Recipe: Date Sweetened Protein Bars

This recipe is another staple in our house. They’re nutrient-dense and perfect for satisfying a sweet-tooth without the blood sugar spike. High in fiber, protein, antioxidants, minerals, healthy fats, and essential amino acids. They make the perfect pre or post workout snack and are also completely free from refined sugar, gluten, and grains.

In all honesty, this isn’t one of my quickest or simplest recipes but they’re so worth it, especially if you make a large batch and can have them throughout your whole week. They stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 7 days in the fridge.

The recipe below will yield a large batch (20-24 medium sizes bars depending on how you cut them). Feel free to half the recipe for a smaller batch.

Bar Ingredients:

Topping Ingredients:

  • 12-15 medjool dates, pitted, halved and flattened

  • 2oz organic coconut oil (melted)

  • 2 tablespoons of organic heirloom cacao or carob powder (I use the one from Anima Mundi)

  • 3/4 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes (I usually toast mine first before beginning the bar mixture so they’re ready to be crushed and sprinkled as soon as you drizzle the coconut oil and cacao sauce — this helps the coconut flakes stick to the dates better)

Bar Directions:

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 170 °F

  • Grease a large glass baking dish with organic grass-fed ghee or tallow (I like the one from Lineage Provisions), set that aside so it’s ready to go when your mixture is complete

  • In a large glass mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients (almond flour, coconut flour, protein powder, adaptogens, cinnamon)

  • Once dry ingredients are well mixed, slowly add in your melted fats (ghee, tallow, coconut oil) and mix till it looks like a rough cookie dough

  • Slowly add in your liquid of choice (milk, water, or coconut water) and mix until your mixture comes together like a smooth cookie dough

  • Transfer the dough mixture into your greased baking dish, then oil your hands with fat of choice (I usually use about a teaspoon of melted coconut oil), and gently press your mixture into the baking dish until it’s evenly distributed

  • Top with a thin layer of your flattened medjool dates

  • Bake for 40mins at 170 °F

Topping Directions:

  • Toast your coconut flakes for 20-25mins at 170 °F then toss them in a dusting of ceylon cinnamon

  • Melt your coconut oil then mix in your cacao powder or carob powder

  • Pour cacao or carob mixture evenly over the dates, top with sea salt or pink himalayan salt then gently press in your toasted coconut flakes

  • Allow final product to cool before placing in the fridge to set (4-6 hours)

  • Once fully set, cut into bars and enjoy!!!

To learn more about the benefits of all the ingredients, keep reading! If you opt to use the Animal-Based Protein Powder from Lineage Provisions, don’t forget to use my code KELLEY for 10% off your order!

Ingredient Benefits:

1. Organic Almond Flour

Almond flour is rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it a great low-carb, gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. It’s high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health and immune function, and it provides magnesium, which aids in blood sugar control and muscle function.

2. Organic Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is a fiber powerhouse, especially rich in insoluble fiber, which promotes digestive health and blood sugar stability. It’s also gluten-free and contains small amounts of protein and healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can support energy metabolism.

3. Ceylon Cinnamon

Known as "true" cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and slowing the digestion of carbohydrates.

4. Cacao Powder

Raw cacao powder is packed with antioxidants, especially flavonoids, which support heart health and brain function. It also provides iron, magnesium, and mood-boosting compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine.

5. Carob Powder

Carob is a naturally sweet, caffeine-free alternative to cocoa. It’s high in fiber and contains antioxidants, along with calcium and trace minerals. Its tannin content may also support digestive health.

6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains MCTs, which the body can quickly convert to energy. It has antimicrobial properties thanks to lauric acid and may support metabolic health, brain function, and weight management when consumed in moderation.

7. Grass-Fed Ghee

Ghee is clarified butter that’s rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Grass-fed ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may support fat metabolism and reduce inflammation, as well as butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid beneficial for gut health.

8. Grass-Fed Beef Tallow

Tallow from grass-fed cows is high in healthy saturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins. It’s especially rich in stearic acid and CLA, which support mitochondrial function and may reduce inflammation. To learn more about the Lineage Provisions Grass-Fed Tallow, check out my previous post here!

9. Coconut Flakes

Coconut flakes provide healthy fats (including MCTs), fiber, and minerals like manganese, which supports bone health and metabolism. They’re also a good source of iron and contribute to satiety and energy.

10. Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogens like maca, suma, ashwagandha, rhodiola, and lion’s mane help the body resist stress and maintain hormonal balance. They can support adrenal health, enhance energy and focus, and promote resilience to physical and emotional stressors.

11. Medjool Dates

Rich in natural sugars, mainly glucose and fructose, making them a quick source of energy. Despite their sweetness, they have a low glycemic index due to their high fiber content, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and support digestion. They’re packed with important minerals like potassium, which supports heart and muscle function, and magnesium, which helps with muscle relaxation, nerve function, and bone health. They also provide copper, manganese, and vitamin B6, which are essential for energy production and brain health. Plus, Medjool dates are high in antioxidants—especially flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid—which may help fight inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress.

12. Animal-Based Complete Protein Powder

After many years of using whey or plant-based protein powders, I made the switch to the Lineage Provisions Protein Powder and it’s absolutely game-changing. It’s the best protein powder I have truly ever had, and trust me, I’ve tried them all. I love their ‘ABC’ Protein Powder because its all-in-one Animal-Based Nutrition, making it the easiest way to get comprehensive, nose-to-tail animal-based nutrition with grass-fed beef protein, organs, colostrum, and fruit. Each scoop provides 20+ grams of protein from whole beef sources, equivalent to 4 ounces of grass-fed beef. It’s extremely gut-friendly, so no bloating, yay! Unlike most protein powders, ABC is optimized for digestion with no whey, soy, gums, or fillers, so you won't experience bloating or discomfort. The added colostrum supports gut health and immune function for a clean, digestible source of protein. Only 100% clean ingredients, no fillers ever. It’s made with only real food ingredients—grass-fed beef protein, organs, fruit, maple syrup, and coconut water—no artificial flavors, stabilizers, or sweeteners. Lineage products are tested for over 450 contaminants like heavy metals and mycotoxins. I love the boost in energy and faster recovery that this protein powder delivers…. with nutrients like Vitamin A, B12, iron, and CoQ10 from organs like liver and heart, ABC helps support energy, muscle recovery, and overall vitality. It’s great for post-workout recovery or as an all-in-one on the go. Whether it’s in a smoothie, raw milk, baking, or bone broth, ABC blends easily into a wide variety of recipes, offering complete animal-based nutrition wherever you need it.

I hope you try this delicious and super nutritious protein bar recipe!! Stay tuned for more recipes, and be sure to use my link to stock up on Lineage Provisions goods because they’re the best!! If you have any questions about this recipe, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

xo,

Kelley

Disclaimer: The recipes and health information shared on this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Results may vary. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes. These are personal experiences and should not replace professional medical advice.

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