Protein Granola Bars

Once in a while, I try a random recipe I find and if it turns out well, I post about it.

Well, have I got a recipe for you! I love protein bars, but don’t always like the taste of some. For the most part, I think a lot taste like crap. I’m not a “just eat it because it’s good for you” type. I’m big on taste. If I don’t like it, I’m not going to stick with it. I like drinking shakes or smoothies in the morning but sometimes I need to eat something with it for it to feel like a meal so I always look for something protein-packed. I realize that might sound crazy, but it is what it is. 🙂

My search for homemade protein bars or granola bars brought me to Ashley at “Faith, Hope & Fitness” and her amazing recipe for Protein Granola Bars.

Oh. My. Heaven. These were GOOD! I had to shove them out of my reach so I wouldn’t keep eating them! They went great with my breakfast shake and were so good, I posted them to my Instagram feed.

Here is the recipe:

2 c peanut butter or other nut butter (I used pb since I always have plenty on hand)

1&3/4 c honey

3 c dry oatmeal

2&1/4 c protein powder ( I used vanilla)

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Microwave 70-90 seconds, until it is soft enough to easily stir. I ended up using a little bit more time, but my micro is small and a slightly lower wattage than most standard microwaves.

Add oatmeal and protein powder. It will be a pretty thick batter. Ashley’s directions say to press into a 9×13 pan but they were very thick. I guess you could use a cookie sheet (as I plan to in the future) so they look more like the size of a regular protein or granola bar. If you want to cut them into squares, use the 9×13 pan.

Put in the fridge to cool and harden. Cut into bars or squares.

WARNING: You will not be able to stop eating these once you start. They are that good! In my opinion, they taste best cold. I left mine in some Tupperware in the fridge.

ENJOY!