What I love about No Bake Protein Granola Bars
These No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Granola Bars are “TOO good!” Those were my husband’s words when he tried these No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Granola Bars for the first time. I have always been a big proponent of eating a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients but one that ALSO tastes good! These granola bars are no exception. These are packed with healthy fats and protein that nourish your body and also deliver delicious flavour.” Might I say… so delicious they could pass for dessert!
If you find it hard to get protein into your diet and you’re not a smoothie person, then you have to try these protein bars! They’re so quick and easy to prepare and you only need one bowl to make them. This recipe makes 9-12 bars depending on how big you cut them. We have been loving having a batch on hand during the week when we’re running around from here to there. They’re super filling and, I promise, the whole family will love them!
Recipe Notes
A few things to keep in mind:
- Peanut Butter – I recommend all natural, creamy peanut butter for this recipe, but you can use crunchy if you like the extra crunch. Make sure the only ingredient in your peanut butter is peanuts. We don’t want any added preservatives or sugar.
- Maple Syrup – Just like with peanut butter, be sure to use real maple syrup. As close to the natural form as you can find.
- Oats – I recommend using rolled oats for the best texture. If you can find sprouted oats, that’s a bonus! Sprouted grains are much easier to digest. I don’t reccommend using quick oats for this recipe.
- Protein powder – This recipe calls for unsweetened, unflavoured whey protein powder. You can find this at most health food stores, select grocery stores or online! You could use vanilla protein powder, but the granola bars will end up being much sweeter as vanilla protein powder does have added sweeteners.
- Chocolate – I love to use sugar-free chocolate chips for all of my baking because you get that chocolatey goodness without all of the added sugar. You can find them at most health food stores and some grocery stores. However, any kind of chocolate will do!
How to make it
Step 1: Mix the wet ingredients.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil and vanilla until combined and smooth.
Step 2: Add the dry ingredients.
To the same bowl, add the oats, protein powder, salt, chia seeds, hemp hearts, dried and chopped apricots and mini chocolate chips. Mix with a wooden spoon until completely combined and no dry pockets exist.
Step 3: Transfer mixture to pan.
Transfer the protein granola bar mixture to the prepared, parchment-lined pan. Press it down with the back of a spoon and into the corners until it is evenly flat. Transfer to the fridge for at least 30 minutes or ideally 1 hour to firm up.
Step 4: Cut into bars.
Pull up on the parchment paper to remove the granola bar mixture from the pan. Cut into 12 long, skinny bars or whatever shape you desire. Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
FAQ:
Yes, you could also use almond butter, cashew butter or even a nut and seed butter. However, it will change the overall flavour.
I recommend storing the bars in an air-tight container in the fridge. They will last for up to 7 days this way.
If the mixture is not sticking together, add another tablespoon of peanut butter. You can keep adding it one tablespoon at a time until it does stick together/compact.
Yes, you can use vanilla flavoured protein powder but just know it will be sweeter than intended. Vanilla protein powders are typically sweetened with something like stevia, so in addition to the maple syrup they will be sweeter.
No Bake Protein Granola Bars
Equipment
- 1 8"x8" Square Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup smooth natural peanut butter
- 1/3 cup real maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups sprouted rolled oats
- 1/2 cup plain, unflavoured whey protein powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon hemp hearts
- 1/3 cup dried apricots diced
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8"x8" pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the oats, protein powder, sea salt, chia seeds, hemp hearts, apricots and chocolate chips and fold in with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press down in an even layer.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into squares.
- Once cut, store the bars in the fridge and enjoy anytime!
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