Paleo Energy Bars
This is a recipe I adapted from Full Moon Feast (a wonderful book!) and is my take on the Transit Bar sold at Three Stone Hearth. These delicious and satisfying bars are naturally sweet. They are also balanced with healthy fats and protein from the addition of the collagen (omit if you’re vegetarian or substitute with a plant based protein powder) which means they shouldn't be an assault to your blood sugar. You can add more super foods if you like, such as raw cacao or maca powder to give these bars an extra punch of nutrients. They make a great on-the-go snack that is kid friendly and mama approved!
Ingredients:
1½ cups dates, pitted or dried figs or prunes.
½ cup coconut butter, softened (placing the jar of coconut butter in a bowl of warm water for 5 to 10 minutes should do the trick)
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons extra virgin coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
⅓ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, plus more for coating (optional)
3 tablespoons grass fed collagen peptides
3+ tablespoons raw cacao powder (optional)
Directions:
Pulse the pitted fruit (I like to rough chop the dried fruit first so the food processor doesn't overheat) in a food processor until a paste forms.
Add the coconut butter and citrus zest. Pulse until combined. With the processor running, slowly pour in the melted coconut oil through the tube. Add the shredded coconut, collagen and cacao and pulse again until well combined. Make any adjustments to your liking.
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Sprinkle coconut on the bottom of the pan to coat, if desired. Place the “dough” in a pan and flatten. Sprinkle more coconut to cover.
Refrigerate until firm, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a tightly sealed container and store in the fridge or a cool, dry place. Will keep for about a month.
