Recipe Made By Kim Taylor

Recipe Courtesy Of: Chocolate Covered Katie

Are you looking for a high protein snack that you can add in additional protein with a protein powder? I was searching through Pinterest and came across a recipe called “3 Minute” High Protein Granola Bars. This recipe looked interesting because it did not require a lot of time and most importantly, not a lot of ingredients.

I already had the oats and peanut butter, so all I had to buy was the chocolate chips, protein powder and agave. I have never really used agave before. It has a satisfyingly sweet taste with a light, natural flavor.

I used vanilla protein powder that I found at Harris Teeter. It adds a great, subtle vanilla flavor but best of all…extra protein!

After reading through the recipe, I decided I wanted my granola bars a little thicker so I made 1 1/2 recipe. I used old fashioned oats instead of quick cooking because I wanted them to be a little more hearty and chewy, but you could easily switch it out.

From experience, I know how hard it is to mix peanut butter with anything…let alone oatmeal and protein powder. So, to avoid a wrestling match with the mixture, I premixed the peanut butter and agave in a separate bowl until smooth and then poured it in with the other ingredients.

I forgot to include it in the picture of ingredients, but you do need to add a little salt.

Mix all of the ingredients together until fully combined. Line a 9X13 pan with parchment paper and spoon the mixture into the pan. Using another piece of parchment paper, press down onto the mixture until it evenly spreads out.

After viewing my initial pan, I decided I need a few more chocolate chips sprinkled on top. This is an important step if you want your kids to actually try them!

Place your pan in the freezer until firm…I left them in there about an hour.  Remove the granola bars by simple pulling up the parchment paper. I sliced these into bars and stuck them in snack bags and stored in the freezer for my boys for lunch the next day.

These granola bars were sweet, salty and chewy…the perfect combination of each. I think next time I might try adding chopped roasted almonds or peanuts for an added crunch.I hope that you enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

*Please note the amounts below are to make 1 1/2 batch for a 9X13 pan*

2 1/4 Cup Oatmeal – Either Rolled Oats or Quick Cooking Oats

1/2 TSP. Salt

3/4 Cup Peanut Butter

3/4 Cup Raw Agave or Honey

1 Cup Protein Powder (I used vanilla that I found at Harris Teeter)

1/4 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips (Plus additional to sprinkle on top)

PROTEIN POWDER NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION