Chocolate Protein Breakfast Cake Bars

If there is one thing I've taught Baby Boo, it's that dessert is and can be...a meal.

I'm sort of worried about it, and maybe when she goes away to college her roommates will wonder why she is having cake for breakfast. Although, they will most likely feel sorry for her thinking that she probably didn't have a mother to raise her the right way and teach her about healthy breakfast options.

But then when they find out those desserts have things like vegetables, beans, and whole grains in them, they will definitely question the type of household Baby Boo came from and then feel sorry for her for being so deprived from good and tasty food.

Screw you future roommates of Boo.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. 99% of the time when I wake up in the morning, I want something sweet or dessert like to start my day. I wouldn't say it's the best mindset, but it's the way my brain works.

Did I mention my brain works that way usually every meal time? It's a problem...

Luckily for me, I've learned to manipulate the system a little and trick my brain and body into thinking I'm eating something indulgent when I'm really eating something beneficial and nutritious.

I am very manipulative. My husband as we speak is cleaning my kitchen mess to thank me for making chocolate cake for breakfast.

Little does he know...

Chocolate Protein Breakfast Cake Bars

Adapted from : Chocolate Chip Bean Cookies

Ingredients:

1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce

1/2 c. melted coconut oil

3/4 c. mashed banana (the more ripe the better!) (mash really well)

1/4 c. non dairy milk

1 TB. vanilla

1 chia egg= 2 1/2 TB. water mixed w/ 1 TB. chia seeds, set aside until a gel forms (3-5 minutes)

1 can black beans drained and rinsed

1 1/2 c.+ 1/8 c. spelt flour (You could sub part of the flour w/ chocolate protein powder for more protein)

1/4 c. + 1/8 c. cocoa powder

1 tsp. baking soda

dash of salt

1 1/2-2 c. chocolate chips/2 super dark (80-100%) dark chocolate bar cut up into pieces

Optional add ins: chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Add applesauce, coconut oil, banana, milk, chia egg, and vanilla into a mixer and mix on low speed until liquid is combined. Next add black beans and mix until combined, and some black beans are broken up/mashed a little. You want some whole beans and some mashed.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients then add to wet ingredients bowl. Mix on low until combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

3. Transfer to an 8X8 greased pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-33 minutes, or until center is cooked all the way through.

4. Let cool before cutting into squares.

My family is probably going to throw me in a hospital if I keep telling them I made some sort of sweet only to find out that I basically tricked them.

Either that or I won't be able to convince them to clean my kitchen as a thank you.

Hmmmm...Guess I'll have to hire a maid.