Protein-Packed Granola Bars

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup steel cut oats
  • 2 scoops protein powder (I’ve tried vanilla and PB so far)
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
  • 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
  • 1/2 cup flax seed
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup applesauce or 1/2 cup mashed banana
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup each (chopped pitted dates, dried apricots, dried cranberries, raisins etc.)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (coarsely chopped in a food processor)
  • Tip: *You can play with the ingredients a little as long as you include the staples (rolled oats, honey, & applesauce/mashed banana) which bind the bars.

IMG_8081

Making It:

  • Stir all ingredients in a mixing bowl
  • Press into a greased 9 x 13 baking pan (I use Trader Joe’s Coconut Oil to spray)
  • Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes
  • Cut into bars when cool (they will likely be a little crumby – use the crumbs as granola!)
  • Enjoy 🙂
  • Store in plastic wrap or an airtight container

IMG_8095

 

Comment below with Tips, Variations, or Questions ❤