Description
These Birthday Cake Protein Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that combine creamy cashew butter, vanilla protein powder, and festive rainbow sprinkles for a fun, cake-like treat. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a post-workout snack, they require no baking and come together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup creamy cashew butter (192g) – Smooth and nutty base
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp almond milk – Keeps the bars soft and chewy
- 1 tbsp maple syrup – Adds natural sweetness
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – Essential for the cake-like flavor
- ¼ tsp almond extract – Enhances the sweetness
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder (100g) – Protein-packed base
- Pinch of sea salt – Enhances flavors
- 2 tbsp rainbow sprinkles – For a fun, festive touch
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a bread pan with parchment paper and set it aside to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy cashew butter, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla protein powder and a pinch of sea salt until a cohesive dough forms. If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly, add more almond milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the right consistency is achieved.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently mix in the rainbow sprinkles to distribute them evenly without melting or breaking their shape.
- Shape & Chill: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared bread pan using the back of a spoon or your hands, smoothing the top for an even surface.
- Refrigerate: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the bars to firm up.
- Slice & Serve: Once set, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, cut into 6 equal bars, and enjoy your festive, protein-packed treat.
- Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a different nut butter base, try almond or peanut butter while keeping the moisture content similar.
- Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber and omega-3 benefits.
- Use vegan protein powder to keep this recipe fully plant-based and vegan.
- If you prefer softer bars, reduce the chilling time slightly.
- Sprinkles may add some sugars; consider sugar-free options if watching sugar intake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
