Homemade Protein Bars
User Reviews
4.9
Homemade Protein Bars
Description
Homemade Protein Bars are crafted by pulsing dates and nuts together, then mixing in almond flour, honey or maple syrup, peanut butter, chia seed powder, coconut oil, vanilla, and optional protein powder until dough-like. The mixture is pressed into a pan to form a flat, even layer. After cooling, the bars are topped with melted dark chocolate combined with coconut oil, optionally sprinkled with flaky sea salt for contrast.
The bars yield a chewy and slightly sticky texture due to the dates and nut butters, balanced by the slight crunch of ground nuts and chia powder. These bars do not require baking, relying instead on chilling and setting in the fridge or freezer to hold their shape. Their flavor is mildly sweet and nutty, with the dark chocolate enhancing richness.
This recipe allows easy customization through the addition of vanilla protein powder for extra supplementation, or substitution of nut types. The bars are ideal for a pre- or post-workout snack, or a convenient on-the-go option. They store well in the freezer for extended freshness.
Soaking the dates and nuts prior to processing softens ingredients and helps achieve the right consistency. Using drippy peanut butter improves mixability. Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps bars hold together after chilling and cutting.
Ingredients
Protein Bars:
- 10 Medjool dates pitted
- 1/2 cup cashew nuts raw
- 1/2 cup walnut raw
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 2 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp. peanut butter drippy
- 1 Tbsp. chia seed powder
- 3/4 Tbsp. coconut oil melted
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- cinnamon pinch, optional
- 1-2 coops protein powder optional
Chocolate topping:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips dairy free if needed
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp. sea salt flaky, such as Maldon, optional
Instructions
- Soak: if Medjool dates are a little on the hard side, soak in lukewarm water until soft. Soak cashews and walnuts together in a separate bowl for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare loaf pan: line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, if desired. I didn't line mine with anything, and it worked just fine too.
- Combine: Pulse chopped dates and nuts in a food processor to incorporate. Then add in the remaining ingredients: almond flour, honey, peanut butter, chia seed powder, coconut oil and vanilla (and protein powder, if using). Process until a cookie dough consistency forms (see video).
- Press into pan: Press mixture into pan either with your hands or spread with the back of a spoon to pack mixture down into an even, flat layer. (You can use any pan you prefer, 8x5 loaf pan, 8x8 inch or 9x9 inch square. Larger the pan = thiner the bars).
- Melt chocolate: Melt your favorite dark chocolate and coconut oil in a double boiler on the stovetop, or in 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to encourage melting. Then pour chocolate over the top of bars and spread evenly. Sprinkle with Maldon salt, optional.
- Freeze: Freeze bars for 2 hours, or until firm.
- Cut into bars: Once chilled, cut into bars or squares and enjoy. Bars are best stored in freezer.
Notes
- Soak harder Medjool dates in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften before processing.
- Use a runny or warmed peanut butter to help mix the dough smoothly.
- Add 1-2 scoops of vanilla protein powder to increase protein content and add flavor.
- Press mixture firmly into pan for bars that hold together well after slicing.
- Store bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 7large
Amount Per Serving
Calories 489 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1large protein bar | |
| Calories | 489kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 49mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 538mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 37g | 74% |
| Vitamin A | 56IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 152mg | 15% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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