How To Make Your Own Protein Bars

The quickest and easiest snack or breakfast is a granola bar. However, sometimes you can't find one with the exact ingredients or flavor you enjoy. Additionally, buying them consistently can get expensive, and we're all trying to save money here. If you've always wondered how to make your own protein bars, here's your chance. Explore and choose from one of our recipes below!

Choco-Oats

These no-bake bars are filled with quinoa, oats, and chia for the ultimate protein boost.

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine 2 cups of oats, 1/2 cup of quinoa, 1/2 cup of chia seeds, 1/2 cup almonds, and 1/2 cup of chocolate into a large bowl.
3. Next, in a small saucepan on low, heat 3/4 cup of almond butter, 1/3 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until melted and smooth.
4. Stir this mixture occasionally, and then add 1/2 cup of prune puree.
5. Now pour the almond butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir to combine.
6. Finally, with your hands, form into bars, place them on prepared sheet, and refrigerate about 1 hour or until they are set.
7. You can enjoy your protein bars or store them in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 3 weeks!

Paprika Parmesan

These are tasty to eat alone, or crumble up these protein bars for a satisfying salad ingredient.

1. Line an 8-inch by 8-inch metal pan with foil and grease.
2. Combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of crisp rice cereal, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1/2 cup of freeze-dried vegetable bits, 1/3 cup of smoked almonds, 3 tablespoons of chia seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper.
3. Next, stir in 2 large egg whites and 1/2 cup of unsweetened nut butter.
4. Then press this firmly into pan.
5. Now bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes and cool completely on wire rack.
6. Finally remove from pan, cut into 8 bars, and store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week (or enjoy some now!)

Cherry-Nut

These homemade protein bars are packed with crunchy nuts and tart chewy cherries, which are totally crave-worthy.

1. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, line an 8-inch-square baking pan with parchment paper, and lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Next on a pan, combine 2 cups of oats, 3/4 cup of sunflower seeds, and 3/4 cup walnuts. Bake this 10 minutes or until lightly toasted.
3. Meanwhile, microwave 1/2 cup of honey for 30 seconds or until runny in a large bowl. Then stir in 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
4. Then fold the oat mixture into the honey mixture, and combine 1/2 cup of dried cherries.
5. Pour this into the prepared pan and firmly press with a spatula or lightly oiled hands.
6. Finally bake 15 minutes, transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool, and cut into desired pieces. You can now eat, or store these in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

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-Gina