Paleo Protein Bars

Paleo Protein Bars



Ingredients:

ground flax seeds (flax meal) - 1 Tbsp
water - 1 1/2 Tbsp
raw slivered almonds - 1 1/2 cups
shredded unsweetened coconut - 2 cups
raw sunflower seeds - 1/3 cup
raw pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds) - 1/3 cup
sesame seeds - 1 Tbsp
ground cinnamon - 2 tsp
baking soda - 3/4 tsp
sea salt - 1/4 tsp
plain protein powder (or almond flour) - 1/2 cup
coconut oil, warmed to a liquid state - 1/3 cup
unsweetened natural almond butter - 1/4 cup
raw honey, warned to a liquid state - 1/4 cup
pastured eggs - 1
pure vanilla extract - 1 Tbsp
dark chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional) - 3/4 cup


Preparation:

-Preheat oven to 325º F.
-Prepare a 9x13 baking dish by lightly coating it with coconut oil.
-Combine flax meal and water in a small bowl and set aside.
-Place flax mixture, coconut oil, almond butter, honey, egg, and vanilla in a large bowl. Use a fork or whisk to combine.
-In another large bowl, combine almonds, coconut, sunflower seeds, pepitas, sesame seeds, cinnamon, baking soda, sea salt, and protein powder.
-Transfer dry mixture into the large bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until well combined. The mixture will be somewhat dry. Take your time with it to make sure everything is well mixed.
-Fold chocolate chips or dried fruit in to batter, if desired.
-Press mixture firmly into the baking dish. (Mixture will be sticky.)
-Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. Remove from oven and press top down with a spatula or your hands to remove any puffiness.
-Cool on the stovetop, then transfer the dish to the refrigerator to cool completely.
NOTE: Bars do not hold together well if you try to cut them before cooling.
-Cut into 28 bars and wrap individually in plastic, parchment, or waxed paper, if desired. Store in the refrigerator for a grab-and-go snack.