When it comes to food, I love creating recipes that solve a problem. Craving something sweet? Done. Need a quick on-the-go snack that’s dairy-free, gluten-free and refined sugar-free? I’ve got you. Want a simple post-workout bite with healthy fats and protein? These Raw AB&J Protein Bars are a go-to — developed with Lottie from @runningonveggies for an Adidas workshop and easy to adapt to your preferences.
The best part of this recipe is how flexible it is. The original version uses GF sprouted oats, but I often swap those for almond flour and unflavored plant protein powder to keep the bars grain-free, which sits better with my body. You can also change up the nuts, seeds, and berry options — freeze-dried strawberries work beautifully for concentrated flavor without added sugar, or you can use fresh organic berries if you prefer.
All you need is a food processor. Combine your ingredients, pulse briefly, check the texture, and add a splash of liquid (usually water) or a bit more dry mix (almond flour, oats, nuts) until it comes together. Press the mixture into a parchment-lined loaf tin or dish, chill in the fridge or freezer for a couple of hours, then slice into bars. They’re easy, fast, and they keep well refrigerated or frozen.
You’re welcome 😉
If you’re fine with grains, replace the almond flour and protein powder with oats. Likewise, swap almond butter for any nut or seed butter you like — peanut butter lovers, I see you. These bars deliver healthy fats from the nuts and nut butter, plant protein from hemp seeds (about 10 g per 2 tbsp), nuts, and optional plant-protein powder, plus a bright flavor from the freeze-dried strawberries. I pick them up at Trader Joe’s and use them in raw treats, baked goods, or trail mixes instead of sugar-filled dried fruit.
Pro tip: they’re best when frozen.
Raw AB&J Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 4-5 small pitted dates, (soaked in hot water for 15 min)
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 1/3 cup pecans
- 1/4 cup hemp seeds
- 1/2 cup almond flour, (or sub GF rolled oats)
- 1/4 cup plant protein powder, (I prefer unflavored), or sub GF rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes
- 1/3-1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup freeze dried strawberries
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a food processor, leaving the freeze-dried strawberries out until the end. Start with less water — add a tablespoon at a time until the mixture comes together.
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Pulse briefly so there are still small chunks of nuts, but continue until the mixture forms a dough-like texture. Stop occasionally to scrape the sides with a silicone spatula.
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Add the freeze-dried strawberries last and pulse once more to incorporate.
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Line a loaf tin or deep dish with parchment paper, pressing it into the base.
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Press the AB&J dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle additional freeze-dried strawberries and hemp seeds on top and gently press to adhere. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer for 2–3 hours.
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Remove from the pan, slice into bars, and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Frozen is my favorite for texture and convenience.
what I used to make this recipe