Packaged snack bars always seem to disappoint. They're full of sugar, fake sweeteners and other additives. They often lack much nutritional value and a lot of them just taste bad. I'm also trying to buy less packaged food. These homemade protein bars are a full 180° from a packaged snack.
They always do the job of satisfying and curbing hunger and they are full of ingredients I know and love. Plus, they mean less packaging in my pantry and eventually the landfill. To make them vegan, I make a flaxseed egg - it's easy and adds even more fiber and protein to this recipe. You can vary the nuts you use and the add-ins. I love some combination of almonds, walnuts, dried fruit and vegan chocolate chips.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp ground flaxseed
3 Tbsp water
1 cup old fashioned oats
3/4 cup almond flour or whole wheat flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup melted coconut or safflower oil (you can use olive oil if you're okay with a bolder flavor)
1 cup chopped walnuts, almonds or other variety of nuts. I usually do 1/2 cup walnuts and 1/2 cup almonds.
1/4 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds. I roughly chop pumpkin seeds.
1/2 cup chopped unsweetened dried fruit or vegan chocolate chips, optional
Directions
Whisk together the ground flaxseed with the water and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken. The mixture will take on a paste like consistency. Meanwhile, heat your oven to 350°.
Combine the oats, flour, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl. Mix together the maple syrup, applesauce, oil and flaxseed mixture in a large bowl. Stir the dry ingredients in with the wet ingredients. Add the nuts, seeds and any other add-ins and mix until evenly combined.
Coat an 8x8 inch or 6x9 inch baking pan with oil, or line with parchment paper, and spread the mixture into the pan. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean once done. Allow to cool completely and cut into bars or squares.
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