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Looking for a delicious snack that's perfect for busy days or intense workouts? Look no further than these protein power bars made with real food ingredients. Whether you're always on the go, herding cats at work, training for a sport, or all of the above, these bars are a great choice.

Photo of a protein power bar sitting in front of two stacks of protein power bars with almonds and cranberries beside it.

If you are looking for a real food protein bar, you will love these protein power bars!

This recipe is different from traditional protein bars. It doesn't use processed soy or whey protein powders. Instead, it uses a superfood A-team of quinoa, chia, flax, and almonds for a real food protein blend.

Best of all, they taste so good that you will find yourself craving them again and again.

Ingredients

Quinoa, chia seeds, flax seeds, shredded coconut, oatmeal, almond, honey, peanut butter, and cranberries in small prep bowls.

Quinoa: Use raw white quinoa that has been rinsed in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
Chia Seeds: Hemp seed could be used in place of the chia seed if you like.
Flax Seeds: I recommend using ground flax seeds as they are more readily digestible.
Shredded Coconut: Either sweetened or unsweetened can be used.
Rolled Oats / Old Fashioned Oatmeal: Use old fashioned oats or rolled oats for the best texture.
Almonds: Use sliced or chopped, depending on preference.
Dried Cranberries: Dried blueberries or cherries are also a great option.
Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth and creamy texture. If you don't want to use peanut butter, you could use another nut butter.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Honey will help the bars to hold together better than maple syrup, but maple syrup makes this recipe vegan.
Salt: A little salt helps to bring out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Cinnamon, Cardamom & Vanilla Extract: If you don't keep cardamom on hand, you can use more cinnamon.

Variations

Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the peanut butter mixture and mix in some dark chocolate chips.
Chocolate Chip: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a crunchy texture and extra chocolatey flavor. You can also add chopped nuts.
Caramel: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the top of the bars and mix in some chopped dates for a sweet and chewy addition to your protein bars.
Dark Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), melt it, and drizzle on top.

Step By Step

Photo of Quinoa, chia seeds, flax seeds, shredded coconut, oatmeal, and almonds on a parchment lined sheet pan. — First, start by lining a sheet pan and adding the quinoa, chia, flax, coconut, oatmeal, and almonds. Bake at 350 ° F for 5 to 10 minutes.

Overhead photo of honey and peanut butter in a sauce pan. — Place the honey and peanut butter in a sauce pan.

Honey and peanut butter bubbling in a sauce pan. — Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla extract

Honey and peanut butter that have had Quinoa, chia seeds, flax seeds, shredded coconut, oatmeal, and almonds added to it in a sauce pan. — Add the toasted ingredients.

Honey, peanut butter, Quinoa, chia seeds, flax seeds, shredded coconut, oatmeal, and almonds that have just had cranberries added to it and are being stirred with a spatula. — And then the dried cranberries.

A parchment lined square pan with protein power bars in it. — Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and pack it down to ensure it fills into each corner and creates an even, flat surface on top. Allow to cool and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

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Close up photo of protein power bars on a white background with a teal cloth napkin behind it.

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Ingredients

½ cup quinoa rinsed and raw
½ cup chia seeds
¼ cup flax seeds
¼ cup shredded coconut sweetened
1 cup rolled oats / old fashioned oatmeal*
½ cup almonds chopped
½ cup dried cranberries
⅔ cup peanut butter
⅔ cup honey or maple syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cardamom
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F / 177 C. Line the interior of a 9 x 9 x 2-inch (23 x 23 x 5 cm) or 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan with parchment.
Combine the quinoa, chia, flax, coconut, oatmeal and almonds on a sheet tray and bake for 5-10 minutes until lightly browned.
Meanwhile, in a large pot, mix the peanut butter and honey together and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla extract.
Add the toasted ingredients and dried cranberries, and stir until evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and pack it down to ensure it fills into each corner and creates an even, flat surface on top. Allow to cool and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Once set, gently remove the hardened mixture from the pan by lifting by the parchment paper, and cut into bars.

Notes

Gifting Idea:
Create your own wrapper for each bar by covering them in a small sheet of parchment paper secured with a twine bow. Not only is this a beautiful way to present them, it is also practical as one can easily grab one on the go for a nutritious energy boost. While best when consumed fresh, these bars should last for up to 4 weeks if stored in an air-tight container and kept in a cool, dry place.

Nutrition

Thanks to Melissa, formerly of Homemade for Friends, for bringing us this recipe.

Filed Under:

Breakfast Recipes Gluten Free Recipes Quinoa Snack Recipes Vegan Recipes Vegetarian Recipes

Comments

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Protein Power Bars - Real Food Protein Bars

Ingredients

Variations

Step By Step

More Snack Recipes to Try