Deck the halls with— what? Oh, it’s only November 26th and I need to calm down? I can see that… Well, anyway, I’m getting super excited about holiday flavors and baking and all that jazz and was even more excited when CM surprised me with the gift of eggnog protein powder. So, naturally, I decided to make eggnog protein bars.
Why eggnog protein bars? Because this is the one time of year it’s acceptable to eat holiday flavored EVERYTHING, so I’m planning on taking full advantage. I figure this protein powder (made by this company called Legion that actually cares about the quality of ingredients – it’s pretty awesome), will make some awesome eggnog flavored cookies, and smoothies and brownies and all that, but first… eggnog protein bars.
The recipe follows a similar pattern as other bars I’ve made in the past (like these strawberry ones!), and comes together pretty quickly.
Notes on making Low Carb Eggnog Protein Bars:
- the primary flavoring component of eggnog is nutmeg, so if you don’t like nutmeg…you probably won’t like these.
- I used Neufchatel because I like the tanginess and texture a little better than straight up cream cheese, but you could easily use cream cheese as well.
- While these bars are made with cream cheese, they’re pretty shelf stable. I store them in the fridge, but they definitely transport totally fine in a lunchbox.
- I used eggnog protein powder, but you could get a similar effect by using a vanilla protein powder and a pinch more nutmeg.
- Turn these into eggnog latte protein bars (I know!) by adding a tbsp of espresso powder in with the protein powder. That might be the best decision you make all day!
- Add chopped up sugar free chocolate bits to these to really get in the holiday spirit.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces (8 tbsp) Neufchatel or cream cheese
- 4 tbsp coconut butter/manna
- 3 scoops (~90g) Eggnog Protein Powder OR Vanilla Protein Powder and double the nutmeg below
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (doubled if using vanilla protein powder)
Method
- In a bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Knead until totally mixed - I actually use exam gloves for this to keep my hands from being a mess, but they're optional. :)
- Seriously, keep kneading - this is a lot of kneading. You'll want to break up clumps of the coconut manna as well.
- Once everything is completely combined and has formed a ball of protein dough (yum), press into a loaf pan and cut into 8 equal slices.
- Store in the fridge (though, being in a lunch bag all day is fine!).
