Looking for a nutritious and delicious snack that’s perfect for fueling your day? These High-Protein Plant-Based Snack Bars are a fantastic option. Packed with 13 grams of protein per serving, these vegan snacks are not only high in energy but also incredibly tasty. Made with wholesome ingredients like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, goji berries, and dates, these bars are perfect for a quick snack on the go or a pre/post-workout boost. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how easy it is to make these protein-packed bars!
Ingredients
150g (1 cup) almonds
100g (1 cup) walnuts
130g (1 cup) pumpkin seeds
50g (1/2 cup) goji berries
350g (2 heaping cups) pitted soft dates (jelly-like consistency)
265g (1 cup) smooth almond butter or nut butter of choice (preferably unsalted)
1/4 teaspoon salt (pink Himalayan salt recommended)
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon or to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a food processor, combine the almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. Pulse until they are coarsely chopped. You can leave some larger pieces for texture if you prefer.
Add the Goji Berries and Dates:
Add the goji berries and pitted dates to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture starts to come together and the dates are well incorporated, creating a sticky base for the bars.
Incorporate the Nut Butter:
Add the almond butter (or your preferred nut butter) to the mixture. Pulse until everything is well combined. The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed.
Season the Mixture:
Add the salt and ground cinnamon to the food processor. Pulse a few more times to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars later.
Press the Mixture into the Dish:
Transfer the mixture from the food processor to the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish. Make sure it is well-compacted to hold its shape when cut.
Chill the Bars:
Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the mixture to set. You can also put it in the freezer for a quicker setting time, about 30 minutes.
Cut into Bars:
Once the mixture has set, remove it from the refrigerator or freezer. Lift the mixture out of the baking dish using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board.
Use a sharp knife to cut the mixture into bars or squares of your desired size.
Store the Bars:
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be stored in the freezer for longer shelf life, up to three months.
Cooking Tips
Nut Butter Variations: Feel free to use any nut butter you like, such as peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Ensure it’s smooth and preferably unsalted.
Date Consistency: Soft, jelly-like dates work best for this recipe as they help bind the ingredients together. If your dates are too dry, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes and drain before using.
Texture Preference: For a chunkier texture, pulse the nuts and seeds less in the food processor. For a smoother texture, pulse them more.
Nutritional Benefits
These snack bars are packed with nutrients:
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