Pecan Pie Protein Blondie Bars

Nicolette Stramara

by | Read time: 2 minutes

Jan
23

You’ve heard it a million times: imitation is the best form of flattery. If someone’s mimicking you, though, it may feel more cynical than sweet. That’s not the case with these “inspired” pecan pie bars. Sweet is their middle name. Well, not exactly. It’s actually “protein,” because each serving comes with nearly 5 grams of it. Somehow, using more wholesome ingredients, pecan pie protein blondie bars turn out nearly identical in taste and texture to the real deal. Not sure you believe this imposter? Make like a copycat and bake some for yourself. You’ll have to pretend you don’t like them.

Pecan Pie Bars Stacked with Honey Drizzled Over #recipe | Vitacost.com/blog

Makes 16 bars

Macros per bar: 136 calories | 4.7 g protein | 15 g carbs | 7.3 g fat | 13 g sugar | 1.1 g fiber

Ingredients

1/2 cup Medjool dates
2 Tbsp. unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp. Vitacost Certified Organic Pure Vanilla Extract
2 scoops ARO Natural Vanilla Whey Protein ISO
1/4 cup Vitacost Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil, melted
1/3 cup Vitacost Certified Organic Coconut Sugar
2 Tbsp. Vitacost Certified Organic Raw Honey
3 large eggs
1/2 cup pecans

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line an 8” x 8” baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Fill a medium-size bowl with water and add dates. Let them soak for 30 minutes. Drain dates and remove pits (if not already pitted).
  3. In a food processor, add dates, almond milk and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
  4. Add protein powder, coconut oil, sugar and honey to food processor and blend until smooth. Pour mixture into a large bowl.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs. Pour eggs into bowl with batter and stir until well combined.
  6. Pour batter into prepared dish and top with pecans.
  7. Bake 32-36 minutes, or until golden and done. Let cool, slice into 16 bars and enjoy!