Protein Granola Bars
Introduction
Protein granola bars are a tasty and nutritious snack that you can easily make at home. They are perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-workout treat, or a simple snack to keep your energy up throughout the day. With a combination of protein, healthy carbs, and natural sweetness, these bars are both filling and satisfying.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own protein granola bars has many benefits. First, you know exactly what goes into them, which means you can avoid preservatives and added sugars often found in store-bought options. Second, these bars are easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Plus, they are great for on-the-go snacking, and making a batch at home saves you money in the long run!
How to Make Protein Granola Bars
Making protein granola bars is simple and can be done in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (about 7.5 oz (225 g) in total)
- 1 ⅓ cups (130 g) rolled oats
- ¾ cup (70 g) protein powder
- ⅓ cup (80 g) Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 2 to 4 tbsp maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- Chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
- Heat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 7 x 7 inch (15 x 15 cm) brownie pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas and mix them with yogurt, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. If you like your bars sweeter, add 2 to 4 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey to taste. Stir until smooth.
- Add the rolled oats and protein powder to the wet mixture, and stir until everything is combined. You can also add in some extra mix-ins, like chocolate chips, walnuts, or raisins if you want.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bars are set in the center. Let them cool to room temperature, then slice them into bars.
How to Serve Protein Granola Bars
These granola bars are great to grab on the go, or you can enjoy them with a cup of yogurt or a glass of milk. You can also serve them as part of a balanced breakfast alongside some fruit.
How to Store Protein Granola Bars
To store your protein granola bars, keep them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, or you can refrigerate them to last longer. For extended storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Tips to Make Protein Granola Bars
- Make sure your bananas are ripe for the best sweetness and flavor.
- You can add other ingredients like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to make them even more nutritious.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a little more yogurt or a splash of milk to help it combine.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with different flavors! You can add cocoa powder for chocolate granola bars or use different types of protein powder to change the taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use flavored protein powder?
Yes, flavored protein powder can add extra taste to your granola bars. Just be mindful of the additional sweetness if it is sweetened.
2. Are these granola bars vegan?
Yes, you can make them vegan by using dairy-free yogurt and omitting honey, using maple syrup instead.
3. How can I make these bars crunchier?
To make crunchier bars, you can toast the oats before mixing them in or add some chopped nuts to the mixture.
