No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Bars

Ingredients

1 banana, mashed
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup pure maple syrup or agave nectar (I use 1/4 cup agave)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 scoops protein powder (I use Absolute Isolate Protein, unflavoured)
2 tbsp. ground flaxseed
2 tbsp. chia seeds
1-1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup coconut (don’t mix in if you are making balls – save for rolling)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (I use special dark chips)
1/2 cup raisins or whatever (I use orange-flavoured dried cranberries from the Bulk Barn)

Directions:

For bars: Line a rectangle pan with plastic wrap or wax paper (approx. 9 x 13)

For balls: Don’t mix in the coconut – use it to roll the balls in.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together banana, peanut butter, syrup, vanilla and protein powder. Stir in remaining ingredients.

For bars: Press mixture into prepared pan and then put in freezer. When hard, cut into bars. Makes about 16.

For balls: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls (will be very sticky), then roll in coconut. Freeze until ready to serve. Makes about 36.

Enjoy !