Nutty Paleo Protein Bars
Try this Nutty Paleo Protein Bars recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Nutty Paleo Protein Bars recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/3 cup sesame seeds
- salt
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 5 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
- 1 cup almonds (about 100 grams)
- 1 cup brazil nuts (about 100 grams)
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (about 50 grams)
- 7 large medjool dates (with or without pits)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1/2 cup protein powder about 60-70 grams (i am using amazonia raw fermented paleo powder in vanilla & lucuma flavour, see cook’s notes)
- Carbohydrate 4.91925125318726 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 14.4909537550425 g
- Fiber 1.53687502015129 g
- Protein 2.1323025018024 g
- Saturated Fat 8.18990187570637 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -10 (35g)
- Sodium 1.67087500169104 mg
- Sugar 3.38237623303597 g
- Trans Fat 0.772848375223544 g
- Calories 157 calories
Step-by-step
- Add the almonds, Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds to three separate bowls.
- Add a pinch of salt to each and cover with water.
- Add Medjool dates to another bowl with water.
- Soak all for 4-6 hours.
- After 4 hours, preheat oven to 175 °C/345 °F.
- Strain and rinse the nuts.
- Reserve a small handful of almonds and pumpkin seeds and add the rest to a food processor.
- Strain the dates, remove the pits and add the flesh to the food processor as well.
- Reserve a tablespoon of sesame seeds and add the rest to the processor too.
- Grind everything together for about a minute, stopping and scraping the sides a few times.
- Add coconut oil, vanilla and honey and process for a further 30 seconds to a minute, scraping the sides a couple of times.
- Now add the protein powder of your choice and continue to process the mixture for a further minute or two.
- Line a shallow baking tray with a piece of parchment/baking paper.
- Grease with a little coconut oil.
- Transfer the nut mixture to the middle of the tray and spread out evenly.
- Use your fingers to press down the mixture into an even layer, about 1 -1.5 cm thick.
- Sprinkle the reserved sesame seeds, almonds and pumpkin seeds over the top and press them down into the slice with your fingers.
- Do the same with the cranberries.
- Place the tray in the oven, middle shelf, for 10-12 minutes.
- Then remove the tray and let it cool completely.
- Lift the parchment paper with the slice out of the tray and place it on a cutting board.
- Slice into rectangular or square bars, you should have about 8-10 depending on how you slice them.
- Store in an air-tight container for a week out of the fridge and for 2-3 weeks in the fridge.
My Nutty Paleo Protein Bar Adventure: A Busy Mom's Guide to Healthy Snacking
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, dinners, and bedtime stories, finding time for myself, let alone healthy eating, feels like a Herculean task. Snacks often become an afterthought, grabbed quickly from the pantry in between tasks. But recently, I decided enough was enough. I needed a healthy, convenient snack that wouldn't leave me feeling sluggish or guilty. Enter: my homemade Nutty Paleo Protein Bars.
These bars are not just a healthy alternative to processed snack bars; they're a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. The recipe itself is remarkably simple, requiring mostly pantry staples and a food processor. I can easily prepare a batch on a weekend and have them ready for my grab-and-go needs throughout the busy week. The combination of nuts, seeds, dates, and protein powder creates a delicious and satisfying treat that provides sustained energy, keeping me focused and energized until my next proper meal. The best part? They’re completely customizable! I've experimented with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to suit my tastes and what I have on hand. Sometimes I add a dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of cacao nibs for an extra flavor boost.
The initial soaking of the nuts and dates might seem like an extra step, but it's crucial for enhancing the flavor and texture of the bars. It softens the dates, making them easier to blend into a smooth, cohesive mixture. The nuts, after soaking, release their oils, contributing to the overall moisture and richness of the final product. This soaking process is a small investment that pays off handsomely in the delicious result.
I often find myself packing these bars for my kids’ school lunches too. They're a much healthier alternative to store-bought snacks, filled with natural ingredients and free from artificial additives and preservatives. The kids love the taste, and knowing they're getting a nutritious boost fuels my own sense of satisfaction. It's a small act of care, both for my family's well-being and my own sense of accomplishment in balancing work, family, and a commitment to healthy eating. It's a win-win for everyone involved.
Beyond the practicality and delicious taste, making these bars has become a mindful ritual for me. The act of preparing them, from measuring the ingredients to carefully spreading the mixture into the baking tray, is a small pause in the chaos of everyday life. It's a moment of self-care, a reminder to nourish not just my body but also my mind and soul. In a world that constantly demands our attention, these small moments of intentionality are incredibly valuable. The process of making these bars is simple, but the satisfaction it brings is profound, much more than just a delicious snack.
These bars are more than just a recipe; they're a symbol of my commitment to prioritizing health and well-being within the confines of a busy lifestyle. They represent the power of simple choices to create positive change, proving that even amidst the pressures of modern life, healthy habits are achievable and even enjoyable. The satisfaction of creating something wholesome and delicious with my own hands is a reward in itself. And it’s a reward that keeps on giving, fueling my body and my spirit, one nutty paleo protein bar at a time.
So, if you’re a busy woman juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It's a simple, effective way to ensure you’re getting the nourishment you deserve, without sacrificing taste or convenience. The recipe is easily adaptable, allowing you to create variations that suit your preferences and dietary needs. Experiment with different ingredients, find your perfect combination, and relish in the satisfaction of knowing you’re fueling your body with wholesome goodness.
The simple act of making these bars has brought a sense of calm and control into my otherwise chaotic life. It’s a small act of rebellion against the processed food industry and a testament to the power of mindful eating and self-care. It's a reminder that even amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, we can find moments of peace and nourishment, one delicious, healthy bar at a time. So, grab your food processor, gather your ingredients, and embark on your own nutty paleo protein bar adventure. You won't regret it!
