These Paleo Maple Sea Salt Protein Bars are a copycat version of the popular store bought bar. They are made with just a few simple, real ingredients. Gluten free, egg free, dairy free, and so easy to make!
This post is sponsored on behalf of Naked Nutrition. All opinions are 100% my own, of course! Thank you for supporting brands that help make Real Food with Jessica possible!
It’s been a while since I’ve shared a copycat recipe for these store bought bars. I have Chocolate Sea Salt, Pumpkin, Apple Cinnamon Raisin and SunButter (Peanut Butter) already. Maple is definitely a favorite of mine and I know of others. I have gotten requests to recreate it, but until now I have had a hard time finding a good maple flavoring (don’t but it on Amazon, that one has soy). I finally found one and the result is just as good as expected.
Egg Whites vs Collagen
In the original bar, egg whites are used for the protein source. There is nothing wrong with egg whites, but why not use something with added health benefits like collagen? It’s still tasteless and adds protein, but with the additional health benefits like being great for your skin, hair and joints. I used Naked Collagen which I love because it’s from grass-fed cows that are pasture raised. It has only one ingredient, no sweeteners or fillers added. Using collagen also makes them egg free which is great for anyone working around an allergy or sensitivity.
Baked or No-Bake
These are easily a no-bake snack, just blend and refrigerate. But I’ve had people comment on the other flavors how they are too sticky for on the go, so I tried baking them and was amazed at the flavor and texture. They hold together better, and chewy and soft and so good! I didn’t get any pictures of what they look like, but I highly recommend it. I wrote the instructions in the notes of the recipe.
Nutritional Information
I don’t usually figure out nutrition info for my recipes, but since these are a copycat version I did. Here is the breakdown for mine.
Homemade- Calories: 231, Fat: 16g, Sugar: 10g, Protein: 12g
Orignal- Calories: 220, Fat: 9g, Sugar 14g, Protein: 12g
So more fat, less sugar and same protein. I say that’s a good recreation!
If you like the original then I know you will love this copycat version. Easy to make and so delicious!
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Paleo Maple Sea Salt Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups (224g) raw pecans*
- 1 cup (60g) pitted dates
- 1 heaping cup (95g) Naked Collagen
- 2 1/2 tablespoons maple flavor
- 3/4 teaspoon large grain salt**
- water if needed, 2-3 tablespoons
Instructions
- Soak the dates in warm water for 5 minutes if needed. This isn't necessary, but if your dates are older then it's a good idea. Drain before using.
- Combine the pecans, dates, collagen, and maple flavoring in a food processor or high powered blender. Blend until mixed. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed. Add a little water if needed, but make sure to blend good first. Adding too much water will make them sticky. Press into pan and sprinkle the salt on top. Place in the fridge to chill. Cut into 10 bars, 5x2.
Notes:
Addison says
I love the maple flavored RX bars so I’m excited to give these a go!
Kimberly says
Do you think it would still work if real maple syrup was used instead of the flavoring? The consistency is different so it may be too sticky.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Kimberly, I think that may work. You won’t need the water and maybe try 1/4 cup syrup. Hope you love them!
Kassie says
These are delicious! If you bake them, do they still need to be refrigerated? Thank you for a great recipe!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Kassie! They should be good at room temperature for 5-7 days if baked. Then place them in the fridge if longer. Thanks for trying them!
Allison says
I was so excited to try this until I saw that the maple flavoring contains sugar syrup, so this isn’t actually paleo. I’m going to give this a try with maple water or just a bit of maple syrup. Thanks for the recipe!
Jessica DeMay says
Hope you love them!
Allison says
I just saw the photo above where you have these listed as Whole 30. The maple flavoring contains sugar syrup, so these are not Whole 30. Pretty sure maple syrup isn’t either.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Allison- the one I listed, at the time, didn’t have sugar. Maybe they changed their formula. I’m very careful to not mislabel recipes. 🙂