Protein bars are perfect for busy days, whether you need a post-workout snack or a meal replacement. Purchased protein bars are expensive and may not be an option if you have food allergies. Homemade power bars offer a healthy, affordable and tasty alternative to store-bought protein bars. Along with protein powder, most ingredients are easily accessible at heath food and grocery stores.
Protein
The protein in energy bars can come from nuts, like almonds or pecans, tofu, or protein powder. You can also add peanut butter, almond butter or even soy nut butter to your recipe for a flavorful and kid-friendly snack. Protein powder, available in your local health food store, is an easy addition to any protein bar recipe and will not impact the flavor significantly.
Grains
Make a power bar without grains, especially if you're managing food allergies, but most protein bars include cereal or flour. Try a combination of rolled oats and rice cereal if you prefer a cereal texture or a mixture of whole wheat flour, wheat germ and oat flour for a more traditional cookie bar texture. You'll need approximately 2 to 3 cups of a grain mixture for most protein bars.
Add Flavor
A combination of nuts and grains produce a healthy bar, but not a flavorful one. Sweeten your protein bar with brown rice syrup, maple syrup, honey or agave nectar. Add dried fruit, chocolate chips, cocoa powder or espresso powder for a tastier bar. Try cocoa powder, espresso powder, dried cherries, dried cranberries, almonds or white chocolate chips.
Putting It All Together
Grease an 8-by-8-inch pan with butter, vegetable oil spray or coconut oil. Mix together 1/2 cup of protein powder, 2 cups of cereal, and 1 cup of whole wheat flour. Add 1 1/2 to 2 cups of dried fruit, nuts, coconut, chocolate chips or other additions to your dry ingredients. Set aside. Combine 1 cup of peanut butter or almond butter with 1 cup of liquid sweetener, like maple syrup or honey. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then press the mixture firmly into your prepared pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 25 to 35 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Allow to cool completely, then cut into squares. Keep at room temperature for one week or freeze for one month.
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