delicious energizing snack!
Linda Meyer says
Thanks, Gin! I'm not sure if I've lost my mind, I guess I'll find out soon enough-haha! Yes, these would be a great snack to take on a hike.
marlymcb says
Perfect energy boost for the morning...or even for dessert!
Linda Meyer says
Agreed! Thanks so much. 🙂
WholeFoodBellies says
Yum, this sounds like such a great protein power brownie, and may even convince me to do a marathon (probably not, but I would definitely try the brownie 🙂 and then attempt a run)
Linda Meyer says
Hahaha! Let me know if my recipe induces running of any sort, marathon or not. 🙂
harrietemilys says
These protein bars look delicious Linda! I love that they're chocolate flavoured and so healthy! Can't wait to try these 🙂
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Harriet! Let me know what you think. 🙂
veggiesdontbite says
I love brownies and I love that you put these into bars! Such a new fun way to eat a brownie! I have never done a marathon, not really a desire, but I have run multiple halfs. I did the Triple Crown series here a few years back and La Jolla Half was my favorite!
Linda Meyer says
Oh my goodness, I can only imagine how beautiful the La Jolla must be. I love running near the Chicago lakeshore, it inspires me and keeps my mind off of the pain of running. Thanks, Sophia!
Ginny McMeans says
I always look forward to your new recipes. Can't wait to make this one and I even have the silicone baking pan that will work great.
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Ginny! That's such a compliment coming from you. I truly appreciate that. 🙂
jane says
what does 2 scoops of protein powder measure out to? different brands have different size scoopers.
thanks!
Linda Meyer says
Hi Jane! Great question, thank you for pointing that out. The scoop in the Arbonne protein powder is approximately 1/4 cup. I'm going to put that in the recipe section now. 🙂
Healing Tomato says
What a wonderfully creative idea!! You are awesome for running a marathon. This is a great protein bar recipe.
Linda Meyer says
Thank you! I'm awesome or crazy-haha! 🙂
dcclark13 says
I have completed 3 marathons, Folsom Dam, California International Marathon & the San Francisco Marathon - the San Fran being the most challenging! Me & my running buddy Jessica (who is Vegan) carried a backpack full of snacks which consisted of cuties and homemade power snacks which were delicious! I'm pretty slow, but don't stop! :D. Your protein bars sound really terrific, can't wait to try these!!
Linda Meyer says
Hi Debra! Wow, that's fantastic! I'm always so impressed with people who complete one marathon, much less three! I'm planning on carrying my own snacks because I can't stand the processed goo and bars that are made for runners. Thanks so much for commenting. 🙂
Mel @ avirtualvegan.com says
Oooo a couple of those dangling in front of me on the treadmill might even persuade me to go to the gym!
Linda Meyer says
LOL! You could just have someone leave a five mile trail of them and you could eat your way through a long run. 🙂 Thanks, Mel!
KCole's Creative Corner says
Eating a sufficient amount of protein after working out is very important, and these look like the perfect chocolate-filled way to do just that 😉 Thanks for sharing! 😀
Linda Meyer says
Absolutely! Thanks so much! 🙂
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
The Chicago Marathon! You go, girl! I really do like running, but I always end up hurt so I've switched to biking. Unfortunately, I tend to crash. I have coordination issues. Perhaps these vegan vanilla brownie protein bars would straighten me out! They certainly look delicious. Good luck with the training!
Linda Meyer says
That's why I hired Susie to train me. She's going to help me strengthen the little muscles that most people ignore. She's also going to help me keep my mind right so I don't FREAK OUT! 🙂 Thanks, Rachelle!
Jenn says
Good for you! I have never run a marathon, but I did a half marathon in Batavia about 5-6 years ago. Batavia is VERY hilly and I thought I was going to die after about, oh, the first two blocks which were straight uphill! LOL! I really have no desire to run a marathon or even another half for that matter, but I admire those that get out there everyday and do 3-5 miles no problem. I wish I could do that. Running never came easy for me, but I did enjoy it from time to time.
Anywho....these brownie bars look incredible and I don't need to be running 26.2 miles to enjoy them! YUMMY!
Linda Meyer says
Oh, that's tough! I ran the North Shore half-marathon in Highland Park a few years ago and it took us down to the beach and back up the ravine. KILLER! I've only done flat runs since-haha! However, I'm going to do the NS this year to prepare for the Chicago.
Thanks Jenn!
Natalie says
I am not a runner. Not even close, but I am a brownie eater and nope, no excuse needed for chocolate!!! So good and so healthy! I love the way they look baked in a bar pan too, that slight muffin top 🙂 And good luck with training, that's super exciting Linda!
Linda Meyer says
You walk, so that's kind of close. 😉 Thanks so much Natalie!
Ruth says
SO great about the marathon ! I enjoy them as well, ( as one of the watchers on the sideline,) anyway,
keep us posted about the date of the Chicago event & we'll cheer you on. Oh, & thanx for the brownie
recipe. Wonder what kind of sweetener is in the protein powder .
Linda Meyer says
Hi Ruth! Thank you so much, I'll keep you posted. Arbonne protein powder is sweetened with Stevia.
Ruth says
Thank you LInda. Stevia is the BEST in my humble opinion. God bless.
Linda Meyer says
You're welcome, Ruth. Thank you.
Strength and Sunshine says
Bars? These are little mini cakes!!! O my goodness! I love them!! This is SO a recipe for me 😉 All the flavors, all the brownie, all the soft delicious ENERGY 😉
Linda Meyer says
Cakes, bars, cookies, call them whatever you want, just make them and eat them. 🙂 Thanks, Rebecca!
Christine (Run Plant Based) says
So exciting on training for a marathon, I'm training for my first one this year with my sister too. Yes, a little scary to think about the miles!
These look wonderful, perfect for a satisfying snack. Thanks!
Linda Meyer says
That's awesome, Christine! You're so fortunate to be able to train with your sister. I love running with a partner, it keeps me distracted.
SuzLyfe says
You are so sweet, and I am so incredibly excited to work with you. I am going to be working on your plan in a just a few minutes, actually! These bars will be perfect for your training--great for muscle recovery. So many people over do the protein and get it allatonce, but your body can only really take in about 20g at a time for optimal muscle synthesis. But you also need carbs right after you work out. You are going to rock this marathon, I have no doubt in my mind!
Linda Meyer says
No, YOU are! 🙂 I'm SOOOOO excited, and nervous. Thank God I have you to help me stay focused and positive. I totally agree about people overdoing the protein. Too much and you can get in trouble. And carbs give you energy. It makes me nuts when I hear people say that they're cutting carbs out of their diets. Grrr.....
I may not rock my first marathon, but I will roll through the finish line. Like maybe literally get on the ground and roll my way through-haha!
Lori D. says
These look so delicious! I'll have to make them for my son when he comes home for Spring Break! He lifts weights and is always eating protein post work out. And making brownies with protein is a double bonus!
Linda Meyer says
Hi Lori! Thank you. I'm sure your son would love these. There's nothing better than chocolate with a boost of plant-based protein. 🙂
Bryan Tapia says
Linda would you happen to have the nutritional information on these?
Linda Meyer says
Hi Bryan, I don't put nutritional information on my recipes because the calculators that I've researched are not completely accurate. I don't want to give false information. The Arbonne vegan vanilla protein mix is made from pea protein, not soy.