High-Protein Energy Bars Are the Perfect Snack

Say hello to your new favorite snack: High-Protein Energy Bars! Bursting with tahini, oats, apricots and figs, these bars are more than just a snack—they’re the perfect way to fuel your day. Hemp seeds offer plant-powered protein, while oats add fiber for gut health. These bars are seriously delicious, and will keep in the fridge for convenient snacks all week long. Keep reading for our tips to make these bars turn out perfectly every time.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

It’s best to gently warm the tahini and coconut oil in the microwave—just enough to melt and blend them smoothly without overheating. Too much heat will cause the tahini to seize. Seizing happens when the oils separate and the mixture becomes thick, clumpy or grainy instead of smooth.

We use regular rolled oats in these energy bars. They give the bars a chewy, satisfying bite and help hold everything together. Thinner oats like quick or instant oats can result in a mushy texture.

Make sure you press the bars into a smooth, compact layer so they bind properly. The bars need to chill in the freezer so the tahini and coconut oil can set. They do not need to be frozen completely.

Nutrition Notes

Oats are a good source of fiber, which can help you feel satiated for longer. Plus, eating enough fiber can support gut health and reduce risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they can be processed on the same equipment as gluten-containing foods, so look for ones labeled gluten-free if needed.

Hemp seeds provide a nice balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which work together to regulate inflammation. Those omega-6 fatty acids may also support hormonal health and lower the risk of hormone-driven cancers. Plus, hemp seeds offer plant-based protein as well.

Tahini, which is made from ground sesame seeds, contains lignans, a type of plant compound with anti-inflammatory properties. Lignans may help reduce blood pressure and protect cells from damage.

Ingredients

½ cup well-stirred tahini

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons refined coconut oil

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

⅓ cup hemp seeds

¼ cup finely chopped dried apricots

¼ cup finely chopped dried figs

¼ cup pepitas

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

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Directions

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, microwave ½ cup tahini, 3 tablespoons maple syrup and 2 tablespoons coconut oil, uncovered, on High until the oil is almost melted, about 40 seconds. Stir until melted, then stir in 1 cup oats, ⅓ cup hemp seeds, ¼ cup each apricots, figs and pepitas and ¼ teaspoon each cardamom, cinnamon and salt.

Line an 8½-by-4½ inch loaf pan with plastic wrap. Press the oat mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating a compact, even layer. Freeze, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Using the plastic wrap as handles, remove the oat mixture from the pan. Transfer to a cutting board; remove and discard the plastic wrap. Slice into 8 (4½-by-1-inch) bars.