Step 1

Soak the dates in a small bowl of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes until soft; drain, reserving 3 tablespoons of the water.

Step 2

Meanwhile, line a loaf pan with parchment or wax paper.

Step 3

Place drained dates and nuts/seeds in the bowl of a large food processor. Process until finely chopped and sticky.

Step 4

Add the protein powder and cocoa powder to processor bowl. Pulse mixture 4 to 5 times to combine and then scraped sides and bottom of bowl. Process until the ingredients come together into a cohesive "dough," adding some or all of the reserved date water as needed.

Step 5

Place dough into prepared pan and very firmly tamp down (I use a second loaf pan to press down evenly).Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or freeze for 1-1/2 hours) until very firm.

Step 6

If desired, press a few chocolate chips and coconut flakes on top of bars.

Step 7

Remove from pan and cut into 8 bars.