1,2,3,4,5

As much as I try to slow down and savor the art or cooking whole food meals everyday, my life as a grad student is fast-paced and sometimes all I need is an "on the go" wholesome snack right? I'm also sick and tired of scrutinizing the labels of the so-called health bars trying to find one that has enough protein to fill me up but not loaded with sweet extracts of this or that.

I used to experiment with making different granola bars in order to avoid any sneaky substitutes for wholesome ingredients but really never found one that I could whip up in a jiffy and store easily... Until about a month ago,that is, when I happened upon this:  Protein Cakes

5 ingredients. Check!
15 grams protein per bar. Check!
Can be made in 20 min flat. Check!
Tasty. Check check!

Needless to say, I have made these bars 4 weeks in a row and have modified the recipe as shown below. What's great about these bars is the fact that you can change the flavor, texture, and sweetness very easily depending on your cravings that week. But most importantly you can be confident that you are providing your body with wholesome protein for sustainable energy when you have "a lot on your life's plate" so to speak.

The following 5 ingredients can be tweaked to suit your taste bud's needs.

1 cup protein powder ( pumpkin seed, whey and hemp are my favorites)

1/2 cup cocoa powder ( that is of course if you like them to be chocolate flavor)

1 cup applesauce ( unsweetened organic)

2 eggs

Stevia to taste

Mix all the ingredients and pop in a bread pan lined with parchment paper.

Bake at 400 for 15-18 min depending on how moist you want them.


Once they are done slice the "bread" into "bars" and refridgerate or freeze for a quick, yummy, nutritious everyday snack.


Ps different variations that I have played with and have liked are:
Berry : add 1/2 cup of frozen berries
Banana walnut : add 1 mashed banana and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Vanilla chia: add 1 T vanilla extract and 1/4 cup chia seeds. Let this one sit for 15 min before baking to let chia seeds expand.

With all variations, modify the texture by adding or subtracting applesauce.