Nutty Super Seed Protein Bars
These Nutty Super Seed Protein Bars are a wholesome and nourishing snack packed with protein and healthy fats. Made with natural ingredients like quick cook steel cut oats, chia buckwheat groats, and almond butter, these bars provide a delicious and satisfying bite without being overly sweet. The heartiness of sunflower seeds and sliced almonds adds a delightful crunch, while the dates lend just a hint of natural sweetness. Perfect for post-workout fuel or a midday snack, feel free to customize with your favorite nut butter and sweeteners. These bars can be kept in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go option. Experiment by adding extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for a personalized touch!
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
quick cook steel cut oats
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
chia buckwheat groats
3 tablespoons (mixed)
almonds
1/2 cup (sliced)
sunflower seeds
1/2 cup (whole)
whey protein powder
1 scoop (vanilla flavor)
sea salt
1/4 teaspoon (fine)
dates
3 ounces (pitted and chopped)
almond butter
1/2 cup (smooth)
honey
1/3 cup (raw or clover)
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (pure)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position one rack at the topmost position.
2
On a baking sheet, combine quick cook steel cut oats, chia buckwheat groats (or Super Seeds Ancient Grains), sliced almonds, and sunflower seeds. Spread the mixture evenly and roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even roasting and prevent burning.
3
While the mix is toasting, prepare the dates. Slice open each date and remove the pits. Place the pitted dates in a small food processor and blend until they form a thick, sticky ball.
4
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the processed dates, almond butter, and honey. Stir continuously until the mixture forms a thick, cohesive sauce. Remove from heat.
5
Once your oats mixture is roasted, add it to the saucepan with the almond butter-date-honey mixture while it's still warm. The heat will help with the blending.
6
Add the protein powder and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, keeping in mind that the mixture will look dry and crumbly; do not add more liquid.
7
Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick spray. Transfer the mixture to the pan and press down firmly to ensure a compact and even layer.
8
Place the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes to allow the bars to firm up. Afterward, remove from the freezer and slice into 12 equal pieces. Enjoy your nutritious bars!
Nutrition Information
13.5g
Carbs
6g
Protein
2g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Super Seed Protein Bars?
They are a wholesome, nourishing snack made with natural ingredients like steel cut oats, seeds, and almond butter, designed for post-workout fuel or midday snacks.
How many calories are in one protein bar?
Each bar contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the protein content per bar?
Each bar provides 6 grams of protein.
Are these protein bars gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags provided, these bars are gluten-free.
How many bars does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 12 equal-sized protein bars.
What type of oats should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1.5 cups of quick cook steel cut oats.
Do I need to bake these bars?
The ingredients are roasted in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, but the final bars are set in the freezer rather than baked as a whole.
How long should I roast the oat and seed mixture?
Roast the mixture for 15 minutes, making sure to stir every 5 minutes to prevent burning.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can make them vegan by using a plant-based protein powder instead of whey and substituting honey with a vegan sweetener like maple syrup.
What kind of protein powder is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one scoop of vanilla-flavored whey protein powder.
How much fiber is in each bar?
There are 2 grams of fiber in each serving.
What seeds are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of chia buckwheat groats and 1/2 cup of whole sunflower seeds.
How do I prepare the dates for the recipe?
Remove the pits from 3 ounces of dates and blend them in a small food processor until they form a thick, sticky ball.
What is the source of sweetness in these bars?
The sweetness comes from natural sources: 3 ounces of dates and 1/3 cup of honey.
What size pan should I use for these bars?
Use an 8x8 inch square pan lined with parchment paper or nonstick spray.
How long do the bars need to set in the freezer?
The bars should be placed in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up before slicing.
Can I substitute almond butter?
Yes, feel free to customize the bars with your favorite nut butter, such as peanut or cashew butter.
What if the mixture looks too dry and crumbly?
The recipe notes that the mixture will look dry and crumbly; you should not add more liquid, as pressing it firmly into the pan will hold it together.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each bar contains 13.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
What extras can I add to personalize the bars?
You can add chocolate chips, extra nuts, or dried fruit for a personalized touch.
How much sugar is in each bar?
There are 3 grams of sugar per bar.
What is the texture of these bars?
The bars are hearty and crunchy due to the sunflower seeds and sliced almonds, with a sticky binding from the dates and almond butter.
Where should I store these protein bars?
These bars can be kept in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go snack option.
How do I ensure even roasting of the dry ingredients?
Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and stir it every 5 minutes while in the oven.
What is the purpose of the vanilla extract?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile of the bars.
Is this recipe suitable for a post-workout snack?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for post-workout fuel due to its protein and healthy fat content.
Can I use regular buckwheat instead of chia buckwheat groats?
Yes, the recipe suggests Super Seeds Ancient Grains as an alternative.
What equipment do I need for the sauce?
You will need a small food processor for the dates and a large saucepan to combine the dates, almond butter, and honey.
Do these bars contain any cholesterol?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the cholesterol content is negligible or zero.