We eat so many protein bars in our house.
Between all the kids’ school snacks, quick breakfasts in the car, activities, workouts and life, we eat A LOT of protein bars in our house.
I do my best to chose brands with wholesome and nourishing ingredients, but that isn’t always easy!
The one way I can control what goes into the bars is to make them myself.
And this one is a winner!
I absolutely adore this recipe for Chewy Granola Protein Bars and it hits some of the most important points for me when it comes to snack bars:
- They are chewy! I personally do not like crispy bars at all, and these are chewy and delicious.
- They are full of protein. One of my requirements for bars for myself and my kiddos is that they are high in protein. Protein helps to feed our muscles and keep us full longer.
- They are low in sugar. The only sugar comes from 1/4 cup of maple syrup (and whatever sugar there is in your protein powder).
- Whole ingredients! Seeds, oats, flax – oh my 😀.
Here are a few hints I have for enjoying these bars:
- They need to set after coming out of the oven. Let them come to room temperature before cutting into them.
- They do best when kept in the refrigerator. I personally like to eat them cold, but my family warms them in the microwave for 20 seconds!
- Use non stick spray or parchment paper in the pan to help them not stick.
- You can change out ingredients for your personal preferences! Raisins instead of dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds in place of half of the sunflower seeds – your bars so you decide!
You may never need to purchase a store bought protein bar again!
Chewy Granola Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (use gluten free oats if you want this to be gluten free)
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup roasted and unsalted sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp ground flax seed
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup natural almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- 8×8 pan sprayed with non-stick spray or lined with parchment paper.
- Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Mix the wet ingredients together until well incorporated (if this is too hot from melting the coconut oil, let it come to room temperature before mixing with the dry ingredients. Otherwise it can melt your chocolate chips.)
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and incorporate well.
- Pour into your pan and cook for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely and cut into squares. Enjoy!
