Ingredients:
- 2 cups of old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup of powdered protein (your preferred flavor)
- 1/2 cup of nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter)
- 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup of add-ins (chopped nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, etc.)
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients listed above and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Step 2: Blend the Oats
Pour the old-fashioned oats into a food processor or blender. Pulse until you have a coarse flour-like consistency. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the nut butter and honey/maple syrup. Heat the mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds until it becomes easier to stir. Add the milk and stir until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Transfer the blended oats into a large mixing bowl. Add the powdered protein and any desired add-ins, such as nuts or chocolate chips. Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Press the Mixture
Dump the mixture into the lined baking dish and press it down firmly with the back of a spatula or your hands. Make sure it is evenly spread and well compacted to avoid crumbling.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish before cutting into bars.
Step 7: Store and Enjoy
Once completely cooled, carefully lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper. Cut them into desired sizes and store in an airtight container. Protein bars can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for longer shelf life.
There you have it! Your homemade protein bars are ready to fuel your workouts or serve as a healthy snack on the go. Get creative with different flavors and add-ins to customize your bars to your liking. Enjoy!