Nutritious Plant-Based Snack Bars

Fuel Your Day with Delicious Plant-Based Snack Bars

Discover the ultimate recipe for plant-based snack bars packed with nutrients. This easy-to-make, delicious snack is perfect for a quick energy boost, post-workout recovery, or a healthy on-the-go treat.

Introduction

In today’s world of hurry, it is difficult to find healthy snacks that are both convenient and nutritious. In this direction, plant-based snack bars come in handy as they are made from a mixture of whole foods that cater for your nutrition needs while satisfying your taste buds. Therefore, these bars take only few steps to prepare but they still maintain the high value of proteins, fibers, good fats as well as vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. If you are an athlete looking for a post-workout snack or just need something to keep you going in the afternoon slump, then these are your go-for plant-based snack bars.

Overview

Plant based snack bars give you the ability to make different types of snacks depending on what kind of dietary preferences one may have. As such, this formula combines almond butter with almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dried goji berries and dates which yield a tasty treat packed full of nutrients. The inclusion of each component provides different health benefits and now these bars contain all necessary nutrients for human body.

Health Benefits of Each Ingredient

Almonds

• Healthy fats, protein, and fiber are found in abundance in almonds. 
• They also contain large quantities of magnesium, vitamin E and antioxidants needed to fight away inflammations, improve heart health and increase brain functioning.

Walnuts

• The high omega-3 fatty acid content in walnuts is good for the heart. 
• Additionally, they have proteins, fibers, and antioxidants.they help with better cognitive functions as well as boosting digestive activities.

Pumpkin Seeds

• Magnesium zinc and omega 3 are all contained in pumpkin seeds. These enhance immunity system, support prostate health and boost blood circulation that ensures a healthy heart. 
• Pumpkin seeds contain vast amounts of antioxidants which minimize inflammation.

Goji Berries

• Its constituents include vitamins A & C; antioxidants and dietary fibres. 
• Goji berries strengthen the immune system plus rejuvenate the skin while vision is enhanced by them. This occurs because of their rich antioxidant contents which protect against oxidative stress on the body.

Dates

• Dates are sweet natural products rich in potassium magnesium among other minerals as well as vitamins together with fibers. Such fruits are advantageous when it comes to digestion improvement improving energy levels and supporting bones development.

Almond Butter

• In terms of positive fats, protein and dietary fibre almond butter is a good source that contains essential vitamins such as vitamin E, potassium, magnesium which helps to maintain heart health, muscle activity and general well-being.

Health Benefits of the Whole Recipe

When put together all these constituents bring out a snack bar that has the right proportions of macronutrients i.e., proteins,fats and carbohydrates with high fibre content. They assist in keeping up energy levels, helping muscles recover faster after intense exercise; improve cognitive functions and well as improving digestion. The healthy fats and fiber present also support satiety thereby making them great for weight control.

Why This Recipe is Preferable

This plant-based snack bar recipe is preferable because it:

• Is made from natural, whole ingredients
• Provides a balanced macronutrient profile
• Is rich in essential vitamins and minerals
• Supports various health aspects, including heart, brain, and digestive health
• Is easy to prepare and customize according to personal preferences
• Is suitable for various dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free diets

Highlights

• Nutritious and delicious
• Easy to make
• Customizable ingredients
• Perfect for on-the-go snacking
• Supports overall health and well-being

Equipment Required

• Medium heat skillet
• Heatproof plate
• Food processor
• 9 x 9 x 2 inch (23 x 23 x 5 cm) square pan
• Parchment paper
• Plastic wrap
• Sharp knife
• Spoon for pressing mixture

Recipe 

Ingredients (12 bars)

• 150g Almonds (1 cup)
• 100g Walnuts (1 cup)
• 130g Pumpkin seeds (1 cup)
• 50g Goji berries (1/2 cup)
• 350g Pitted soft dates (2 heaping cups)
• 1 cup Smooth almond butter (265g) or nut butter of choice (preferably unsalted)
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt (pink Himalayan salt preferred)
• 1/2 tablespoon Ground cinnamon (or to taste)

Procedure

1. Toast the Nuts and Seeds:

• Begin by toasting almonds over medium heat for about 2mins in an iron skillet.
• In addition add walnuts then pumpkin seeds to the skillet and continue toasting for another 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and transfer nuts/seeds onto a plate to cool completely.

2. Blend Dates with Almond Butter:

• Put dates together with almond butter into food processor until it becomes smooth.

3. Mix

• Toasted nuts and seeds, goji berries, ground cinnamon and salt should be added to the food processor.
• Blend until it is coarsely mixed.

4. Prepare the Pan:

• Apply oil on bottom and sides of square pan; then line with parchment paper.

5. Form the Bars:

• Put the mixture into the prepared pan pressing it down with a spoon being careful to seal all gaps and tight in corners.
• Make its surface even and cover using a plastic wrap.

6. Chill and Set:

• Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until the mixture is set.

7. Cut into Bars:

• Remove from the pan and cut into desired shapes with a sharp knife, cleaning the knife with a paper towel between cuts to keep them clean.

8. Store:

• Wrap every single bar individually in plastic wrapper or parchment paper and keep them in the refrigerator. These bars will last 3-4 weeks under storage conditions.

Protein/Energy Balls (Optional)

• Take two tablespoonfuls of the mixture and press it in between your hands until it is tight and has formed into a ball
• Smooth the top down and store in an air-tight container or wrap individually.

Note

• Soft dates only should be used for this recipe.
• In case the mixture is too dry and can’t be shaped up, add more almond butter.

Tips

• Nuts/seeds/dates should be taken off heat immediately after toasting to keep them from burning.
• Press the mixture firmly into the pan so that it doesn’t crumble.
• Clean up knife between cuts for neat bars.

Storage

• The bars last for 3 – 4 weeks when stored in a refrigerator.
• Protein/energy balls can also be kept refrigerated in an air-tight container.

Nutritional Information per Bar

• Protein: 13.32g
• Carbohydrate: 34.13g
• Fiber: 9g
• Fats: 29.72g
• Calories: 430

Conclusion

A plant-based snack bar is a nutritious, convenient and delicious way to fuel your body. It is an easy recipe to make and customize making it an ideal addition to your healthy snacks list. These bars are sure to satisfy your cravings while offering various health benefits, no matter if you are looking for a post-workout snack or just feel like having that little bit of energy during the day..

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