These post was created in partnership with the American Pecan Council. All opinions are our own. Wholesome snacks is a topic Alex and I get asked about a lot. Now that we have a toddler, we think about it a lot too! This energy bar recipe is our newest invention for healthy snacks. And let me tell you, our son Larson is OBSESSED with them, too! Not only are these kid approved, they’re perfect for adult snacking too. The sweet flavor is reminiscent of pecan pie, and they’re full of superfoods like pecans and chia seeds.
What’s great about pecans?
Pecans are the star in this energy bar recipe! There are so many things Alex and I love about this nut. Pecans are:
Nutritious: Pecans are very nutrient dense! They’re among the highest in “good” monounsaturated fats, and contain protein, fiber, flavonoids and essential minerals (copper, manganese and zinc). Versatile: They’re not just for pecan pie! They’re an easy snack right out of the bag or mixed with dried fruit for a fast trail mix. We love tossing them into our morning oatmeal, on yogurt, and onto green salads. Of course, using pecans in granola and energy bars is only natural. Local: Of all the major tree nuts eaten in the US, pecans are the only ones indigenous to America! They were originally grown wild and enjoyed by Native Americans. Now they’re harvested in over a dozen Southern states.
What’s in this energy bar recipe?
Why make an energy bar recipe at home instead of buying it? Well, it lets you control the ingredients so you know exactly what’s in it! They’re also slightly cheaper than store bought. The energy bars we like to make are similar to store bought Larabars. But our homemade version is about 2/3 less cost and you have ultimate control over the ingredients! Here’s what’s in them:
Pecans Medjool dates Oats Chia seeds (gives a boost of protein, fiber and Omega 3s!)
How to make homemade energy bars
To make this energy bar recipe, you’ll need a large size food processor for blending the ingredients. Here are the basic steps:
In a food processor, blend together Medjool dates, pecans, oats, chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon and salt until a sticky dough forms. Press it into an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake the bars for 30 minutes at 200 degrees, which helps to dry them out a bit and improves the texture so they’re not so sticky. Cut them into bars that are 3 inches long and 1 ½ inches wide.
Are they kid friendly?
YES. our toddler Larson is SO into these! They’re a great kid friendly snack that’s also naturally vegan and gluten free. Here are a few photos of him gnawing on these pecan energy bars. (Where did our baby go?)
Looking for pecan recipes?
The pecan is one of our favorite nuts and we love working it into recipes! Here are a few of our favorite pecan recipes:
Candied Pecans Glazed Pecans Toasted Homemade Breakfast Cereal Pumpkin Pecan Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookies Acai Bowl Recipe…with pecan topping! Healthy Maple Pecan Granola
This energy bar recipe is…
Vegetarian, gluten free, vegan, plant based, dairy free, refined sugar free, and naturally sweet. Last updated: January 2020 4.6 from 13 reviews
