Protein Granola Bars Recipe – Detoxinista

When my youngsters come dwelling after college hungry, I like having a quick snack readily available. Earlier than they attain for a handful of goldfish crackers, I attempt to supply one thing nutritious and filling… nevertheless it additionally has to style actually good.

That’s why I’ve spent the previous few weeks testing these protein granola bars. I could make them in a flash— actually 10 minutes earlier than I’ve to go away for the automobile pickup line in school.

I’ve experimented with the quantity of sweetener, making them oil-free, and including totally different toppings. So, it’s positively one thing you’ll be able to customise! With 10 grams of protein per bar, they rival the store-bought choices and don’t have any synthetic preservatives.

(They’re even cheaper than the store-bought choices!)

Substances for Do-it-yourself Protein Granola Bars

Right here’s what you’ll want:

• Rolled Oats. I exploit old school rolled oats for this recipe, however I believe quick-cooking oats will even work. Oats are naturally gluten-free, however could be contaminated in the course of the manufacturing course of. Search for “licensed gluten-free” packaging in case you want a gluten-free recipe.
• Protein Powder. I don’t use zero-calorie sweeteners at dwelling, so this recipe requires unsweetened protein powder. I examined this recipe with Backyard of Life model (affiliate hyperlink) however I think about whey protein or one other unsweetened choice will work equally.
• Peanut Butter. This acts as a binder, but in addition provides taste and a chewy texture. Should you’d slightly use almond butter or sunflower seed butter, these choices ought to work!
• Honey. Boiling honey for 1 minute helps maintain these bars collectively, so that they received’t develop into tremendous comfortable at room temperature. It additionally provides sweetness, which is another excuse to keep away from flavored protein powder—you don’t need these to style too candy. (Maple syrup may fit as a swap in case you want a vegan recipe; I’ll report again after I take a look at this.)
• Hemp Hearts. These are certainly one of my favourite methods so as to add additional protein to recipes. Their taste isn’t noticeable in these bars, however you need to use one other add-in, like shredded coconut, in case you favor.
• Coconut Oil. I didn’t add this to the primary batch I experimented with and located the granola bars to be a bit dry. Only one tablespoon helps enhance the feel!
• Salt. Each candy recipe wants salt to stability the flavour. I often use salted peanut butter and add additional salt for the perfect style.

Wish to experiment with different add-ins? I believe you would change 1/4 cup of rolled oats with 1/2 cup of crispy rice cereal for added texture, if desired. Or attempt stirring in some shredded coconut or sliced almonds. I’ve additionally examined them with some darkish chocolate drizzled on prime, nevertheless it’s not obligatory—these are scrumptious all on their very own!

The right way to Make Protein Granola Bars

Step 1:

Put together an 8-inch sq. pan by frivolously spraying it with oil. Then, press a chunk of parchment paper into the underside of the pan. This may assure simple removing of your granola bars later.

In a big bowl, mix the oats, protein powder, hemp hearts, and salt. Stir properly to mix. You’ll need to hold this bowl close by as a result of the recipe strikes rapidly.

Step 2:

Add the honey to a small saucepan, and measure the peanut butter and coconut oil so they’re able to go. Deliver the honey to a boil over excessive warmth on the range prime.

As soon as it begins to boil, set a timer for 1 minute.

When the timer goes off, instantly flip off the warmth and add the peanut butter and coconut oil to the boiled honey. Stir properly till the combination seems to be easy and creamy.

Step 3:

Rapidly pour the peanut butter combination into the bowl of dry components and stir properly. The combination might thicken because it cools, however proceed stirring till all of the dry components have been coated within the peanut butter.

Switch the granola bar combination to the ready pan and use a spatula to flatten it evenly.

Place the pan within the fridge to relax till agency, about 1 hour. Then use the parchment paper to carry the bars out of the pan.

The right way to Reduce Do-it-yourself Granola Bars

Use a pointy knife to slice 12 full-size granola bars. Meaning you’ll must make 5 horizontal cuts and one vertical reduce within the heart to create 12 equally sized bars.

(See the picture beneath for reference.)

For a bite-sized snack, you’ll be able to reduce the bars in half once more to create 24 smaller items. My youngsters favor the smaller measurement, so it doesn’t really feel like such an enormous dedication.

Extra Recipes to Attempt

Should you do this recipe, please depart a remark and star ranking beneath to let me understand how you prefer it.