Homemade Cherry Buckwheat Energy Bars Recipe

Every few weeks I make a batch of homemade energy bars based on Brendan Brazier’s Thrive series of books and programming. I love his recipes because they are so open to interpretation and what you have on hand. I've been tweaking mine with every batch and this version is the best I've made so far.

Cherry Buckwheat Energy Bars
makes 12 small bars or 6 large bars

1/2 c thawed cherries
1/4 c sunflower seeds
1/4 c almonds
4-5 Brazil nuts
10 dates
4 dried apricots
1/4 c buckwheat groats
1/8 c coconut flakes
1/4 c Vega chocolate protein powder
Salt, cinnamon and ginger to taste

Place all ingredients in a food process and blend until they form a cohesive mass. If it’s too wet, add protein powder in small increments. Mine have never been too dry!

Scoop out onto a large sheet of wax paper and use a spatula to form it into a square/rectangle shape, as seen below:

Wrap the entire thing in wax paper and leave in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. Remove and cut into 12 or 6 pieces. Wrap each piece individually in wax paper, and store in the freezer in an airtight bag or container.

Here’s the nutrition stats for a small bar (1/12^th):

I like to eat these after my morning workout and stretch either before or after a shower. It’s good to eat something within 25 minutes of a workout, and these have a nice balance of carbs and protein. The cherry and ginger are great for muscle recovery as well.

Remember…food is the best medicine!