Cinnamon Almond Chia Bars

Here’s one for all you runners, outdoor adventurers, and fitness enthusiasts. 🙂 I’ve found that, for me, nuts offer the perfect fuel for sustained energy — lots of good fat, fiber, and protein. I love bringing these on backpacking trips, long runs or bike rides, on my way to yoga, etc, etc.

The pictures may not look all that exciting, but they were soo good! These are much cheaper and (arguably) healthier than store-bought, processed bars…and more flavorful as well. They offer quite an impressive nutritional profile!

Ingredients

inspired by my flourless chocolate brownies

• 1 cup dates
• 1/2 cup raw almonds
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup wheat bran (omit for gluten-free option)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 tbs maple syrup
• 1 tbs water or almond milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

In a food processor, process the dates and almonds until it forms a chunky paste.

Add the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, and process until it forms a fine paste.

Then in a mixing bowl, stir in the rest of the ingredients.

In a baking dish lined with waxed paper, pour the dough and form into a sheet.

It’s a little crumbly so squeeze the dough with your hands to get it to stay together. I let it set in the fridge overnighbut this is probably not necessary. Cut into bars, or form into balls. Sprinkle more cinnamon on top if you like. Enjoy!

What are your favorite quick energy snacks?