Place dates in a microwave safe dish and cover with water. Heat 60 seconds. Remove and pour dates and liquid into a food processor or high powered blender. Pulse until jelly like consistency is achieved.
In a large bowl, combine oats and protein powder. Set aside.
Add peanut butter to a medium pan on the stovetop. Heat over low heat until peanut butter begins to melt. Stir in date paste, maple syrup and salt. Once combined, turn off heat.
Pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the oats and protein powder. Mix together until uniformly combined.
Pour mixture in an 8x8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Press the remaining 1/3 cup of crushed peanuts into the top of the bars.
Put in the freezer for up to 30 minutes to harden.
Remove and slice into 12 bars.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 10 days, or freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month. Defrost for 20 minutes on the counter before eating.
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 258Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 5mg2%
Sodium 185mg8%
Potassium 334mg10%
Carbohydrates 25g8%
Fiber 5g20%
Sugar 9g10%
Protein 12g24%
Vitamin A 14IU0%
Calcium 60mg6%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.