Craving a nutritious snack that delivers both energy and protein? These homemade plant-based energy bars pack an impressive 13 grams of protein per serving while satisfying your sweet tooth naturally. Made with wholesome ingredients like almonds, dates, and almond butter, these bars are perfect for pre-workout fuel, afternoon pick-me-ups, or healthy dessert alternatives that you can feel good about.
Ingredients
- 150g almonds (1 cup) – raw, unsalted
- 100g walnuts (1 cup) – raw, unsalted
- 130g pumpkin seeds (1 cup) – raw, hulled
- 50g goji berries (1/2 cup) – dried
- 350g soft pitted dates (2 heaping cups) – Medjool or similar soft variety
- 265g smooth almond butter (1 cup) – unsalted preferred
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – pink Himalayan or sea salt
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon – or to taste
Equipment needed: 23cm x 23cm x 5cm (9″ x 9″ x 2″) square pan
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Nuts and Seeds
Heat a large dry skillet over medium heat. Add almonds and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add walnuts and pumpkin seeds, continuing to toast for another 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Immediately transfer to a heat-proof plate and let cool completely.
Step 2: Process the Base
Add soft dates and almond butter to a food processor. Blend until smooth and well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Add the cooled toasted nuts, pumpkin seeds, goji berries, ground cinnamon, and salt to the date mixture. Pulse until you achieve a coarse, sticky mixture that holds together when pressed.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
Lightly brush your square pan with oil and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Step 5: Press and Set
Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Using the back of a spoon or your hands, press firmly and evenly, paying special attention to corners. The mixture should be compact with no air gaps. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm.
Step 6: Cut and Store
Remove from pan using parchment overhang. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 bars, cleaning the knife between cuts. Wrap individual bars in parchment paper or plastic wrap.
Time, Servings & Nutrition
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 weeks
Nutrition per bar: Approximately 280 calories, 13g protein, 18g healthy fats, 24g carbohydrates, 4g fiber
Why This Recipe is Excellent for Your Health
These plant-based energy bars deliver exceptional nutritional benefits through their carefully selected ingredients. The combination of almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds provides complete amino acids for muscle recovery and sustained energy. Dates offer natural sweetness along with potassium and fiber, while goji berries contribute antioxidants and vitamin C. The healthy fats from nuts and almond butter support brain function and hormone production, making these bars an ideal choice for active lifestyles. Unlike processed energy bars loaded with artificial ingredients, this homemade version gives you control over every component while delivering clean, plant-based nutrition that supports your wellness goals.
Alternative serving option: Roll mixture into 24 energy balls using 2 tablespoons of mixture per ball for portion-controlled snacking.