The holiday season is all about indulging in delicious treats and spending time with loved ones. And what better way to celebrate the season than with homemade iced gingerbread Clif bars? Not only are these bars easy to make, but they’re also packed with protein and perfect for on-the-go snacking. So get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth and fuel your body with this festive treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp almond milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the almond butter, molasses, and almond milk until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into 8 equal pieces.
- To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled bars and let set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of iced gingerbread Clif bars contains:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 17g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Serving Suggestions
These iced gingerbread Clif bars are perfect for a quick breakfast or midday snack. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for the ultimate winter treat.
Variations
If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the wet ingredients. You can also swap out the almond butter for peanut butter or cashew butter for a slightly different flavor.
Substitutions
If you don’t have almond milk on hand, you can use any type of milk or milk alternative. You can also substitute the molasses for maple syrup or honey.
Storage
Store these iced gingerbread Clif bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- Be sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
- If the icing is too thick, you can add more almond milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes or gingerbread crumbs on top of the icing before it sets.
Notes
These bars are not only delicious, but they’re also a great source of protein and fiber. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast or midday snack, and they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze these bars?
- Can I use a different type of protein powder?
- Can I omit the icing?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer.
Yes, you can use any type of protein powder you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the amount of almond milk accordingly to achieve the right consistency.
Yes, you can enjoy these bars without the icing if you prefer. They’ll still be delicious and packed with flavor.
Final Thoughts
These iced gingerbread Clif bars are the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. They’re easy to make, packed with protein and fiber, and absolutely delicious. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a midday snack, or as a dessert, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings and fuel your body. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and enjoy the festive flavors of the season.