Epic Gluten Free Protein Bars
These no-bake gluten free protein bars are loaded with seeds, nut butter, and protein powder—plus a little chocolate for fun. Perfect for school lunches, post-workout fuel, or a grab-and-go snack that keeps you energized.
Ingredients
- 1/2 c sunflower seeds *
- 1/4 c sesame seeds *
- 1/2 c pumpkin seeds *
- 1/2 c ground flax seeds
- 1/2 c hemp seeds
- 1/2 c chocolate chips or sub in same amount chopped dates or other dried fruit
- 1/2 c grated coconut optional
- 1 c rolled oats
- 7 cups cereal use healthy stuff if you can
- 1 1/2 c honey
- 2 c natural peanut butter or other nut butter
- 1 c skim milk powder or soya powder for vegan to increase the protein
- 1/2 c protein powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the seeds, chocolate chips coconut (if using), oats and cereal (first nine ingredients); mix together and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine honey, peanut butter, skim milk powder and protein powder. Mix together with a spatula and microwave for about 1 minute to warm the wet ingredients and make mixture easier to stir.
- Mix warmed mixture again until all the powder is incorporated.
- Dump the wet ingredients into the dry and mix well (the easiest way to get it all combined is to use your hands and really combine until there are no dry pieces…this will take a few minutes).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment and press the mixture into the sheet. Press the mixture firmly with the back of a spatula or flat utensil (use the pressure from the palm of your hand to really compact the mixture); then cut into "granola-shaped pieces" (I usually get 12x3 out of the pan).
Notes
* make sure you have just over 2 cups of seeds so you can mix these up to suit your preference or use up what you have in your kitchen! Then you can wrap them individually and put them in your pantry. People will thank you for a "good-for-you" alternative to chocolate chip cookies!!