Almond Joy Protein Bites

There's a whole roasted almond hiding in the middle of each one, just like the candy bar. Chocolate protein powder plus coconut does the rest. The optional chocolate drizzle takes them from snack to dessert tray.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 scoops (about 60g) chocolate protein powder
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 16 whole roasted almonds
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, melted (optional drizzle)

Instructions

1. Mix the almond butter and honey until smooth.
2. Stir in the coconut, protein powder, and cocoa to form a dough.
3. Scoop a tablespoon of dough, press a whole almond into the center, and roll it closed.
4. Repeat for 16 bites and chill for 20 minutes.
5. Drizzle with melted dark chocolate if using and chill until set.

Tips

• Roasted salted almonds in the center beat raw ones; the salt pop is the best part.
• Freeze the bites 10 minutes before drizzling so the chocolate sets on contact.
• These keep 2 weeks refrigerated, drizzle and all.

FAQ

Can I skip the center almond?

Sure, or chop the almonds and fold them in; you lose the candy-bar surprise but keep the flavor.

What chocolate is best for the drizzle?

A 70% dark bar or chips melted with a half teaspoon of coconut oil flows smoothly and snaps when chilled.