Energy bars, protein bars, granola bars are all so handy for that quick source of much needed energy after a work-out or a mid-day snack or a meal replacement on a super busy day at work. With a gazillion variety available in the stores, it's a hit or miss. Some are high in sugar, others high in calories, some have a long list of strange ingredients you can barely pronounce!
Inspiration to try my hands at these nutrient pack delicacies came from a neighbor and I started experimenting with my own ingredients until I found a happy medium! Or did I? Well, I suggest you find out for yourself and tweak as you please as long as you can share your version as well!
Ingredients
- Almonds- 1 cup
- Cashews- 1/2 cup
- Walnuts- 1/2 cup
- Chia seeds- 1/4 cup
- Oats- 1 cup
- Dates chopped- 1.5cup
- Almond butter- 1/2 cup
- Semi sweet chocolate chips- 1/3 cup
- Dash of sea salt
- Dash of cinnamon and nutmeg
- Almond milk- as needed for binding
- Vanilla protein powder (plant based)- 1 scoop
- Stevia (if needed for more sweetness)
- Dried unsweetened coconut flakes for garnish
Roast the nuts on a low flame. Roast the oats lightly for 3-4 minutes. Grind the nuts and oats coarsely. A food processor can be used on a "pulse mode" to bring all the ingredients together into a dough like consistency. Spread the mixture on a greased cookie sheet; sprinkle some coconut flakes and bake in a 350 F preheated oven for about 12- 15 minutes. Let it come to room temperature before freezing it for about 30 minutes. Alternately, refrigerate for an hour or so and slice. The refrigeration ensures crumble free pieces. (I learnt it the hard way!)
Spread in the cookie sheet
Store in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy as u please!
