You say it’s…not your birthday? Who the hell cares? “It doesn’t need to be your birthday to celebrate and eat these no bake protein bars,” says Alena Luciani, the healthy lifestyle blogger behind the recipe.
Luciani, who blogs at Training 2XL and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, as well (she’s the assistant strength and conditioning coach at York University), created these No Bake Birthday Cake Protein Bars for her busy clients. She works with collegiate student-athletes and regular working folks alike, and wanted something that was simple, nutritious, and low maintenance.
“There’s some great protein bars on the market, but nothing beats making your own and knowing the exact ingredients that are going into it,” she says. “This recipe is packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, which is super-important to fuel our muscles and keep us feeling satisfied throughout the day.”
And if that’s not enough, we’ll leave you with just one word: Sprinkles.
No Bake Birthday Cake Protein Bars
INGREDIENTS
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1 1/2 Cups of Almond Flour
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1/2 Cup of Coconut Flour
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2 Scoops of Vanilla Protein
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1/2 Cup of Chia Seeds
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1 Tbsp of Maca Powder
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1 Tsp of Cinnamon
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1 Cup of Cashew or Almond Butter (Peanut Butter works too!)
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1/2 Cup of Coconut Oil
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1/3 Cup of Maple Syrup
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1/4 Tsp of Vanilla Extract
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1/2 Tsp of Almond Extract
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NOT OPTIONAL: Sprinkles
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, mix and combine all dry ingredients.
2. In a pot over low-medium heat, combine coconut oil, maple syrup, and cashew butter.
3. Stir until completely melted and combine.
4. Remove from heat and add almond and vanilla extracts.
5. In the large bowl, add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix completely.
6. Add sprinkles (the most important step).
7. In a shallow baking dish, apply a thin layer of coconut oil to ensure the bars don’t stick.
8. Add protein bar mixture to dish and pat into place.
9. Add more sprinkles (another important step).
10. Place in freezer to harden for at least 20 minutes. (Tip: Keep the bars in the freezer to help them maintain their shape.)