Version D only — Make the crust first. Grease your 5.5″ x 5.5″ glass dish with avocado oil or avocado oil spray. Add 1/2 cup almond flour, 2 tbsp protein isolate, and 2 tbsp melted butter to the dish. Mix together and press firmly and evenly into the bottom to form the crust. Set aside while you make the filling. Remember: if you’ve used butter in the crust, do not add butter to the filling.

Step 1 — Warm the milk or cream. Pour 1/2 cup of your chosen liquid — milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or 35% heavy cream — into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute.

Step 2 — Make the chia gel. Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to the warm milk. Stir to combine. Let sit until the mixture has thickened into a gel — this takes roughly 5 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step. You want full gel formation before you add the yolks.

Step 3 — Add the remaining filling ingredients. Once the chia gel has formed, add the 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of melted butter (if making without crust), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and your brown sugar sweetener of choice (1/4 cup for lightly sweet, 1/2 cup for dessert-level sweet). Mix well to combine.

Step 4 — Add xanthan gum (optional). If using, add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum now and stir through.

Step 5 — Fold in the pecan pieces and pour. Fold the 3/4 cup of toasted pecan pieces into the filling. Pour the mixture into your glass dish and spread evenly.

Step 6 — Top and finish. Arrange the 1/4 cup of whole toasted pecans across the surface. Sprinkle with a little brown sugar sweetener — this creates a lightly caramelised top as it microwaves and makes the bars look finished straight out of the dish.

Step 7 — Microwave uncovered. Microwave on high for 90 seconds with no lid. Do not cover — you want the top to set, not steam.

Step 8 — Cool and refrigerate. Let cool slightly on the counter, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight. The bars need this time to firm up properly. Don’t cut them too soon.

Step 9 — Slice and serve. Once set, slice into 4 squares. The first bar may break apart if you’ve used a crust — the other three will come out cleanly. All four taste exactly the same.