Fudgy Adaptogen Protein Bars (With Lactation Bar Variation)

January 3, 2018
These bars started with my desire to make my own lactation cookies. I wanted a healthy, affordable snack that would give me an easy nutritional boost while supporting my milk supply. After a few rounds of making them, I realized that they're the perfect conduit for almost any supplement powder.
These days, I don't have time to make a maca latte followed by a super greens smoothie followed by a freshly juiced turmeric elixir--but if there's ever a time that I've craved and *needed* superfoods, it's during this postpartum period, characterized by jagged sleep slightly chaotic--but very joyful--days! I've come to love these all-in-one wellness bars.
Because I'm nursing, I've subbed the adaptogens powder for ground fenugreek seeds, and I've even included raw supergreens in my latest batch. I do not, however, recommend including fenugreek if you're not lactating because it will make you smell like maple syrup--which sounds more charming than it really is! Oats and brewer's yeast were also a part of my original lactation bar recipe as they are believed to enhance milk supply, but I've kept them in this recipe because together they provide fiber and lots of B vitamins.
The big thing to take away here is that you can customize the bars to your liking depending on what adaptogens / wellness powders you have in your pantry. You could even do half the oat powder and include 1 cup greens powder if you can stomach it! Just play around to see what suits you!
I consider these bars supplements more than sweets. I like the taste, but if you need something super delicious, I recommend making actual cookies!
Fudgy Adaptogen Protein Bars (With Lactation Bar Variation)

Fudgy Adaptogen Protein Bars (With Lactation Bar Variation)

Recipe Type: Detox Sweets
utensils YIELDS 20-25 squares
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  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
  • 3 tablespoons brewer's yeast
  • 2 tablespoons maca / adaptogen powder
  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 tablespoons cacao
  • 4 teaspoons vegan protein powder (or additional adaptogen powder)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup liquid sweetener (I prefer raw coconut nectar)
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup nut butter
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Directions

1. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. 2. In a double boiler, or a glass bowl placed inside a pot with 1-inch of water at the bottom, warm the nut butter, oil, and vanilla extract, stirring frequently until you have a consistent texture. 3. Mix the liquid mixture with the dry ingredients until you have a uniform, fudgy mass. If the mixture is a bit dry, add more but butter as needed. 4. Line a shallow, square tupperware container with wax paper. Press the mixture into the container and form an even flat layer. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or longer (I usually let mine set for a few hours). 5. When you're ready to eat the bars, cut them into squares and enjoy! Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

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Photos: Mary Hood Luttrell


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Peaceful Dumpling Beauty Editor and creator of Bisou du Jour, Mary Hood Luttrell lives with her husband in Corpus Christi, Texas. Mary is a freelance writer and writing and blogging consultant. A lover of whole foods, Mary delights in learning new ways to prepare vegan dishes. Mary also enjoys reading and writing poetry, art journaling, running, and practicing yoga and ballet. Follow Mary on her blog Bisou du Jour, Instagram and Pinterest.

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