Honey + Bee Pollen "Bulletproof" Collagen Bars
I got super into bulletproof coffee when I did Whole30 a few months ago. You know, the whole "add grass-fed butter and MCT oil to your coffee and you become superhuman all morning" thing. Simply put: the combination provides you with sustained energy to get you through the morning. While I mostly got into it because I was looking for a replacement for cream in my coffee (this totally did the trick!) during Whole30, I actually did notice an uptick in my energy level. I felt more clear, alert, and focused. That coulda just been the coffee, though. :) After poking around on the Bulletproof site a little, I saw they make bars and I was intrigued so I set out to create my own!
These are the perfect little snack to keep you full and satisfied while you're active throughout the day. The healthy fats from the nuts will keep you full and satiated, the collagen will help strengthen your bones, and the combination of ghee and coconut oil will keep you energized, focused, and alert. Have them for breakfast, a mid-morning snack, pre-workout bite, or whenever you need a boost. They're also refined-sugar free so you won't feel a big crash later.
And the bee pollen! If you've never had it or think it sounds too hippy: I get it. Admittedly, when I hear bee pollen, this is the first thing I think of is that scene in Baby Mama when Steve Martin asks a faint-looking Tina Fey if she needs a shot of bee pollen. But I'm asking you to give it a chance. It's like the ultimate superfood because it contains nearly all the nutrients required by humans and it can even help to stabilize your metabolism! And it tastes good. To me, it tastes like little pearls of honey. It's mildly sweet-tasting.
I've been having one of these at work about 30 minutes before I leave so by the time I get home, I'm fueled up and ready to work out. They're also great to toss in your bag and head out the door to the gym or to run errands. Wrap 'em up individually to make them super convenient.
Honey + Bee Pollen "Bulletproof" Collagen Bars
makes 12 bars
1/2 c ghee, melted (Fourth & Heart Madagascar Vanilla Bean is my go-to!)
1/2 c coconut oil, melted
1/4 c cashew butter
1/3 c raw honey (local if you can find it!)
1 t vanilla bean puree (or vanilla extract)
1 c collagen powder (I love Vital Proteins)
2 1/4 c almond flour (or whatever nut flour you'd like)
pinch of himalayan pink salt
1/4 c bee pollen
Line an 8 x 10 inch pan with parchment and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the collagen powder, almond flour, and salt until combined. In another bowl, whisk together the ghee, coconut oil, cashew butter, honey, and vanilla bean puree. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until completely combined.
Press the dough into your parchment-lined pan until it's in a single, even layer. Sprinkle the bee pollen over the top and gently press it in to the surface of the dough with your hand to help it stick. Chill for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
Once firm, lift the dough out of the pan using the parchment and slice into desired size. I portioned mine into about 12 2 inch bars but feel free to slice into squares for a smaller portion or you could even roll the dough into balls instead of pressing into bars for quick energy bites.
Store in refrigerator for up to a month.
