Energizing Raw AB&J Protein Bars: Your Go-To Healthy Snack Solution
In the realm of wholesome eating, my passion lies in crafting recipes that elegantly solve common dietary dilemmas. Do you find yourself battling a persistent sweet tooth, yet committed to clean eating? Or perhaps you’re constantly on the move, in dire need of a quick, satisfying snack? Maybe you’re seeking a potent post-workout fuel but lack the time for a full meal prep? I understand these challenges completely, and that’s precisely why I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite creations: these incredible Raw AB&J Protein Bars. Developed in collaboration with Lottie from @runningonveggies for an exclusive Adidas workshop, these bars are a testament to healthy, convenient, and utterly delicious snacking.
My philosophy centers around crafting treats that are not only irresistibly tasty but also inherently good for you. That’s why all my sweet recipes are meticulously designed to be dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. For those hectic moments requiring sustained energy, I prioritize ingredients rich in healthy fats and protein, ensuring maximum satiety and preventing those dreaded energy crashes. These Raw AB&J Protein Bars embody this philosophy perfectly, offering a powerhouse of nutrients in a convenient, grab-and-go format.
The Beauty of Customization: Make Them Uniquely Yours
What truly sets this recipe apart, and why I adore it so much, is its incredible versatility. These bars are designed to be easily adaptable, allowing you to personalize them to your exact preferences and dietary needs. The original version, for instance, typically calls for gluten-free sprouted oats. However, in my quest for optimal gut health and energy, I often choose a grain-free approach. For this recipe, I successfully swapped the oats for a blend of almond flour and unflavored protein powder, resulting in a equally delicious, grain-free bar that leaves me feeling fantastic.
The possibilities for customization don’t stop there. Feel free to experiment with a variety of nuts and seeds—think cashews, pistachios, chia seeds, or flax seeds for added nutritional punch. Incorporate different dried or fresh organic berries; blueberries or raspberries would be delightful. You can also play with flavors and seasonings, perhaps a touch of ginger, a hint of cardamom, or a swirl of orange zest for an extra layer of complexity. The core principle remains simple: with just a reliable food processor, you have the power to bring any of your raw, healthy treat dreams to life. Seriously, it’s that straightforward!
Effortless Preparation: Your Food Processor is Your Best Friend
The preparation process for these Raw AB&J Protein Bars is remarkably quick and requires minimal effort, making them ideal for even the busiest schedules. In mere seconds, you can combine all your chosen ingredients into the food processor. A quick pulse is all it takes to bring everything together. The key is to assess the mixture’s consistency as you go; if it seems too dry, a splash more liquid (typically water) will do the trick. Conversely, if it’s too wet, a little extra dry ingredient, like almond flour, oats, or additional nuts, will balance it out. Once you achieve that perfect, slightly sticky dough-like consistency, simply press the mixture into a parchment paper-lined dish or a standard loaf tin.
The final, and perhaps most challenging, step is the waiting game. Pop your creation into the refrigerator or freezer for a couple of hours to allow it to firm up. This chilling period is crucial for achieving that satisfying bar texture. Once chilled, simply remove, slice into your desired bar sizes, and voilà – a batch of wholesome, delicious, and energy-boosting snacks is ready to enjoy. You’re welcome!
Ingredient Spotlight: Fueling Your Body Right
I genuinely hope you love the detailed recipe below as much as I do! As I mentioned, if grains are a welcome part of your diet, feel free to substitute the almond flour and protein powder with gluten-free rolled oats. Similarly, while almond butter is my preference for its subtle flavor and healthy fats, don’t hesitate to use any nut or seed butter you enjoy – peanut butter lovers, I see you and fully support your choice! Each ingredient in these bars is chosen for its specific health benefits and ability to contribute to a balanced, energizing snack.
These bars are specifically designed to provide a substantial boost of healthy fats, primarily from the almond butter and other nuts and seeds. Healthy fats are crucial for sustained energy, brain health, and hormone production. Beyond fats, you’ll benefit from a significant amount of quality plant-based protein, especially from the hemp seeds, which boast an impressive 10 grams per two tablespoons! The combination of nuts, seeds, and optional plant protein powder creates a complete protein profile, essential for muscle repair and growth, particularly after a workout.
The delicious burst of flavor comes primarily from the freeze-dried strawberries. I sourced mine from Trader Joe’s, and I’m a huge fan of incorporating them into various recipes. Unlike many traditional dried fruits that are often loaded with added sugars, freeze-dried strawberries offer an intense, natural fruit flavor without the unnecessary sweetness. They’re fantastic in raw treats, baked goods, and trail mixes, providing antioxidants and a vibrant taste experience. The natural sweetness from the dates, combined with the tartness of the strawberries and the richness of the nut butter, creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that satisfies any craving without the guilt.
The Secret to Perfection: Frozen is Best!
One final, yet crucial, tip: these Raw AB&J Protein Bars are absolutely BEST when stored in the freezer! Freezing not only extends their shelf life but also enhances their texture, giving them a delightful chewiness and a refreshing coolness, especially during warmer months. Pop one out of the freezer about 5-10 minutes before you plan to eat it, and you’ll experience them at their peak.
The Recipe: Raw AB&J Protein Bars
Raw AB&J Protein Bars
By: Rachael DeVaux
Prep Time: 15 mins
Servings: 1 loaf tin full of bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 4-5 small pitted dates (soaked in hot water for 15 min for easier blending)
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 1/3 cup pecans
- 1/4 cup hemp seeds
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or substitute with GF rolled oats)
- 1/4 cup plant protein powder (unflavored preferred, or substitute with additional GF rolled oats)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes
- 1/3-1/2 cup water (start with less and add as needed)
- 3/4 cup freeze dried strawberries
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor. When adding water, remember that less is often more. Start with 1/3 cup and gradually add more if needed, just enough to help the mixture come together.
- Pulse the ingredients until a dough-like consistency forms. Be careful not to over-process; you still want some recognizable chunks of nuts for texture. You may need to pause and use a silicone spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even blending.
- Once the desired consistency is reached, add the freeze-dried strawberries. Pulse once or twice more, just enough to incorporate them without completely pulverizing them. This maintains their vibrant color and some textural integrity.
- Prepare a loaf tin or a deep baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends over the edges for easy removal later.
- Evenly press the AB&J dough mixture over the parchment paper using a silicone spatula. The smaller your pan, the thicker your bars will be. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional freeze-dried strawberries and hemp seeds on top, gently pressing them into the mixture.
- Refrigerate (or freeze for optimal texture and longevity) for 2-3 hours, allowing the bars to firm up completely.
- Once chilled, lift the parchment paper to remove the slab from the tin and slice it into your desired bar shapes. Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. The freezer is my personal favorite for maintaining freshness and achieving the best texture, making them a perfect, easy snack or healthy dessert whenever a craving strikes.
Enjoyed this recipe? Share your thoughts below!
Your feedback and experiences are incredibly valuable. Please leave a comment and let me know how your Raw AB&J Protein Bars turned out!
Shop My Favorite Tools & Ingredients for This Recipe
To help you recreate these delicious bars at home, here are some of my go-to products and kitchen essentials:
Please enable JavaScript to view recommended products.
Making healthy choices doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. These Raw AB&J Protein Bars are a perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and nourishing. Enjoy!