Homemade Protein Bars

For the date version 2 1/2 cups (250 g) old-fashioned certified gluten free rolled oats (if gluten free isn’t necessary, use any oats)

scoop (36 g) gluten free protein powder (I like Vega essentials chocolate flavor protein powder, but you can use whey protein, or your favorite protein powder (vanilla or chocolate))

pitted soft Medjool dates (150 g, as pitted)

pure maple syrup

pure vanilla extract

kosher salt

milk (any kind), plus more as necessary

unsweetened chocolate, chopped and melted (optional)

bittersweet chocolate, chopped and melted (optional, for coating)

For the nut butter version 2 1/2 cups (250 g) old-fashioned certified gluten free rolled oats (if gluten free isn’t necessary, use any oats)

scoops (54 g) gluten free protein powder (I like Vega essentials chocolate flavor protein powder, but you can use whey protein, or your favorite protein powder (vanilla or chocolate))

unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-processed) (can replace with more protein powder)

smooth natural nut butter (I have used peanut butter, almond butter and cashew butter—all work well)

pure maple syrup

kosher salt

milk (any kind), plus more as necessary

unsweetened chocolate, chopped and melted (can replace with 2 tablespoons more nut butter + 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup)

bittersweet chocolate, chopped and melted (optional, for coating)