Apple Pie Protein Squares

I am so excited that one of my best friends (that lives on the other side of the country) is finally sharing one of her awesome recipes! We've only known each other a few years but clicked instantly when we met. We actually met when I flew out to San Diego for a training and also hosted a Wellness 101 event that she came to! We have so much in common...mainly minimalism and hiking. ;-) She flew out to GA this past August to attend a training for our business so we got to catch up and hike together (below is a picture of us on top of Yonah Mountain in GA that I posted on Instagram)! You will love her and this recipe!

Kenzie and I wrote a "Baby Eats Clean" eCookbook and a Crock Pot Breakfast eCookbook together!

From Kenzie: Hey there He and She Eat Clean readers! Kenzie here from HettmanHomestead.com!

I wanted to share a recipe that our whole family loves to eat during the holidays. My two little kids even think it's a treat! (I love when that happens.) Before I tell you about the protein bars, I wanted to make a confession... I'm all about that apple pie. That pumpkin pie. And any pie really. Unfortunately, I know I can't just eat pie all winter (sigh), so I like to create healthy recipes that do the trick. These protein bars are guilt-free even though it tastes like you're indulging in a slice of apple pie. Not only do these protein bars taste just like apple pie, you only need 6 ingredients, one bowl, and 10 minutes to make them! I got your back. The holiday season is hectic and you don't have time to be Martha Stewart. I know the struggle. ;) 

Clean Eat Recipe: Apple Pie Protein Squares

Ingredients 

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 
• 1/4 cup cashew butter or almond butter 
• 1 TBSP ground cinnamon 
• 2 cups oat flour (plus more for dusting) 
• 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder

Method

• Combine applesauce, maple syrup. cashew butter, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Dump flour and protein powder on top of the wet ingredients, then stir together until just mixed. 
• Dust a cutting board with oat flour and roll the dough in the flour. Work the dough until it's no longer sticky. Finally, roll the dough into a ball and place the dough in a square baking dish.
• Flatten the dough evenly until it fills the baking dish, cover, then refrigerate for an hour or so.
• Remove from the refrigerator after it has set and cut into squares. 

We usually cut ours into 9 squares.

Tip: Store in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. 

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Clean Eating Apple Pie

What Thanksgiving celebration is complete without a little apple pie? Hold the ice cream and this clean treat will more than satisfy your cravings!

Eat Clean Apple Pie

Oxygen Magazine December 2012, pg 60

Ingredients:

Pie Crust:

• 2 cups of Almond Flour
• 1/2 tsp unrefined sea salt
• 2 TBSP coconut oil
• 1 whole egg
• zest of lemon

Pie Filling:

• 3 lbs tart, crisp baking apples
• 3 TBSP almond flour
• 3 TBSP lemon juice
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 2 TBSP light butter, unsalted, chilled and diced
• 1/2 cup honey

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Mix almond flour and salt in a food processor to blend. Add remaining ingredients and blend until a ball of dough is formed.

3. Press dough into a 9inch pie pan (or a cake pan in our case!) and cover with a wet cloth. Set aside.

4. Fill a large bowl with water and add 2 TBSP of lemon juice.

5. Core, peel and slice apples, placing in water to prevent browning of apples.

6. Once apples are soaking, drain water and pat apples dry with a clean cloth to absorb excess water and moisture.

7. Add remaining ingredients, including remaining lemon juice to the apples and toss to combine.

8. Remove wet cloth and pour apple mixture into pie crust. Bake for 45-55 minutes until crust is golden and mixtures is bubbling on top.

9. Remove from oven and let cool 1 hr before serving.

Enjoy!