How much are protein bars these days? 4$, 5$…. It adds up fast if you are always buying high quality pre/post workout snacks. Then you have the fact that many pre-packaged energy bars are loaded with ingredients that leave you scratching your head in doubt. So what better option than to cook them ourselves??

RECIPE – YOU WILL ONLY NEED 5 INGREDIENTS

You’ll love the pure, nutritious, simple ingredients that go into these quality protein bars. All you need are:

• Whole Rolled Oats: whole oats provide a more robust texture than quick or instant oats.
• Real Nut Butter: I used cashew butter, but peanut butter or almond butter will also work.
• Whey Protein Powder: feel free to use your favorite flavor, though I highly recommend steering clear of artificial sugars, as those tend to have an unpalatable aftertaste. 
• Real Maple Syrup or Honey: it just feels better than sugar. Plus, maple or honey has the sticky texture needed to help bind the bars.
• Milk: I used regular cow’s milk, but feel free to use your milk of choice, like almond milk, oat milk or soy milk.
• Totally optional: add-ins! I used cranberries but you can use dried blueberries, chocolate chips or dates.

Here’s the recipe:

You will need:

• 1/2 cup milk  ( I used more, so just save an extra half cup just in case )
• 1 cup nut butter
• 1/2 cup real maple syrup or honey, plus more to taste
• 1 cup vanilla, chocolate, or plain whey protein powder
• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats, uncooked
• Optional Add-ins (1 cup): cranberries, chocolate chips, raisins, dried blueberries, chopped dates.

Instructions

Here’s the video… The written steps to make these delicious bars are below.

1. In a medium heavy pot, combine milk, peanut butter, and maple syrup/honey over low heat. Stir just until all ingredients are well combined and warmed through. Remove from heat.
2. Add protein powder, oats, and optional cinnamon or add-ins. Stir to combine well. Taste and add more maple syrup or honey if desired. (If the mixture is too thick to stir, add  more milk.)
3. Lightly grease a pan. Press evenly into pan, using firm pressure to compress mixture into desired bar thickness. Tip: use wet or lightly greased hands to prevent sticking. 
4. Allow bars to cool completely. Once cool, cut into squares. 

Make it dairy-free or nut-free: use almond or coconut milk or any other milk of your choice. Use sunflower butter instead of nut butter.

If you enjoyed this recipe, share with your friends and tag me on Social Media if you make it at home, and remember you can use my Amazon banner (below) to shop in Amazon!!! That will help me A LOT!