Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Ultimate PB & J Protein Bars (Vegan/GF/High Protein)


Ultimate PB & J Protein Bars
(Vegan/GF/High Protein)


We are well aware of the protein bar aisle. The never ending choices and the pretty wrappers. But do we really know what's in them?? I begin to read them and wonder if I should be eating them...or wondering if they are a weird science experiment. There are so many unpronounceable words and I really wonder if this will actually be any good for me. So I decided to take it upon myself to make my own...how hard can it be? Well I'd have to say, easy-peasy. This recipe wil show you that with just a bunch of very wholesome ingredients (readable to boot) and a little time you will be more than happy to walk past that supplement bar aisle and decide to make your own instead. You don't need those shiny packages! You can change up the flavors, add your own ingredients to your own taste, and enjoy them over and over again. Pair them with vegan milk for breakfast or enjoy as a snack. However you make it, you won't be dissapointed with the outcome. Enjoy!

Ultimate PB & J Protein Bars
(Vegan/GF/High Protein)

Ingredients

2 cups old fashioned oats (use gluten free if desired)
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 very ripe organic bananas, mashed
1/4 cup low sugar jam or preserves (favorite flavor)
1/2 cup vegan milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 Tablespoons Protein Powder (Favorite flavor), I used unflavored
1/3 cup organic almond butter
1/4 cup powdered peanut butter
1/2 cup ground flax seed
1/2 cup ground wheat germ
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Grease an 8 x 8 pan.

After prepping your pan, prepare your stand mixer or hand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment.

Start by mixing the dry ingredients together: oats, brown sugar, baking powder, flax, germ, salt, and cinnamon.



Next, start with prepping your wet ingredients. In your stand mixer, add your bananas to break them down into mush. Continue to add the rest of the wet ingredients to combine.











Once the both your mixtures are ready, you are going to mix them both together.





Lastly, once mixed, fold in the chopped peanuts.





Place the mixture in your prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked threw.





Remove from the oven and allow to cool before cutting. Once you have cut into portions, enjoy along side a glass of vegan milk for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy'

-Amy