Healthy Cornbread Protein Bars with Apples and Dates {GF + Super Simple}

These healthy cornbread protein bars taste like traditional cornbread, but with a protein boost and added pecans, apples and dates for natural sweetness!

You guys. Today we’re getting deep, because I have a confession to make to ya’ll.

I didn’t grow up eating cornbread, like AT ALL. Not cornbread waffles. No cornbread, umm, bread. No cornbread NOTHING.

It just wasn’t a “thing” in Canada.

And now you’re judging me for saying ya’ll because people from Canada who have never eaten cornbread should not be throwing around such a word so lightly.

Cut me some slack, I’m just trying to get my assimilation on. You understand.

Anyway.

So, as the story continues, I tried cornbread for my first time about a year ago.

HOT GOLLY GOSH DARN + insert any other !!! describing word you can get your brain to imagine here. I love Mr. FFF and all, but this. THIS!! I could marry it.

Wouldn’t we have cute babies? Was that too far? Probably.

Moving on.

I then decided that being introduced to cornbread was the reward for losing your citizenship. And, I am 110% A-okay with that.

Now, we know cornbread is off da chayyyyneee (do people still say that anymore?) but we also know that it is off the hypothetical “chain” because it’s so soft, moist and lightly sweet and buttery.

And you don’t get no “lightly sweet and buttery” from adding kale peeps. We tried that in the Paleo breakfast cookies with kale. Just sayin’.

Because of my new found and TotallyAndCompletelyUndying love for this sweet, corny, baked goodness, I knew that I would want to be shoveling it into my mouth on the reg’. Which means it was going to need to get pimped out.

In a healthy cornbread way. And with no Xhibit in sight.

Do people even watch that show anymore? Judging by this post, I clearly have no idea what is going on in the real world.

But, do current events really matter when there is healthy cornbread at hand? And, yes, there is only one correct answer to that.

Anyway. (Have you noticed I really like this word?)

Because I have an obsession with protein powdering ALL THE THINGS, I turned them into homemade protein bars. With some added texture (MY LOVE) and healthy yums in the form of dried apples, pecans and dates.

Those energy bites started a serious addiction you guys. Can dates be their own food group PUH-LEAZZZZZZZZ?!

The crunchety, texture that is included the above mini-paragraphs (because you guys know I can’t write more than 2 sentences at a time) also helps with the whole naturally-sweetened-honey-shenanigans that these homemade protein bars have got going on.

How-EV-er, I can’t lie to you. These bars took a few times to achieve that super-soft-sweet-but-not-GAH-I-CAN-FEEL-MY-TEET-ROTTING-OUT-OF-MA-FACE-sweet perfection that you expect from a traditional cornbread.

But, you know what they say…you can’t rush perfection.

And, although I will never know who “they” are, well…

I like the way their brain works.

You know, ‘cause they’re right.

Today, I’m sharing this recipe on the NY Melrose Family as part of a fun #EatHealthy15 series where a bunch of bloggers are sharing their best healthy desserts, snacks and meals!

Click to get the Healthy Cornbread recipe!

AND AND AND! Included in this series, there is also a chance to win a NINJA Supra Kitchen System!

Entry is easy, just use the widget below!

Good luck!

 Want more protein-packed snacks?

Pumpkin Protein Bars

Chocolate Peanut Butter “Cheesecake”

Healthy Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Healthy Cornbread from around the web:

Maple Pumpkin Cornbread – The Nutritious Kitchen

Butternut Squash Cornbread Muffins – Flavor The Moments