Get Tons of Energy With These Granola Protein Bars [Recipe]

These granola protein bars are the perfect snack. Whether you like to have a snack in the afternoon, or need energy after a workout, these bars are a perfect way to feel both satisfied and energized.

For An Energizing and Tasty Snack, Try These Granola Protein Bars

I’ve never made granola protein bars before, though!

To start, you will need your rolled oats, which you can replace with instant oats, crushed cereal, flaxseed, chia seeds, or rice bran. These last three options are also gluten-free, which makes your snack safe for those with a gluten allergy.

This recipe uses wheat and barley nugget cereal because it adds texture and blends together great. However, you can use other kinds of cereals that are already in your pantry, such as rice cereal or corn flakes.

You can also skip the applesauce and just add more eggs, or you can use your fruits at home to make a similar purée. Try with your peaches, bananas, or pineapple to make a sauce that binds as applesauce does.

Now, it’s time to get the crunchy ingredients ready!

The best granola bars tend to mix nuts and fruits. In this case, any chopped dried fruit works. Some good ideas include your home dried cherries, raspberries, pineapple, apples, or even raisins.

As you can see, chopped pecans or other nuts are used to add protein to the bars. You can use others if you already have them, including almonds, walnuts, peanuts, or cashews.

Also, sunflower seeds are a great addition to granola bars because they contain high fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But if you want another seed, we recommend chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame seeds.

These bars are usually made with either vanilla or chocolate powder, but you can pick out other flavors you like.

In terms of seasoning, the cinnamon is essential for that sweet and spicy taste you get when you bite into one of these bars. Yet, you can swap it for other spices you like at home, like allspice, powdered sugar, lavender, or ginger. The flavoring is really up to your taste!

Granola Protein Bars

Course: Snacks

Ingredients

• 1 cup (128 g) quick-cooking rolled oats

• 1/2 cup (64 g) vanilla or chocolate protein powder

• 1/2 cup (64 g) wheat and barley nugget cereal (such as grape-nuts)

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) unsweetened applesauce

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey

• 2 tbsp peanut butter

• 2 eggs, well beaten

• 1/4 cup (32 g) unsalted, shelled sunflower seeds

• 1/4 cup (32 g) dried fruits, chopped

• 1/4 cup (32 g) chopped pecans or other nuts

Directions

• To start, preheat the oven to 325 F (170 C).
• Prepare a 9-inch (23 cm) square baking pan. Line with foil and grease for easy removal of the bars.
• Combine the oats, protein powder, cereal, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
• In a separate medium bowl, combine the applesauce, honey, peanut butter, and eggs, and stir into the oat mixture.
• Add the sunflower seeds, dried fruits, and nuts. Mix well. Spread evenly on the prepared baking pan.
• Bake for 30 min or until lightly browned around the edges. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
• Use the foil to lift out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars.
• Enjoy!