Power Protein Squares

These rich, chocolatey protein bites are a guest favorite at Tierra Alegre, the juice bar at Rancho La Puerta, where they’re both taught in class and served fresh each week. Naturally sweetened with dates and packed with nuts, cocoa, and coconut, they’re the perfect late-morning boost, afternoon pick-me-up, or nourishing snack to tuck into your bag for a morning on the trails or a quiet afternoon in the park. Simple, satisfying, and full of whole ingredients, they bring a little taste of The Ranch wherever you go.

Yields: Approx. 20 bars | Prep time: 20 mins | Set time: Overnight

· 1½ cups whole almonds (7 oz)

· 1½ cups walnuts (6 oz)

· 2 cups pecans (9 oz)

· ½ cup + 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (4½ oz)

· ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (3 oz)

· 3 to 3½ cups pitted dates (19 oz)

· 1 cup coconut flakes (2 oz

1. In a food processor, blend the dates until smooth. If the dates are too dry, soak them in water overnight. The next morning, stir and blend until smooth and paste-like.
2. Add the unsweetened cocoa powder to the dates and pulse to combine. Set aside.
3. In a food processor, pulse the nuts and coconut flakes until finely chopped. Be careful not to overmix. You can also chop them by hand.
4. In a large bowl, mix the date-cocoa paste with the chopped nuts and coconut. Add the coconut oil (liquid but not hot, room temperature is perfect) and mix thoroughly by hand until well combined.
5. You can roll them into balls or press the mixture evenly into a tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Refrigerate overnight to firm.
7. Once set, cut into delicious 2-inch squares (or your preferred size).

Join Denisse as she teach this and other protein bite recipes at our jucie bar, Tierra Alegre. Check the schedule for this inclusive event.

Enjoy!