Homemade Protein Energy Bars
Who doesn’t love a good protein energy bar? They’re among the most tasty, filling, and convenient healthy snack ideas you can enjoy. If you’re looking to make homemade bars, though, then you’ve probably got an inkling that DIY’ing it has certain advantages.The main draw with going the homemade route is the infinite customizability. Many protein energy bars on the market aren't fit for everyone's dietary needs (gluten free, vegan, nut-free etc), but when making your own, you can make sure that they are!Store bought protein energy bars can be expensive. Even the cheaper brands that tend to have more added sugar and other unnecessary ingredients are still a few dollars per bar. Not to mention the bars with more natural ingredients.Also when you make your own, it comes out so much cheaper than buying from the store. Whip up a batch in under 5 minutes, and you might never want to spend money on another packaged protein bar ever again.This homemade recipe does not have any nasty preservatives and artificial sweeteners and is packed with healthy fats, tastes better than store bought bars, and is created with clean and nutritious ingredients. These bars have a chewy texture and are made with just a few simple ingredients that you can find at almost any grocery store. They are one of my go-to recipes to make so I can have a quick snack to grab on a busy day. They are a great post-workout snack or the perfect snack to curb your sweet tooth.This recipe doesn't require any baking. You simply melt the ‘melty’ ingredients then mix all of the other ingredients into the same saucepan. Then refrigerate until chilled, drizzle with melted chocolate, cut into bars and you have your protein energy bars ready to snack on!They are great for an on-the-go snack, with 10 grams of protein and under 2 grams net carbs per bar. Also perfect for lunch boxes and easy to make-ahead: You can make a big batch and keep them chilled or even frozen until you’re ready to eat. What’s not to like?
Ingredients
- 1 cup nuts: almonds, walnuts or a mix, roughly chopped
- 1 cup dried fruit: cranberries, dates, raisins, chopped
- 1/2 cup seeds, hemp, chia, sunflower, pumpkin or a mix
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup oats, instant or quick
- 3/4 cup peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Drizzle
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- You can make these bars in silicon bar moulds or line an 8 x 8” baking 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.In medium sized saucepan gently melt over a low heat, peanut butter, honey and coconut oil. Stir until well combined. Add nuts, dried fruit, seeds, desiccated coconut, oats and vanilla and mix well until combined and coated with the ‘melty’ ingredients. Scoop out into the lined pan and refrigerate an hour or so until set.
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 the bars from the fridge and drizzle with the melted chocolate. Refrigerate again until chocolate is set (1-2 hours). Remove from baking pan and cut into 10-12 bars or more squares if preferred.Store in fridge up to a week and freezer up to 3months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
