Spring is here and with warmer days many of us are getting outside more — running, cycling, and returning to the gym. Pairing regular exercise with nutrient-dense snacks helps you feel energized and recover well. These maca power bars are a simple, no-bake option packed with whole ingredients to fuel you before or after workouts.
Maca powder is often used as a natural energizer and is prized for its nutrient profile. Combined with oats, almonds, chia and hemp hearts, these bars deliver a balanced mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein, making them a satisfying and portable healthy snack.
Maca power bars
- Author: Jess
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 15 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Chill
- Cuisine: American
Description
These no-bake maca power bars are an easy, nutritious snack you can make in one short session. They combine oats, almonds, seeds and medjool dates for natural sweetness and texture, while maca powder adds a boost many people find helpful for sustained energy. They firm up in the refrigerator, slice easily, and store well for quick grab-and-go fuel.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 2 tbsp maca powder
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
- 1/4 cup hemp hearts
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup pitted medjool dates
- 1/4 cup almond or sunflower butter
- 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
Notes: If you prefer, omit the maca powder — the bars will still be tasty and nutritious. You can swap almond butter for another nut or seed butter depending on allergies or preference. If brown rice syrup isn’t available, a small amount of maple syrup or honey (for non-vegan) can be used, but final texture may vary slightly.
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place the oats, maca powder, toasted sliced almonds, ground flax seeds, hemp hearts, chia seeds, cinnamon and pinch of salt into a food processor. Pulse briefly to combine and break down the almonds slightly.
- Add the pitted medjool dates, almond (or sunflower) butter and brown rice syrup. Process until the mixture begins to come together into a sticky dough. Scrape down the sides as needed so everything mixes evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using clean hands or a spatula, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan so the surface is compact and flat.
- Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to slice.
- Remove from the fridge and lift the parchment out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars of your desired size.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for about one week; you can also freeze them for longer storage.
Tips and variations
- For a chewier bar, leave larger pieces of almonds instead of processing them completely.
- Add a few tablespoons of shredded coconut, cacao nibs, or a handful of dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
- If the mixture is too dry to stick together, add a teaspoon or two of water or more nut butter, a little at a time, until it binds.
- To make smaller snack bites, press the mixture into a silicone mold and chill until set.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 167
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
*If you do not wish to use maca in the recipe you can simply omit it. They will still be great!