These gelatin protein bars are inspired by my love for chocolate ice cream, and my desire to make that chocolate pudding taste portable.
Ingredients:
1 (13.5oz) can coconut milk (I like this additive free brand without guar gum)
4.5 tb pure cocoa powder (like this)
¼ cup + 2 tb organic cane sugar (like this, use 2tb more for sweeter flavor)
1 tb gelatin collagen hydrolysate (green can)
¼ cup gelatin (red can)
¼ teaspoon salt (like this)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (like this)
Process:
1) In a blender combine all ingredients except gelatin.
2) Slowly add the gelatin while blender is running to avoid any clumping.
3) Put in saucepan, over medium heat. While stirring constantly, bring to a boil. Then immediately remove from heat.
4) Grease a small baking dish with coconut oil. Pour gelatin mixture and let cool about 1-2 hours in the fridge until firmly set.
5) Cut into protein bars, and store in the fridge. Will keep for about 4-7 days.
Notes:
I use two different kinds of gelatin in this recipe. One makes the mixture gel (plain gelatin), and the collagen hydrolysate is used as added protein (because it is more processed and easier to digest). I prefer to use a combination of both in this recipe to increase the protein content. Please note- if you have very poor digestion, you may have a hard time digesting gelatin, especially the kind that makes a mixture gel. Also, slowly increase the intake of gelatin in your diet over many weeks or months. Adding too much too quickly can cause digestive upset, as gelatin is rich in glycine and fuels the detoxification process.
What is your favorite protein bar? Please share in the comments!
Kris W.
This looks great. Was just wondering why you used two different types of gelatin. I know the green can is for dissolving in cold liquids and the red can is regular. Thanks for the post
Catherine
Thanks Kris! I forgot to add in why I use both.
One makes the mixture gel (plain gelatin), and the collagen hydrolysate is used as added protein (because it is more processed and easier to digest). I prefer to use a combination of both in this recipe to increase the protein content. Please note- if you have very poor digestion, you may have a hard time digesting gelatin, especially the kind that makes a mixture gel. Also, slowly increase the intake of gelatin in your diet over many weeks or months. Adding too much too quickly can cause digestive upset, as gelatin is rich in glycine and fuels the detoxification process.
Thanks for reading!
Catherine
Carolyn
What is the nutritional breakdown? How much protein does each bar contain?
Kris W.
Thanks, good to know! I consume a lot of gelatin - now one more way to use it!
Katie
Can I leave out the green can? I only have the regular gelatin from Great Lakes. Also, could raw milk be subbed for canned coconut or is it too thin?
Catherine
@Katie
Leaving out the green can should be just fine-- just less protein and you still use the red can, and that's responsible for making it gel. I haven't tried it with raw milk, if you do-- let me know how it goes!
Beka S
Do you think these would freeze well? Would they loose nutritional benefits if they were in the freezer? I just discovered your site and am loving your recipes!
Catherine
@Beka I haven't tried freezing gelatin snacks before, so if you do try it-- please report back! Thanks so much for your kind words!!
Catherine
Emily
I love Zing bars, although they aren't protein bars. They are made in Seattle and I find them less sweet than other brands. I think I'll need to start making my own, as I'm cutting out most sugar at this point. I can't wait to try these! Also, do you advise the use of Stevia and do you have any Stevia protein bar recipes? Thank you!
Catherine
I don't think stevia would work in this recipe. The carbs in the sugar help balance the protein and work for your metabolism 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Catherine
Emma
How much coconut milk/what size can are you using for the recipe?
Catherine
I use a standard 13.5oz can.
Virginia
How do you store these? Do you know how long they would be good for? My husband works in North Dakota and I am looking for GOOD snacks to make him and I think I will be trying these out. If he likes them, I would like to get a nice sized batch made if they last a little while. Thanks!
April
Could I please ask how many bars this recipe yields? Thanks!
Morgan
Thank you for explaining why gelatin needs to be introduced slowly! I kept trying to take the 1 Tbsp, 3x/day approach, but was miserable by mid-afternoon .... now I will try again, but start much slower. So glad for the new understanding. 🙂