Now... you're here probably because the sound of Homemade Protein bars caught your attention... So... yes... I make our own Protein Bars... I should probably call them Protein squares though ... these are amazing and oh so good for you! Hubby loves them so much that he forgets that they're not just a "delicious treat"... I actually make them to have something healthy at hand for those moments when I have a chocolate craving but also to eat them right before a good workout!
My recipe is a very basic one and very easy to customize to your own taste and liking... The measurements are approximates... You can add or switch ingredients for your favorite ones....
So... to make these delicious protein bars you'll need:
Ingredients:
(Yield: about 35 2x2" squares)
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup hemp seed hearts
- 1/2 scoop of protein powder (My recommendation is Jay Robb Chocolate whey, Swanson Vanilla Whey Isolate -way more affordable and the one I typically use or the Trim Healthy Mama Brand)
- 2 tbsp. to 1/4 unsweetened cup cocoa powder
- Sweetener to taste (if you're trying to lose weight I recommend you use stevia, I use THM pure stevia extract, if you're not concerned about weight issues you can use honey or pure maple syrup)
- about 3 tbsp. extra virgin coconut oil (sooooooooo good for you!)
- 2 tbsp. of an unsweetened nut butter (optional)
- vanilla extract (optional, to taste)
- almond milk (unsweetened) - enough to incorporate it all, about 2 tbsp. to 1/4 cup -
Directions:
Put all your dry ingredients in a food processor (no nut butters, almond milk, extract or oil yet), pulse until they are chopped into very small pieces, add your wet ingredients except almond milk, pulse again to incorporate. Gradually add almond milk (just enough to make a "dough" looking mixture, it should be very thick).
Transfer your mixture to a flexible long (rectangular preferably) container (I use the lid of my 9x13" baking pan), spread it out with a spatula or butter knife until it's evenly spread out and it's about 1" thick. Superficially score your mixture with a knife to make squares (about 2" each) and get it into the freezer for about 20 minutes. Take it out and pass the knife again through the lines of the squares just to cut them all the way through (but don't move them yet) and get them back in the freezer for a few hours until they are completely frozen.
Remove from your lid/container/mat and store in Ziploc bags in the freezer, enjoy frozen (or they'll melt/get soggy) ... They are a delicious frozen protein square that even your children will love!
Now... since we are talking about "deals" let me tell you that I buy most of the ingredients in this recipe at Costco (you can get the super affordable swanson protein at Amazon), it is 29.99 for a big container of protein powder (over 2 pounds)
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If you follow this recipe and do not add any dried fruits/honey or maple syrup each square has:
about 100 calories, less than 1 net carb and everything else is rich nutrition that will energize you! good fats that will heal you but keep in mind that the amount of protein is not high enough for a complete meal so make sure you do incorporate other sources of protein for a whole meal.
So... there you have it! You've made your very own protein squares! If you are a Trim Healthy mama then you know you can enjoy these in an "S" setting. Enjoy!
Paloma.
(click to take advantage of the great deals in Amazon) ... Now... if you can't wait to buy it in Amazon then you can buy it at HEB (again, if you're in Texas) and never buy it at Kroger (unless it's on some amazing sale) ... Ezekiel cereal usually sells for 5.00 at HEB and for 7.99 at Kroger (huge difference).