Nutty Protein Granola Bars

One of my longest running AnneTheRD nutrition counseling clients and I usually meet at a bakery in Alexandria that sells these really delicious homemade protein granola bars. I’ve been wanting for months to try to recreate a variation of them so my client (and I) can make them at home, and I’m happy to say it finally happened. Introducing: Nutty Protein Granola Bars. Client and husband approved.

These were really easy to make, and I love the hearty crunch from all the nutritious nuts and seeds, and the sweet burst of flavor from the dried fruit. I brought some to my client last Friday and Matt and I have been enjoying the rest of them as snacks and easy on the go breakfasts!

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. The nuts/seeds are not set in stone, and neither is the dried fruit choice. My dietetic intern Jackie tested out a batch of these for me using apricots, pecans, and honey, and when I made them I mixed it up with some goji berries, cashews, and maple syrup, based on what I had on hand. So feel free to get creative!

The size of the pan you use can also vary – I used a 10 x 10 brownie pan, and Jackie used a 9 x 13 pan which made the bars a little thinner. Up to you!

I can’t wait to make these again – the variations are endless! I hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

Nutty Protein Granola Bars

by fANNEtastic food

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

These nutty protein granola bars make a delicious and healthy snack or a quick on the go breakfast (pair it with a latte!). If you need the recipe to remain gluten free, be sure to purchase GF certified oats.

Ingredients (makes 12 to 16 bars)

1 1/2 cups rolled old fashioned oats

1/2 cup unflavored whey protein powder (I used this kind from Cabot)

1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

1 cup roughly chopped dry roasted, salted almonds

3/4 cup salted sunflower seeds

1/2 cup roughly chopped pecans or cashews

3/4 cup dried fruit (dried cherries, diced apricots, or goji berries are great here)

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened

2/3 cup natural creamy peanut butter (salted or unsalted)

1/3 cup maple syrup or honey

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

1. Spray a 10 x 10 or 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients (oats through coconut).

3. In a separate bowl, stir together the wet ingredients (peanut butter through vanilla).

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until completely incorporated.

5. Press the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer.

6. Bake for 15 minutes, until the edges are browned and the center is firm to the touch.

7. Allow to cool, remove from the pan, and cut into bars. Enjoy!

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