Protein Granola Bars

As a busy person always on the go, I found my savior in these Protein Granola Bars. They became my go-to snack for those hectic days when I need a quick energy boost. Whether I’m rushing out the door or need a pick-me-up during my afternoon slump, these bars have been a life-saver. They’re not just delicious but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the combination of rolled oats, protein powder, and hemp hearts. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma of warm honey and peanut butter filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait for them to cool down! What’s even better is how easily customizable they are; you can add your favorite nuts or even a drizzle of dark chocolate on top for an extra treat. These bars have quickly become a staple in my household, and they might just become yours too!

What You Need for Protein Granola Bars

For these Protein Granola Bars, I like to keep it simple yet effective. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in not only the taste but also the texture and nutritional profile of the bars. The combination of rolled oats, protein powder, and hemp hearts create a delightful chewy texture that you’ll love.

• 1 ¼ cup rolled oats: The base of these bars, offering fiber and complex carbs for sustained energy.
• ½ cup unsweetened protein powder: Boosts the protein content, making these bars ideal for post-workout recovery.
• ¼ cup hemp hearts: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, they add a delicious crunch.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• ½ cup honey: Acts as a natural sweetener and binds the ingredients together.
• ¾ cup all-natural peanut butter: Adds creaminess and rich flavor while supplying healthy fats.
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil: Helps to bind the ingredients while adding a hint of coconut flavor.

How to Prepare Protein Granola Bars

Making Protein Granola Bars is as straightforward as it gets. Let’s dive into the steps to create these delicious treats. Follow along, and soon you’ll have a batch of your own!

1. Start by preparing an 8-inch square pan. Lightly spray it with oil to prevent sticking, then press a piece of parchment paper into the bottom of the pan for easy removal later.
2. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, protein powder, hemp hearts, and salt. Stir them together so that they’re evenly distributed.
3. Now it’s time to melt the sweet and creamy components. In a small saucepan, add the honey and bring it to a boil over high heat. While waiting, measure out the peanut butter and coconut oil so they’re ready to add quickly.
4. Once the honey reaches a boil, set a timer for one minute. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
5. When the timer goes off, immediately turn off the heat and add the peanut butter and coconut oil to the boiled honey. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Quickly pour this mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring well to ensure that every bit of the dry mix is coated with the peanut butter mixture.
7. Don’t worry if the mixture thickens as it cools; just keep stirring until everything is well combined.
8. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to flatten it evenly across the surface.
9. Put the pan in the fridge to chill for about an hour. This step is key to achieving a firm texture.
10. Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, slice them into 12 full-size bars. For smaller snacks, cut them in half again to create 24 pieces.
11. These bars can be served at room temperature or chilled. They stay fresh for up to five days at room temperature, but for a firmer texture, store them in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of these Protein Granola Bars lies in their versatility. Whether you want to mix things up or cater to specific dietary preferences, you can easily adjust the recipe. Here are some tips to make these bars uniquely yours!

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for longer freshness.
• Freezing: Can you freeze these bars? Absolutely! Wrap them individually and freeze for a quick snack anytime.
• Pairing: Enjoy these bars with your favorite yogurt or a smoothie for a balanced meal or snack.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a flavor twist.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.

What Goes Well With This Protein Granola Bars

• Morning Boost: Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning pick-me-up.
• Snack Time: Perfect as a snack between meals or as a healthy dessert option.
• Post-Workout: Enjoy these bars after your workout for a quick recovery snack that refuels your energy.
• School Lunches: Great for packing in kids’ lunches, offering a nutritious and tasty treat.
• Travel Snack: Perfect for road trips or travel, as they’re easy to pack and eat on the go.

FAQ

Conclusion

These Protein Granola Bars are special because they combine simplicity with nutrition, allowing you to satisfy your cravings without the guilt. I encourage you to try making them for yourself—you won’t regret it! With their chewy texture and customizable ingredients, they’re bound to become a staple in your home. Enjoy exploring different variations and sharing them with friends and family!

Protein Granola Bars

The ultimate snack for busy days, these Protein Granola Bars are packed with wholesome ingredients that satisfy your cravings and keep you energized. With a perfect chewy texture and a nutty flavor, they’re ideal for meal prep or a post-workout boost. You’ll want to make them tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Large Pot

Ingredients

  

• 1 ¼ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup unsweetened protein powder
• ¼ cup hemp hearts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup honey
• ¾ cup all-natural peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

 

• Prepare an 8-inch square pan by lightly spraying it with oil. Then, press a piece of parchment paper into the bottom of the pan. This will guarantee easy removal of your granola bars later.
• In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, hemp hearts, and salt. Stir well to combine.
• Add the honey to a small saucepan, and measure the peanut butter and coconut oil so they are ready to go. Bring the honey to a boil over high heat on the stovetop. Once it starts to boil, set a timer for 1 minute.
• When the timer goes off, immediately turn off the heat and add the peanut butter and coconut oil to the boiled honey. Stir well, until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.
• Quickly pour it into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir well. The mixture may thicken as it cools, but continue to stir until all of the dry ingredients have been coated in the peanut butter mixture.
• Transfer the granola bar mixture to the prepared pan and use a spatula to flatten it evenly.
• Place the pan in the fridge to chill until firm, about 1 hour.
• Then use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Use a sharp knife to slice 12 full-size granola bars.
• For a bite-sized snack, you can cut the bars in half again to create 24 smaller pieces.
• Serve these granola bars at room temperature or chilled. They will keep well for up to 5 days at room temperature, but have a firmer texture when chilled. You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

• Nutrition information: is for 1 of 12 bars. This information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients from a database, so it’s just an estimate and not a guarantee.
• Oil-Free Note: Feel free to omit the coconut oil if you’d like to reduce the fat and calories slightly.
• Honey Note: If you need to reduce the sweetener, you can, but keep in mind that it will also change the texture.
• Gluten-Free Note: Shop for “certified gluten-free” oats if you need to.
• Protein Powder Note: I tested this recipe with Garden of Life unsweetened protein powder.
• Topping Ideas: You can drizzle these bars with melted dark chocolate, if desired.

Keyword Easy Protein Bars, Healthy Snack Recipe, Homemade Granola Bars, Protein Granola Bars