After several posts of incredibly delicious brunch and out-of-this-world Dutch apple pie, it seemed only fair I brought you a healthy recipe. Judging by all of my food posts, you’re probably well aware that I’m a sweet tooth kind of girl. Although I’ve recently rekindled my love for pilates and improved my daily exercise routine and diet considerably, truth is I often find myself craving sweet treats after a workout. Maintaining a healthy diet can be tricky – especially when it comes to choosing snacks that will keep us both satisfied and healthy. Let me just say that the temptation is real.
Protein bars seem to do the trick and help you get through to the end of the day. However, I’ve found that store bought protein bars aren’t only pricey, but they tend to be calorific and quite surprisingly, aren’t always that nutritious. They often come packed with processed and unnatural ingredients including sugars, additives and preservatives which isn’t what your body needs to be happy. Therefore, I’ve decided to share my newfound love – these easy and healthy homemade protein bars! They’re tasty, filling and have no added sugar as their rich sweetness comes from the natural sugars found in dates. And the best bit? These are no-bake protein bars so require no baking at all! Can this get any better?
Recipe information
- How easy is this recipe? Very easy!
- This recipe serves: 9
- Recipe preparation time: 15 min
- Recipe cooking time: 10 min
- Suitable for freezing? Yes
Ingredients
- 1 Cup unsalted raw cashew nuts
- 1 Cup dates
- 1 Cup whey protein powder of your choice – we used Vanilla Ice Cream, but we also love them with Cookies & Cream! (Optional: wheat-free/gluten-free protein powder)
- ½ Cup rolled oats (Optional: gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp roasted unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Method
- Start by de-stoning the dates (unless already pitted) and cut them in half. Mix them with the cashew nuts in a blender and…you guessed it! Blend for about 3 minutes until you obtain and sticky light brown mixture.
- Using your hands or a spoon, break the mixture and add the protein powder, cinnamon and salt. Blend until well combined, pausing to stir if needed.
- Add in the oats and blend once again, making sure these have chopped up completely and no big chunks are left in your protein bar mixture.
- Transfer your protein mixture to a large bowl and add in the unsweetened almond milk. Mix it with your hands until all the ingredients are together and you’re left with a thick and smooth base. You can add a splash more milk if the protein mix doesn’t stick together.
- Place some baking paper or cling film on a 8×8 baking tray and spoon in your protein bar mixture, pressing and leveling the top evenly.
- Place your homemade protein bars in the freezer and allow to cool for about 15 min.
- Remove from the freezer and cut into 8-12 squares, depending on how big you’d like your protein bars to be (I went for 9)! Put in a container and keep cool in the fridge.
- Optional – drizzle some melted chocolate or honey on top of your homemade protein bars for an even sweeter taste!
If stored correctly, your homemade protein bars can last for up to one month. Although in my case, they don’t really last longer than a week! You can have them as a healthy snack at any time of the day as part of a balanced diet and, as they don’t fall apart, they’re perfect to keep one wrapped up in your bag in case hunger strikes! Also there aren’t any overpowering flavours, meaning you can find lovely alternatives by switching your protein powder. For this protein bar recipe in particular, we used Vanilla Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Powder but I would totally recommend trying their cookies and cream flavour, which was also a total winner! If you’re vegan, simply use pea protein instead; and if you’re looking for a gluten-free protein bars, just switch the oats for gluten-free ones (remember to always check your protein powder before!).
Now it’s your turn to have a go at my no-bake protein bars recipe. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below and on social media! I hope these homemade protein bars become a favourite snack of yours too.
G. x
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These sound delicious, and much healthier than the store bought protein bars.
Ash | thisdreamsalive.wordpress.com
Thank you Ash!
This looks great! Do you reckon you could use different type of nuts and not cashews? Because cashews are so damn pricy!!
Laura / https://www.laustworld.com
I reckon you could try mixing walnuts, almonds and maybe even pecan nuts? I haven’t tried it myself but it’s all about improvising and trying new flavours! x
This recipe looks great – love that you’ve given gluten free options and vegan options. I might try the recipe but roll them into balls and see if they hold together. Photos make these even more tempting!
Rolling them into balls sounds like a brilliant idea! I might actually have to give it a go 😉 x
Ok these protein bars look yum!! I like the addition of dates, they’re some of me favorite natural sweeteners.
Natonya | https://www.justnatonya.wordpress.com
Thank you so much Natonya, let me know if you try them! x
Looks amazing and the ingredients are also amazing, must be very tasty.
I will surely try it as it’s the best recipe for musli bars i found..
Ohh thank you, I hope you like them! x
I used to make homemade granola bars for the same reason as you made these- the store bought ones tend to say they are healthy but generally are not. The homemade ones tend to taste better too.
I absolutely agree! Plus you know what the bars actually contain!
These sound so yummy – almost a little flapjack-y!
Ellyn x | Life Of A Beauty Nerd
True – although much healthier!
These look delicious! And such a great snack to bring on the go. Adding this to my recipe list!
Yay, I’m so glad you liked them! x
Ooh now these look good!
Thanks for the recipe! 😊
Love Lozza xo
http://girlygabble.com
Thanks so much Lozza! x
These look delicious! I’m trying to eat a little healthier so these are definitely going on my list!
Tori | JustTheBeginning-x
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That’s awesome Tori! I hope you find them as tasty as I do! x
These look incredible. I’m going to have to try them out, but maybe make them gluten-free. Great post!
Thanks Kieran, hope you like them! x
These looks delicious! Think I’ll have a go at making my own some time
Absolutely! Hope you find them easy to make! x
Love this recipe! Such a go to when I want to have a no bake treat that also has protein!
Thanks Sapna!
Oats, cinnamon and cashews are some of my favourite things! Will be giving this a go one day – it sounds great! 😊
Hi Aimee, thanks for your comment! I’m glad that my recipe has inspired you, I hope you like it!
Oooo! This is such a easy recipe, I love it! I used to make oat bars, but it always been such a hassle. I will have to try this out. I never considered using dates in my bars, so thanks for the inspiration.
Laura / https://www.laustworld.com/
Hi Laura – thank you so much for leaving a comment! Dates are a fantastic alternative to sugar, as all the sweetness that comes from them is natural. I find these bars really easy to make and I would recommend you give them a go! x
these look great!! may have to try these
Thanks Alice! Definitely give them a go 🙂
Wow looks so delicious and easy. I will have to try..
Definitely! Let me know if you like them x
This sounds so quick and simple to make!
They are! And they taste even better!
These sound delicious and are especially avoid treat after a workout when you may be craving protein. You sold me as soon as I sarthe words ‘no-bake’!
Thank you!