Plant-Powered Oat Protein Bars (Vegan+GF)

Okay, tell me if you do this too….

You’re walking down the protein bar aisle slightly holding your breath because you’re so hoping that the one or two brands that aren’t complete trash happen to be on sale. Then you check the price and realize that even if they were on sale they’re still a little pricey for you to be buying on a regular basis. Then you console yourself by realizing that unless you’re traveling or extremely short on time they really aren’t the best option. Am I the only one?

Maybe it’s just me. I do know that there are some really delicious options for making protein packed bars to eat at home that are actually made of whole food and not processed to the max. You can always buy protein powders but even then you’re going to be upping the cost. You know what’s super cheap though? Beans and oats. Both of which are great sources of whole-food protein.

Other ingredients joining the party today, hemp hearts (also full of an impressive amount of protein), and a little powdered peanut butter (which is low-key the same thing as protein powder but a lot cheaper. Are you getting my theme here? Hey a girl’s gotta save for travel.

Oh, and obviously I threw a little handful of chocolate into the mix because life just needs a little chocolate sometimes. According to my calculations, these bars have about 9.5 grams of protein if you cut them into 8 portions. That’s a rough number, but you get the idea. Lots of health and lot of money saved.

Let me know if you try these, I really want to know what you think.

Print

Plant-Powered Oat Protein Bars (Vegan+GF)

Instead of shelling out the cash for a bunch of protein bars for your week, try making a more whole-food version based on some really cheap staples.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Servings 8 bars

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas
• 2 cup oats
• 1/4 cup hemp hearts
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered peanut butter
• 1 large banana
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup mini dairy-free semisweet chocolate chip

Instructions

1. In a blender or food processor, blend the banana, vanilla, and chickpeas until smooth. scrape the mixture into a mixing bowl and stir in the baking powder, powdered peanut butter, cinnamon, and hemp hearts. Add in the oats and chocolate and stir until combined.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment. Pour the mixture into the pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake them for 35 - 45 minutes (depending on your oven) until the edges start to turn golden.
3. Cool the bars completely and then cut into 8 equal-ish bars and you've got some great on-the-go snacks. Store extras in an air-tight container in the fridge.