Run More. Bake More.: Chocolate Free Trail Mix Energy Bars!

Since I'm giving up chocolate for lent this year, I needed to make some energy bars that didn't have chocolate in them. These turned out to be delicious! I looove dates and nuts, so it was the perfect combination! I think that next time, I will try different fruit and nut mixtures.

Trail Mix Bars

inspired by Healthful Pursuits

1/3 cup chickpea flour

1/4 cup plant based protein powder (I used Vega!)

1/3 cup quinoa flakes

3 tbsp ground flaxseed

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp Himalayan rock salt (so pretty and pink!)

1 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup dried apricots, cut into small pieces

1/2 cup medjool dates, pitted, and cut into small pieces

Binding goodness:

1/2 braeburn apple, diced (since I had that kind on hand, any kind will do)

1/2 cup prunes

1/4 cup agave nectar

Preheat oven to 325F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper across both sides for easy lifting.

Meanwhile, place apple and prunes in a small saucepan, cover with water and bring to a simmer. Allow to cook for 5 minutes. Drain and puree with maple syrup in a food processor or blender until smooth. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, protein powder, quinoa flakes, flaxseed, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Stir in the walnuts and dried fruit. Make sure the nuts and dried fruit are completely coated with the flour mixture.

Add the fruit puree mixture to the fruit and nut mixture and mix well.

Spread into the 8×8 prepared pan, pressing with your fingers to even it out.

Bake for 30-35 minutes at 325F or until golden.

Remove from the pan and allow to cool completely before slicing into individual servings.

**If you don't have a plant based protein powder, you can always just add more quinoa flakes in its place**

I put each square in its own plastic bag and froze them. I take them out the night before and let them defrost in the fridge overnight. They are a great snack or meal substitute!! I ate one for breakfast this morning on the run!