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’
Melanie Heavenly says
Question please – what can I substitute stevia and agave with? Syrup – not as healthy i know but I don’t really want to try and source, or outlay the extra cash for these ingredients. Thanks! x
Melanie Heavenly says
Fab recipe – thanks. In fact last week I blogged about discovering raw food. Mainly because my partner started buying Power Balls which are outrageously priced per unit. I’ll be making these and saving many pennies!
Erin says
Those look great and lucky me, I picked up some dates recently. I’ve missed Clif Bars since going GF. Can’t wait to make these :)
Katie @ Wellness Mama says
These look great! I make a similar one with cashews, coconut oil, dates and vanilla. It tastes like cookie dough. I just don’t use the agave… more fructose than sugar… yuck!
Sandy says
I would love that “cookie dough” recipe!
Angie Halten says
Snack food is one of my staples. I can’t wait to make these. I have never bought medjool dates before. Are they the same as normal dates you buy at the grocery store?
Sunnie says
Do you think cashews would work in this recipe?
Julia says
These look awesome! I have the same 2 questions regarding the Stevia…what is the conversion to powder, and can agave be used instead?
Thanks for another yum yum!
Debbie says
Elana,
Thank you for the “Love Link”! You have inspired me to recreate a new power bar! Thanks again! ~Debbie
Ashley @ Taste for Healthy says
What a perfect healthy snack! I love Lara bars, but I am sure it is much more cost effective to make a similar power bar yourself!
Alisa Fleming says
Yummers! I love the use of stevia and pecans in these. With the cacao, I’m thinking dried blueberries or dried cherries would go really nicely too!