Date Protein Bars (5 Ways)

Date protein bars sliced and stacked on top of one another.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time15

Chilling Time1

Total Time1 15

Servings:

Calories: 182kcal

Equipment

Food Processor

Ingredients

1 cup Medjool dates pitted, about 12-14
⅔ cup protein powder I use half pea protein isolate and half brown rice protein isolate- *see post for different types of powders
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Base

½ cup nut butter
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Salted Caramel

½ cup cashew butter
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt in addition to the amount in the base recipe
1 and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Peanut Butter

½ cup peanut butter

Chocolate

⅓ cup cocoa powder
½ cup almond butter
2-3 tablespoon water
¼ teaspoon espresso powder

Coconut

½ cup shredded coconut
½ cup cashew butter
1 teaspoon coconut extract optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Add the dates to a food processor and process until nearly smooth (it's okay if there are still a few small chunks).
Add the nut butter, protein powder and salt as well as any additional ingredients (as per the variation you are making), except chunky mix-ins (such as chocolate chips or coconut flakes) and process until well combined.
At first, it will be a bit mealy but after a few minutes it should come together and resemble cookie dough.
Fold in mix-ins (depending on the flavor you make).
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, a silicone mat, or wax paper. Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the pan and chill in the refrigerator or freezer for 30-60 minutes to set.
Use the overhanging liner to lift onto a cutting board and cut into 8 bars or squares.
Enjoy immediately or store for later.

Notes

Leftovers

Store bars at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Protein Powder

I typically use either pea protein isolate, brown rice protein or a combination. You can use whatever kind of protein powder you'd like but keep the following in mind:

-Flavor: If you use a flavored protein powder, ensure that it complements the flavor of the protein balls that you are making. Also, you may want to reduce flavors in the recipe (for example, reduce the vanilla extract if adding vanilla protein powder).

-Consistency: Plant-based protein powders tend to absorb a lot more liquid than animal based powders. If using an animal based powder, such as whey, you may need to add a bit more to achieve the right consistency or you can add 1-2 tablespoons of almond butter or ground flaxseed as needed.

*Nutrition estimate calculated based on Base Recipe with pea protein isolate.

Nutrition