Global
No-Bake Oat Protein Bars
Soft, dense protein bars pressed from oats, nut butter and dates: a homemade swap for shop-bought bars and their syrup lists.
~20 mintotal
Ingredients
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- ¾ cup pitted dates, blended
- ½ cup almond butter
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbsp milk of choice
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup dark chocolate, melted (optional)
Cooking Steps
Blend the dates to a paste.
Mix with the almond butter, oats, protein powder, chia, milk and salt.
Press firmly into a lined tin.
Drizzle with dark chocolate if using.
Chill 1 hour, then slice into bars.
Optional Enhancements
- Peanut butter instead of almond
- Add crushed nuts on top
- Cocoa in the mix
Plant & Growing Tips
Chia Seeds
- Direct sow chia seeds into well-draining soil after all danger of frost has passed in spring.
- Provide full sun exposure for at least 6-8 hours daily to encourage strong growth and seed production.
- Water consistently to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.
Natural Pest Control
- Protect young chia plants from slugs and snails by using crushed eggshells or copper tape barriers.
- Inspect plants regularly for aphids and dislodge them with a strong spray of water or apply neem oil.
Harvest
Chia Seeds
- Harvest chia seeds when the flower heads have dried and turned brown, and the seeds easily fall out when gently shaken.
- Cut the entire flower stalk and hang it upside down over a cloth or tray to catch the drying seeds.
Storing & Freezing
Fridge up to 1 week; freeze 2 months.
