Are you tired of boring, tasteless protein bars that feel like chewing cardboard? Get ready to revolutionize your snack game with these incredible Vanilla Nut Protein Bars that are not just nutritious, but mind-blowingly delicious! Imagine a homemade treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats, the richness of almond butter, and the muscle-building power of protein - all wrapped up in a mouthwatering vanilla-infused package that takes just 35 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of protein powder, and 1/4 cup of chopped nuts. Stir well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a whisk or spoon to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon until all the dry ingredients are fully coated and a thick dough forms.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cut the mixture into 10 equal bars using a sharp knife. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
- Enjoy your homemade Vanilla Nut Protein Bars as a nutritious snack or post-workout treat!
Tips
- Use high-quality protein powder for the best flavor and texture. Vanilla or unflavored works best in this recipe.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly and evenly in the baking dish to ensure uniform bars that hold together well.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and help them set properly.
- For extra nutrition, experiment with different types of nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature, or refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- For a no-bake version, you can skip the oven and simply refrigerate the mixture for 1-2 hours until firm.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more honey or almond butter. If it's too wet, sprinkle in some extra oats.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
