Sunflower Seed Butter and Goji Berry Bars

These delightful sunflower seed butter and goji berry bars are a delicious and healthy treat, perfect for a quick snack or a post-workout boost. Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, these bars offer a balanced nutritional profile that supports a healthy lifestyle. The blend of coconut flour, hemp protein, and pea protein provides a hearty base, while the addition of goji berries adds a burst of sweetness and vibrant color. With a hint of vanilla and a touch of honey, these bars achieve a perfect balance of flavors. The texture is nutty and satisfying, thanks to the sunflower seed butter, which also offers a creamy richness. Easy to make and customize, these bars can be stored in the refrigerator for a convenient grab-and-go option. Whether you're looking for a morning energy boost, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a guilt-free dessert, these bars are the ideal solution. Enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge or pack them for your next adventure.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2 tablespoons coconut flour (25g)
2 tablespoons hemp protein
1 tablespoon pea protein
1 large handful goji berries
1 teaspoon vanilla essence or ground vanilla pods
100g sunflower seed butter
1 tablespoon honey (adjust for sweetness)
30ml melted coconut oil or cocoa butter (for firmer bars)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes (including chilling time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the coconut flour, hemp protein, and pea protein.
Mix with Goji Berries: Incorporate goji berries into the dry mixture to ensure they're evenly distributed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the vanilla essence, sunflower seed butter, and honey into the bowl with dry ingredients.
Melt Oil: Gently melt the coconut oil or cocoa butter and add it to the bowl.
Mix Thoroughly: Using your hands, mix all the ingredients until a uniform dough-like consistency is achieved.
Form the Mixture: Press the mixture firmly into a mold or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Chill the Mixture: Place the mold in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour or until set.
Cut Bars: Remove from the fridge and cut into bars or desired shapes.
Store Properly: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Cocoa Butter Option: For harder bars suitable for travel, use a mix of coconut oil and cocoa butter.
Consistent Thickness: Ensure the thickness of the bars is consistent for even setting.
Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting, use a sharp knife to achieve clean edges.
Test Sweetness: Taste the mixture before setting to adjust sweetness to preference.
Decorative Option: Sprinkle additional goji berries on top before chilling for a decorative touch.
Portioning: Adjust the size of the bars according to dietary needs or preferences.
Check Texture: Test the texture; if too soft, chill longer or adjust fats.
Pack for Travel: If using only coconut oil, consume immediately after removing from the fridge.
Quick Snack: Perfect for a quick energy boost anytime.
Long-lasting: Store well in the fridge and can last a few weeks.
Nut-free Option: Replace sunflower seed butter with an alternative if allergic.

Tips

Chill Immediately: To ensure the perfect texture, chill the bars immediately after forming.
Use Cocoa Butter: For firmer bars, replace some coconut oil with cocoa butter.
Experiment with Sweetness: Adjust honey to your preferred sweetness level.

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 150 per bar
Protein: 4g
Fats: 10g
Carbs: 8g

Variations

Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter with tahini for a nut-free option.
Vegan: Use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of dark chocolate for extra indulgence.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy as a standalone snack.
Pair with a hot cup of herbal tea or coffee.
Serve alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.

Best Places

The Plant Café - A vibrant spot offering a variety of healthy snacks and great coffee. Location: 101 California St, San Francisco, USA.
Raw Press - Known for its raw and organic plant-based snacks. Location: 32 Dover St, London, UK.
Greenhouse Juice Co. - Offers fresh juices and healthy snacks in a stylish setting. Location: 5 Macpherson Ave, Toronto, Canada.
Alchemy - A holistic café with an emphasis on nutritious foods. Location: 123 Main St, Dublin, Ireland.
Pure Café - Specializes in vegan and raw treats. Location: 6 Rue Charonne, Paris, France.
The Green Fork - Combines fresh ingredients with innovative recipes. Location: 541 N. Lemoine Ave, Huntsville, USA.
HealthNut Café - Offers a wide range of healthy snacks and meals. Location: 5829 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, USA.
Superfood Bar - Specializes in superfood-infused snacks and drinks. Location: 1041 Broadway St, New Orleans, USA.
The Sprout Café - A great place for organic and whole food snacks. Location: 218 E 1st St, Port Angeles, USA.
Soul Kitchen - Focuses on soul-nourishing dishes in a cozy setting. Location: 127 Sullivan St, New York City, USA.