Homemade Protein Bars

I’ve seen so many recipes for protein bars, lara bars, protein balls and the like. I finally got dragged onto the bandwagon.  I think these would be better as balls actually or even in little muffin tins for individual bites, but if quick and easy is what you need, this way works great, too.

My kids and husband really liked these.  The sweetness and cost of the bars will depend primarily on the type of protein powder you use.  The brand of protein powder I use comes from my chiropractor’s office.  It’s not cheap, but it is the best one I have found by far.  This is the Doctor pHresh website if you want to check it out.

I seem to have no interesting story or chatty sideline today.  Maybe it’s that spring has taken so long to get to Minnesota.  Maybe it’s because my mind is full of outdoor projects.  Maybe it’s just because I wish these hadn’t been eaten within two days of making them so I could have one right now to boost my energy.  Whatever the reason, rest assured if you make these I think you will enjoy them, save some money over buying something from the store and feel great about knowing exactly what you’re feeding to your family.

• Servings: 6, 1 1/2 x 4 1/2 bars
• Difficulty: extremely easy
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Bar Ingredients

1. 1 cup raw cashews
2. 1/2 cup madjool dates
3. 1/2 cup almond meal
4. 1/4 cup unprocessed coconut chips
5. 1/4 cup coconut palm sugar and/or pure ground stevia to taste
6. 30 grams vanilla protein powder (I use 3 scoops Dr. pHresh brand)
7. 2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted, or more depending on your protein powder and almond meal
8. 1/2 tsp nutmeg
9. Dash salt

Bar Directions

• Combine the first 5 ingredients along with the nutmeg and salt in a food processor using the metal blade and grind completely.
• Add vanilla protein powder and process until combined.
• Finish by drizzling in the coconut oil while the processor is mixing. There may still be small bits of the nuts and dates which is fine as long as you like it that way. The dough will just come together when you press it, but won’t look look really wet.
• Line a 2 pound loaf pan with plastic wrap and press the mixture tightly into the pan. Place in the freezer while you melt the glaze.
• Once your glaze is ready simply pull your bars out of the freezer and spread it on in a thin, even layer.

Chocolate Glaze Ingredients
1. 3 ounces chocolate of choice, darker is better.
2. 1/2 tsp coconut oil
3. Dash salt