Homemade Protein Bars

These easy to make homemade protein bars are full of fiber, protein and omega-3s and theres NO baking required!

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 5

Freezer Time 2

Total Time 2 25

Servings large bars

Calories 489kcal

Author Tawnie Graham of Kroll's Korner

Ingredients

Protein Bars:

10 Medjool Dates, pitted*
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup raw walnuts
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
pinch of cinnamon, optional
1-2 scoops protein powder, optional

Chocolate topping:

1 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy free if needed)
1 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 Tbsp. flaky sea salt (such as Maldon), optional

US Customary - Metric

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.
10 Medjool Dates, pitted*, 1/2 cup raw cashews, 1/2 cup raw walnuts
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).
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, 1-2 scoops protein powder, optional
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.
1 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy free if needed), 1 Tbsp. coconut oil, 1 Tbsp. flaky sea salt (such as Maldon), optional, pinch of cinnamon, 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.

Video

Notes

Medjool dates: Fresh Medjool dates work well because they are soft and break down easily when processed. If your dates are hard, soak in warm water to soften for ~10-15 minutes.
Peanut butter: a drippy peanut butter is recommended, or microwave for ~30 seconds to make it smooth and drippy.
Boost the protein content even more by adding in 1-2 scoops of your favorite protein powder. I love adding in a vanilla protein powder for a bit of flavor!
Nutrition information is based off of 1 large protein bar (as shown in photos). Feel free to cut smaller into bars or squares, and adjust nutritional information accordingly.
Best stored in the freezer in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Nutrition