I can’t get by a day without a snack or two. If you reached into my jacket pocket, you would surely find some sort of food bar wrapper. I’m known to have a banana or protein bar in my purse wherever I go. Why? Because without food, I’m HANGRY and it’s bad. Throughout the years, I’ve learned to be prepared for when hunger strikes.
The good news is that I’ve got an incredible nourishing snack recipe for you: I’ve officially made these nut butter bars a gazillion times since I first developed the recipe a few years ago. They are just so good! The best part is that they are incredibly customizable. You could make a new version every week for yourself, the kiddos, friends and family and never get sick of them. Snack. Heaven.
I’m a big fan of old-fashioned no bake ‘things’, not having to turn on the oven is always a plus in my book. This no-bake recipe has been given a makeover and uses peanut butter, coconut oil, protein powder and honey in place of the traditional sugar, eggs, butter and flour.
The traditional no bake granola bar recipe uses two cups of sugar. While this healthier version is sweet there is far less sweetener added and we are using dates instead which has added health benefits and is easier for our bodies to process. So, this easy recipe makes eating a little healthier, quick and delicious!
I. LOVE. DATES. They are just one of those snack cabinet staples I can’t live without. In my quest to find healthier snacks, I have started buying more dates as I love to use dates as a base in most of my snack balls, no-bake bars, or if I need a natural sweetener in a cookie or frosting. They are little morsels of natural sugar and a great alternative to refined sugars. You don’t need many dates to make something sweet!
These delicious healthy bars make a delicious lunchbox treat or after school snack! They also happen to be really good frozen. Just pop one out of the freezer any time a craving hits. The thing I love about this recipe is that it is pretty fool-proof, meaning it is hard to mess up! You can easily substitute many of the ingredients with ones you may already have on hand.
Kind of like a clean-out-the-pantry bar and you can substitute any of the ingredients in this recipe for an equal portion of nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. The only thing you really have to do to make these work is to get the right ratio of wet to dry ingredients
Use raisins, sultanas or figs instead of dates or walnuts or peanuts instead of almonds if you prefer. If your mixture is too dry, add in a few more dates or a drizzle of honey and if it’s too wet, just blend in a few more nuts or seeds. See, it’s super easy!
The no baking part also means they are a lot faster to make and less fuss. Did I mention they taste freaking amazing? Perfect snack to take when you are on the go, super delicious and packed with goodness. They are such a simple recipe that come together in just under 20 minutes.
I love how you melt the ‘melty’ ingredients in a pot then chuck everything else in and mix. It doesn’t get any easier than that. A super low effort way to make these delicious healthy bars.
As well as being really easy to make, these bars are healthier than your average treat as they are made with wholesome REAL food ingredients. They are ideal for a grab and go breakfast.
This recipe is a ‘healthified’ take on traditional sugar-loaded candy bars. For those days where you are craving a candy bar, but want a healthy, delicious, low-effort way to enjoy the same sweet treat, I’ve got you covered with this recipe that tastes better than any store bought version.
Nut Butter Homemade Granola Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes, drained, roughly chopped
- 1 cup almonds, walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Drizzle- Optional
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Line a 7 x 5-inch loaf pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting. Or use a silicone pan.Add peanut butter and coconut oil to a medium saucepan and place over low heat. Stir every so often until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and immediately stir in all other ingredients – oats, dates, almonds, coconut, protein powder and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.Scoop the mixture out into the lined pan and spread out evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon.Place in freezer for 15-20 minutes or in the fridge for 30 minutes-1 hour or until mixture has hardened.Melt the chocolate drizzle next.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Remove bars from pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 8 bars or more smaller squares. Place on the parchment paper ready for the chocolate drizzle.Once the chocolate is melted, drizzle diagonally over bars using a spoon.Store bars in the fridge, either individually wrapped in plastic or in foil for up to 1 week or up to 3 months in freezer.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
