Protein Power Bars - Real Food Protein Bars

Looking for a delicious and healthy snack that's perfect for busy days or intense workouts? Look no further than these protein power bars made with real food ingredients. These bars are packed with protein and other essential nutrients to keep you fueled and energized throughout the day. 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.

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.

Each of these energy bars has about 10 grams of protein, making it a great way to help meet your protein needs. They are dairy-free, gluten-free and free of artificial sweeteners.

These bars also contain heart-healthy complex carbohydrates, omega-3s, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

As a result, you'll feel full longer and have more energy thanks to the superhero cast of ingredients!

These power crunch bars are perfect for vegetarians looking for a meal replacement bar, or for those trying to support weight loss and muscle recovery.

Ingredients

• Quinoa: Use raw white quinoa that has been rinsed in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Quinoa is a fabulous addition, because it has all the amino acids we need.
• Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are a great source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp seed could be used in place of the chia seed if you like.
• Flax Seeds: Flaxseeds are an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, Omega 3 fatty acids, and many other essential vitamins and minerals. I recommend using ground flax seeds as they are more readily digestible.
• Shredded Coconut: Look for unsweetened shredded coconut to keep the sugar content low or use sweetened.
• Rolled Oats / Old Fashioned Oatmeal: Use old fashioned oats or rolled oats for the best texture.
• Almonds: Chopped almonds add a nice crunch to the granola. Use sliced or chopped, depending on preference.
• Dried Cranberries: Look for unsweetened dried cranberries or use sweetened cranberries. Dried blueberry or cherry 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: To sweeten the granola, use either honey or maple syrup, depending on preference. 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: For a warm and cozy flavor, add in cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla extract.

Variations

• Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the peanut butter mixture and mix in some dark chocolate chips for a refreshing twist on classic chocolate protein bars.
• Chocolate Chip: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a crunchy texture and extra chocolatey flavor. You can also add chopped nuts for added protein and healthy fats.
• 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 use it as a topping.
• Pumpkin Pie: Add pumpkin puree to the nut butter along with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to your batter for a delicious fall-inspired flavor. You can also mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Step By Step

More Snack Recipes to Try

• Quinoa Bites
• Flourless Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Gluten Free Banana Bread
• Quinoa Brown Rice Sesame Crackers

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Protein Power Bars - Real Food Protein Bars

 A yummy and healthy source of energy, these protein power bars would be great to make for someone who is constantly on the go, herds cats at work, is training for a sport, or all of the above.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time25 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Quinoa

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: 12 bars

Calories: 407kcal

Author: Wendy Polisi

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

Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 470mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 3.2mg

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