Easy 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Protein Bars
This 5 ingredient, vegan, quick & easy, naturally sweet recipe takes under 20 minutes to make and is perfect to compliment your workout or as a healthy snack on the go.
Serves: 12 Bars
Vegan | Gluten Free
INGREDIENTS
1 ¼ cups creamy salted peanut butter (or sub almond, cashew, or sunflower)
5 Medjool dates pitted (add more for sweeter bars)*
2/3 cup hemp seeds
1/3 cup chia seeds (or sub other seeds, such as sesame or flax)
1/3-1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate — or another flavor of choice)*
INSTRUCTIONS
Add peanut butter and pitted dates to a food processor and pulse a few times to incorporate. Then add hemp seeds, chia seeds, and protein powder and pulse until all ingredients are well combined and a cookie dough-like texture forms.
If too wet, add more dry ingredients, if too dry, moisten with a little more nut butter.
Taste and adjust flavor as needed, (if you are adding more dates, chop first to encourage even blending).
Line a standard loaf pan with baking paper. Transfer mixture into the pan and spread with the back of a spoon, and flatten into an evenly packed, flat layer.
Transfer to the freezer to chill for at least 10-15 minutes to help the mixture firm up. The longer it freezes, the firmer it will become.
Once chilled, remove from freezer and cut into 12 even bars or squares. They are enjoyable straight out of the refrigerator or freezer and tend to soften at room temperature.
Credit: www.minimalistbaker.com