Strawberry Protein Bars!🍓

🕥 Prep time: 5 min | 🥣 Serving: 6 Recipe by: @eatsbyluciana

Hey there, health-conscious foodies!

Are you ready to treat yourself to a snack that's as delicious as it is nutritious? Say hello to our mouthwatering Strawberry Protein Bars! Bursting with the sweet flavor of strawberries and packed with plant-based protein, these bars are the perfect on-the-go option for fueling your busy day. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make! Let's dive into the recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup oat flour (gluten-free if needed)
¼ cup EarthChimp vanilla
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup strawberry powder
½ cup nut or seed butter
⅓ cup date syrup, honey, or maple syrup

For the topping:

Melted dark chocolate
Goji berries

Instructions:

Combine oat flour, vegan vanilla protein powder, ground cinnamon, strawberry powder, nut/seed butter, and date syrup in a mixing bowl.
Mix until a dough forms.
Press mixture evenly into an 8x8 baking dish lined with parchment paper, firmly pressing down.
Freeze for 30 mins to firm up.
Remove from the freezer and cut into bars.
Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars and sprinkle with goji berries.
Enjoy these Strawberry Protein Bars as a satisfying snack anytime!

Substitutions and Variations

Want to personalize your strawberry protein bars or adjust them for what’s already in your pantry? Here are some easy swaps and creative additions:

Nut Butter Options: Instead of almond or peanut butter, try cashew butter or sunflower seed butter. Each brings a unique creamy texture and subtle flavor twist.
Sweetener Swap: Use maple syrup, agave, or date syrup for a natural touch. If you're avoiding sugars, a tiny amount of stevia or monk fruit can help sweeten without added sugar.
Protein Powder Flexibility: While this recipe uses EarthChimp vanilla protein powder, feel free to experiment with a strawberry flavor or unflavored powder for a more neutral taste in your homemade protein bars.
Strawberry Choices: Can't find strawberry powder? Just add the freeze-dried strawberries to a blender or food processor and pulse into a powder. You can also finely crush some dried strawberries for a more rustic texture.
Topping Variations: Instead of dark chocolate, drizzle with melted white chocolate or swirl in a little melted coconut oil for an extra indulgent layer.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Make these healthy strawberry protein bars truly yours with a few fun and functional tweaks:

Add Texture: Mix in rolled oats, chopped nuts, or seeds for extra crunch and fiber. A spoonful of oatmeal can also give a heartier bite.
Berry Boost: Stir in chopped fresh strawberries or frozen strawberries (blotted dry) for juicy bites, or mix in freeze-dried strawberries for added antioxidant content and fruity bursts.
Extra Nutrients: Blend in flaxseed or chia to add healthy fats, fiber, and a little amino acid boost.
Stickiness Control: If the mixture is too sticky, add more oat flour or a pinch of protein powder until it’s easy to press and spread evenly.
Post-Workout Fuel: Want a post-workout snack? Sprinkle in amino powders or a bit of coconut oil to increase recovery support and help meet your grams of protein goals.

Storage and Serving Tips

These delicious strawberry bars are super convenient and easy to store, great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a midday energy boost.

Fridge First: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. This helps them stay firm and fresh.
Freezer Friendly: Want longer storage? Freeze them in layers with parchment paper in between. Thaw a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying.
On-the-Go Tips: Wrap individual bars in parchment or reusable snack bags for workout snacks or healthy strawberry treats on busy days.
Serving Style: For a softer bite, let the bars sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before eating. For a firmer bar, enjoy straight from the fridge.
Avoiding Fillers and Preservatives: Unlike store-bought bars that contain filler ingredients, these bars are wholesome and made without preservative additives.

Give it a try!

Share your creations with us! Don't forget to snap a pic and tag us @earthchimp. Can't wait to see! 😊 How about a Strawberry protein cake next? Message us if you’re interested!

FAQ: Strawberry Protein Bars Explained

Can I use fresh or frozen strawberries instead of powder or freeze-dried?

While this protein bar recipe calls for strawberry powder, you can use freeze-dried strawberries as a substitute by grinding them into a fine powder. Using fresh strawberries or frozen strawberries is not recommended, as the added moisture can alter the consistency and shelf life of the bars.

What’s the best nut butter to use in this recipe?

We recommend using a smooth almond butter or cashew butter for the best texture and flavor. If your nut butter is too thick, warm it slightly before mixing so it combines more easily and becomes well combined with the other ingredients.

Can I make these protein bars without a food processor?

Yes! You can mix everything by hand in a large bowl using a sturdy spoon or spatula. Just make sure your ingredients, especially the nut butter and syrup, are soft enough to mix and pour easily into the pan.

How are these strawberry protein bars different from store-bought ones?

Unlike store-bought bars that may include fillers or added sugars, these strawberry protein bars are made with whole food ingredients and contain no preservatives. They’re also fully customizable to fit your dietary needs.

Can I double this recipe for batch prepping?

Absolutely! This protein bar recipe scales well. Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Make sure to spread it evenly and press it down firmly to maintain the right shape and texture.

What if my mixture is too dry or too wet?

If it’s too dry, add a little extra nut butter or sweetener. If it’s too wet, stir in a bit more oat flour or protein powder until everything is well combined and holds together easily when pressed into the dish.