No-Bake Protein Bars

I developed this recipe when one of my daughters was a kimpeturin and she needed something healthful and satisfying to eat. They were devoured so quickly that I had to make a second batch!

As we are well aware, store-bought protein bars are quite expensive. These are easy to put together, and you can have a variety of flavors by swapping the nut butters, the protein powder, and the nuts. They are filling, nutritious, and absolutely delicious. Go for them!

Yields 18 bars

Directions

1. Line a nine-inch (23-centimeter) square pan with Gefen Parchment Paper. Set aside.

2. In a large microwaveable bowl, place the almond butter, peanut butter, and honey. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir together. Add the rest of the ingredients, aside from the nuts. Mix together very well (you may have to use your hands to do this). Fold in nuts until fully incorporated.

3. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, and place the pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes. If it’s there longer, bring to room temperature before cutting. Cut into 18 bars. Store in a container in the freezer. They taste best straight from the freezer.

Tips: I used French-vanilla-flavored protein powder because that’s what I had, but you can use vanilla or chocolate flavor as well. You can sub up to 1/4 cup of the protein powder with almond flour if you find the taste of the protein powder too prominent.

Notes: Feel free to swap the almond butter or peanut butter with the nut/seed butter of your choice. You can also use almonds or cashews in place of the Brazil nuts, but add a few more. Please don’t omit the salt, as it’s necessary for the balance of flavors.

In a pinch, you can sub almond flour or other ground nuts for the chia seeds and flaxseed.