This recipe was adapted from one by Pam Vagnieres’ in an article called Make Your Own Protein Bars that ran last year in my local newspaper The Daily Camera. These high protein, gluten free power bars are easy to make and remind me of a Lärabar, though these are super fresh since they’re homemade, and they’re also not quite as sweet.
My boys and their friends loved these bars and gobbled them up during spring break, when our house was boys central.
Chocolate Cranberry Power Bars
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups pecans, lightly toasted
- ¼ cup cacao powder
- 15 large dates (remove pits)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 10 drops stevia
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
- ½ cup dried cranberries, you can add more if you like
Instructions
- Blend pecans and cacao powder in food processor until combined and coarsely ground
- Add in dates and process until blended into dry ingredients
- Process in vanilla, stevia and agave until well combined
- Stir (or work in) dried cranberries with a spoon or by hand
- Press mixture into an 8 x 8 inch baking dish
- Freeze for 1 hour, or until firm, then cut into 16 squares
If cranberries aren’t your thing check out my other gluten free power bar recipes, Chocolate Espresso Power Bars, Spicy Power Bars and the crowd favorite Almond Power Bars.
For more yummy power bar recipes from other gluten free food bloggers check out:
–Sesame Snack Bars (Gluten-Free & Casein Free) from Lexie of Lexie’s Kitchen
–Popeye Protein and Fruit Bars from Shirley of Gluten free Easily
–The Best Ever Gluten-Free Power Bars from Debbie of The Gluten-Free ‘Dish’
neona says
I really want to make these, but only have powdered Stevia- how does that change the recipe? Like x number of drops equals 1 tsp? Thanks! =)
Maggie says
Another great recipe Elana! I love Lara Bars, they’re such a great snack when you’re on the go. Can’t wait to try these.
Brandon says
I made something very much like this, but only used coconut, pecans and dates, with a little himalayan sea salt. It tastes just like having a slice of pecan pie (but without the corn syrup)!
Marika Ujvari says
Elena – do you live in Boulder??? I lived there for 45 years befire moving to Windsor
Shirley @ gfe says
Oh, those look good, Elana! And they look remarkably similar to the power bars you linked to on my site, less the cranberries. ;-) Thanks so much for the mention, dear! I can just visualize a house full of boys loving these. :-)
xo,
Shirley
Cecilia says
can I use agave instead of stevia?
Robyn Baldwin says
I love power bars as a quick go-to snack. Can’t wait to try these out on my non-GF-who-gobbles-up-my-Elana-treats family.
amber says
How do you store these to keep them fresh?
Christine @ Nourish the Budding Lotus says
Yum! These look delicious, and I am excited to try them :)
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
That power bar looks delish!
Jenn Irwin says
This look awesome!! Can’t wait to try them out. Thanks!