Ultimate Protein-Packed Energy Bars
These Ultimate Protein-Packed Energy Bars are a delicious and nutritious option for anyone seeking a healthy snack or a quick lunch. Packed with protein from egg whites and your favorite protein powder, along with the wholesome goodness of rolled oats, flax seeds, and natural peanut butter, these bars provide lasting energy to power through your day. Infused with warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon, and sweetened naturally with dates, these bars are perfect for pre- or post-workout fuel, or a midday pick-me-up. Not only are they simple to make, but they’re also customizable to your taste preferences. Try them out today and keep them on hand for a nutritious snack anytime!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cardamom
1/2 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
Chopped Dates
1/4 cup (pitted and chopped)
Egg Whites
1 cup (liquid egg whites or beaten from whole eggs)
Nonfat Milk
1 cup
Flax Seeds
2 tablespoons (whole or ground)
Natural-Style Peanut Butter
2 tablespoons
Rolled Oats
2 cups (toasted (optional))
Protein Powder
14 tablespoons (approximately 6 scoops of your choice)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
2
Coat a medium-sized baking pan (around 9x9 inches) with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, egg whites, and nonfat milk. Mix until well combined.
4
Add 6 scoops of your favorite protein powder to the mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
5
Fold in the chopped dates, flax seeds, and natural-style peanut butter, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
6
Add the cardamom, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into the mixture and combine thoroughly.
7
Pour the batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
8
Bake for 30 to 60 minutes, checking periodically until the bars reach your desired moisture level and are set in the middle.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.
10
Once completely cooled, place the pan in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This helps the bars firm up.
11
Cut into 9 equal-sized bars and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary protein sources in these energy bars?
The primary protein sources are 1 cup of egg whites and 6 scoops (approximately 14 tablespoons) of protein powder.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 200°F (93°C).
How many bars does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 9 equal-sized energy bars.
What size baking pan should I use?
A medium-sized baking pan, approximately 9x9 inches, is recommended.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Coat the baking pan with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in the batter.
What type of milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of nonfat milk.
How much protein powder is needed?
You will need 6 scoops, which is roughly equivalent to 14 tablespoons.
Can I use ground flax seeds?
Yes, you can use either whole or ground flax seeds.
What provides the sweetness in these bars?
The bars are naturally sweetened using 1/4 cup of pitted and chopped dates.
What spices are included for flavoring?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your desired moisture level.
What is the first step in mixing the ingredients?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, egg whites, and nonfat milk first.
When should I add the protein powder?
Add the protein powder after combining the oats, egg whites, and milk, stirring until fully incorporated.
How do I prepare the dates?
The dates should be pitted and chopped before being folded into the mixture.
What type of peanut butter is best for this recipe?
Natural-style peanut butter is recommended.
Should I toast the oats?
Toasting the rolled oats is optional but can be done before mixing.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
They are done when they reach your desired moisture level and are set in the middle.
Do the bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, place the pan in the refrigerator for about 1 hour after cooling to help the bars firm up.
How should the finished bars be stored?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added along with the spices.
Are these bars suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they are ideal for meal prep and can be kept on hand for a nutritious snack.
Are these energy bars gluten-free?
They are gluten-free as long as you ensure your oats and protein powder are certified gluten-free.
What is the purpose of the 1-hour refrigeration step?
Refrigeration helps the bars firm up, making them easier to cut and eat.
Can I use any type of protein powder?
Yes, you can use your favorite protein powder of choice.
What should I do after removing the bars from the oven?
Allow them to cool on a wire rack before placing them in the refrigerator.
What is the texture of these bars?
They are designed to be protein-packed and nutritious with a moisture level you can control during baking.
How much flax seed is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of flax seeds.
Is this recipe easy to customize?
Yes, the bars are customizable to your specific taste preferences.
When do I add the spices?
Add the cardamom, cinnamon, and salt after folding in the dates, flax seeds, and peanut butter.
Can these be eaten as a meal replacement?
Yes, they are described as a nutritious option for a quick lunch or snack.