Savory Vegan Protein Bars
September 7, 2023
In a world where sweet treats often take center stage, it’s time to switch things up and dive into the savory side of snacking. Enter the delicious world of Savory Vegan Protein Bars! These nutrient-packed, protein-rich bars are a tasty snack and a perfect on-the-go option for those seeking a plant-powered protein boost.
While sweet protein bars have their own charm, savory protein bars offer a unique flavor profile. They provide an umami-rich taste that can be a welcome change from the usual sweet snacks.
The Power of Ingredients: Oats, Pumpkin Seed Butter, and Pea Protein
- Oats: Oats are a wholesome and versatile ingredient that forms the base of our savory vegan protein bars. They are a fantastic source of complex carbohydrates, providing a steady release of energy to keep you fueled throughout the day. Oats are also fiber-rich, aiding digestion and keeping you full.
- Pumpkin Seed Butter: Instead of traditional nut butters; pumpkin seed butter is the star of our recipe. It’s nut-free, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies, and it offers a nutty, earthy flavor that complements the savory nature of these bars. Pumpkin seeds are loaded with essential minerals like magnesium and zinc, which support immune function and overall well-being. They’re also naturally high in protein and include all nine essential amino acids your body needs.
- Pea Protein: Pea protein is a plant-based protein powder derived from yellow peas. It’s highly digestible and an excellent source of vegan protein, making it a perfect addition to these savory bars. Pea protein promotes muscle growth and repair and helps keep you feeling full. Make sure to buy the unflavored variety when making savory bars!
So now that we have these nutrient dense ingredients, how do we create a good flavor profile? We add in cilatnro, nutritional yeast. and chili powder. We then top it off with nutritious hemp seeds. I had one bar while photographing these and felt full afterwards! These are perfect for me to have between meals so I stay on top of my food goals through a fitness challenge I’m doing.
For the pumpkin seed butter, I made my own at home. I found some at the store but it was very pricey, and the recipe is so simple to make at home. Simply roast raw pumpkin seeds, then process in a food processor until creamy. The simple recipe is below. 🙂 IMPORTANT: Make sure to buy Pepitas, or Hulled pumpkin seeds. This recipe does NOT use the ones with the outer white shell.
Savory Vegan Protein Bars
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
wet ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seed butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp flax seed meal
dry ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pea protein powder unflavored
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 T nutritional yeast
- 3 sprigs cilantro
mixins/toppings
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 T hulled hemp seeds (also known as hemp hearts)
Instructions
- Set oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add all wet ingredients and flax meal to a large bowl and whisk together.
- Pulse the remaining dry ingredients and the cilantro in a food processor, making sure to leave some texture and not overdo it. Then add this dry mixture and pumpkin seeds to the bowl of wet ingredients and stir together.
- Transfer to a greased square cake pan and press into the pan with a spoon. Top with hemp hearts and a drizzle of pumpkin seed butter.
- Bake for 12 minutes and check for doneness. Cool on a cooling rack and then slice into 12 bars.
Pumpkin Seed Butter
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 3 cup pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds)
- 1 T neutral oil (if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Add seeds to a sheet pan and spray with a bit of oil of choice. Roast pumpkin seeds for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Let cool slightly and then transfer to the food processor. Process for about 10 minutes until the pumpkin seed butter is creamy.
- Transfer to a jar and keep in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
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