Food Processor Snack Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup almond butter or other nut butter
- 1/2 cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup salted pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
Directions:
- In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a chopping blade, combine the dates and almond butter. Process the mixture for about 30 seconds or until the dates are smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Add the protein powder and process for another 30 seconds or until everything is smooth and a dough forms.
- Add the oats to the food processor and process for another 30 seconds to combine, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Add the almonds and pumpkin seeds to the food processor and pulse about 10 times until they are evenly dispersed.
- Check the dough with your fingers or a spoon. If the mixture is too dry, add 2 tablespoons of water and process again. Add another tablespoon of water if needed. The dough should be smooth and sticky but stiff. If the dough gets too wet, add extra oats, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Add the chopped apricots and cherries and pulse about 10 more times until the fruit is dispersed. Transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined 8-by-8-inch baking pan and press in place using your fingers or a spatula.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for an hour, or the freezer for 30 minutes, and then slice it into bars.
