Honey Nut Protein Bars

Chef notes

This is the ultimate elevated breakfast or snack bar that's so easy to make and perfect for busy weeks (plus it freezes beautifully). The base of these bars is old-fashioned oats to give it that classic chewy texture and also to be nutritiously filling. The honey and dates make them just sweet enough to feel like a treat!

Instead of a traditional protein powder, I like to make my own natural version without any additives or fillers. It's so simple: Just blend chia seeds, flaxseed meal and hemp seeds into a fine powder. The result is an incredible protein-boost mixture that also has healthy fats and fiber to keep you fueled. I love to use this in smoothies or on top of yogurt, too — just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge (it keeps well for about one week).

When it comes to sweetening these bars, I'm also always about using unprocessed, natural ingredients. Chopped dates and honey are my choices here for their subtle caramel notes that pair so well with the walnuts or pecans. These protein bars will become a part of your healthy breakfast arsenal and are wonderful as an afternoon snack, too.

There are a few great tips for this protein bar recipe. Lining the pan with parchment paper is best for easy removal of the bars once they are baked. If your dates are on the drier side, then soak the dates in hot water to cover in a small bowl for 10 minutes, then drain and chop into small pieces. The freshest medjool dates are naturally soft and caramelly and don't need soaking. Simply chop into small pieces and set aside.

Before baking, press the raw bar mixture well into the pan. Using the back of a greased 1-cup measuring cup works great for this. Once the bars are baked, be sure to let them cool until warm or room temperature, about 25 minutes, until set before slicing and serving.

These bars are amazing to meal-prep and freeze beautifully, just wrap well in parchment paper or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 1 to 2 months and thaw on the counter at room temperature for a few hours or overnight before eating.

Swap option: Swap the walnuts or pecans for your favorite kind of nut. You can also use 1 to 2 scoops of protein powder instead of the mixture of chia seeds, flaxseed meal and hemp seeds, if preferred.

Equipment needed: High-speed blender.