How to Make Protein Bars With Nuts, Grains & Chocolate

Protein bars serve as meal replacements for weight loss or as a snack between meals. Homemade protein bars are easy to make and are less expensive than the store-bought varieties. Add fruits, nuts, grains, chocolate and peanut butter to the dough. Dip protein bars in melted chocolate for a tasty, natural and nutritious treat.

Things You'll Need

• Parchment paper
• Cooking spray
• 1 cup nuts
• 3 cups oats
• 1 cup dry milk
• ½ cup vanilla protein powder
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

Homemade Protein Bars

1. Chop almonds, peanuts, cashews or any nut you prefer.

2. Line an 8-by-8 inch or 9-by-9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, and spray the paper with cooking spray to prevent the bars from sticking.

3. Combine dry milk, oats and protein powder in a bowl.

4. Add peanut butter, chopped nuts and chocolate chips and stir---the mixture will look crumbly. Use crunchy peanut butter for additional protein and texture and add dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries.

5. Pour 1/2 cup water and the vanilla extract into the mixture and stir until a sticky dough is achieved. Place the protein bar dough in the prepared baking pan, smooth with a spoon and press down.

6. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours for the bars to firm. Cut bars into squares and place in the freezer for 1 hour for faster results.

7. Wrap each bar with plastic wrap; protein bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Sesame seeds or flax seeds can be added to the protein bar dough.