High-Protein Pecan Pie Bars (with Pecan Flour)

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups pecan flour (or finely ground pecans)
• 2 tbsp coconut flour (helps bind)
• 2 tbsp vanilla or unflavored protein powder (optional boost)
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil or grass-fed butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups pecans
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar (optional for sweetness depth)
• 2 tbsp protein powder (whey, egg white, or plant-based)
• 1 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prep:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8x8" or 9x9" pan with parchment paper.

2. Make Crust:

• Combine pecan flour, coconut flour, protein powder (if using), salt, and mix.
• Stir in melted oil, sweetener, and vanilla until crumbly but sticky.
• Press into the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden.

3. Make Filling:

• In a bowl, whisk together eggs, maple syrup, coconut sugar, oil, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and protein powder.
• Fold in chopped pecans.
• Pour mixture evenly over baked crust.

4. Bake Again:

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until center is just set.
• Cool completely. Chill in the fridge for clean slicing.

🧾 Nutrition Estimate (per bar, 1 of 12):

Exact values depend on protein powder and sweeteners used.

Protein Boosting Tips:

• Use egg white protein or whey isolate for the highest yield.
• For a plant-based version, use pea + rice protein.
• Add 1–2 tbsp of hemp seeds or chia seeds to the filling for extra protein and omega-3s.