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February 5, 2019

Homemade Protein Granola Bars

Gluten Free Vegetarian Bars + Energy Balls Breakfast + Brunch Snacks Bake
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These homemade protein granola bars are crunchy, nutty, and great for meal prep! Make a batch of them and you’ll have a portable breakfast or snack for the rest of the week.

One of my longest running AnneTheRD nutrition counseling clients and I usually meet at a bakery in Alexandria that sells these really delicious homemade protein granola bars.

I’ve been wanting for months to try to recreate a variation of them so my client (and I) can make them at home. I’m happy to say it finally happened. Client and husband approved. 🙂

homemade Protein Granola Bars recipe

Homemade Protein Granola Bars

These are really easy to make! I love the hearty crunch from all the nutritious nuts and seeds, and the sweet burst of flavor from the dried fruit.

I brought some to my client last Friday, and Matt and I have been enjoying the rest of them as snacks and easy on the go breakfasts!

Nutty Protein Granola Bars

Protein Granola Bars Ingredients

To make these protein granola bars, you’ll need:

  • rolled, old fashioned oats (other types of oats, like steel cut, won’t work as well here)
  • whey protein powder (unflavored)
  • chopped dry roasted, salted almonds
  • salted sunflower seeds
  • chopped pecans or cashews
  • dried fruit (cherries, apricots, or goji berries are some of my favorites here!)
  • unsweetened shredded coconut
  • creamy peanut butter
  • maple syrup or honey
  • eggs
  • optional: vanilla extract, dark chocolate chips, and cinnamon

Nutty Protein Granola Bars recipe

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. The nuts/seeds are not set in stone, and neither is the dried fruit choice.

My dietetic intern Jackie tested out a batch of these for me using apricots, pecans, and honey. When I made them, I mixed it up with some goji berries, cashews, and maple syrup, based on what I had on hand. So feel free to get creative!

How to Make Granola Bars

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a semi-shallow baking dish with non-stick spray (10 x 10 or 9 x 13 work well).

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients and stir (this includes the coconut and dried fruit). Separately, mix together the wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well.

Press the mixture into the pan – make sure it’s an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes (until the edges are browned and the center is firm when you touch it).

Allow to cool, remove from the pan, and place on parchment paper. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Nutty Protein Granola Bars recipe

The size of the pan you use can also vary. I used a 10 x 10 brownie pan, and Jackie used a 9 x 13 pan which made the bars a little thinner. Up to you!

I can’t wait to make these again – the variations are endless! They’re also perfect for pre- or post-workout fuel.

How to Store Homemade Granola Bars

Store your granola bars on the counter, in an airtight container or zippable bag for up to 1 week. I recommend placing wax or parchment paper between each layer so they don’t stick together.

You can also freeze them! Wrap them individually in wax or parchment paper, and place in a large zippable bag in the freezer. When ready to eat, place them on the counter to thaw.

I hope you enjoy these as much as we do. 🙂 The full recipe is at the end of this post.

Nutty Protein Granola Bars

Like the look of these? Check out some of my other tasty and easy granola bar recipes:

  • 5-Minute No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars (vegan, gluten free if you use GF certified oats) 
  • Dark Chocolate Quinoa Bars (gluten free)
  • Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Granola Bars
  • Vegan & Gluten Free Granola Bars (vegan, gluten free)
  • Savory Granola Bar Recipe: Cheesy Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza Bar

Nutty Protein Granola Bars

Nutty Protein Granola Bars
July 24, 2019

These bars are crunchy thanks to the nutritious nuts and seeds, and sweet because of the dried fruit. Perfect as a snack or easy on the go breakfast!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Yield
12 TO 16 BARS
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Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup unflavored whey protein powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 cup roughly chopped dry roasted, salted almonds
  • 3/4 cup salted sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped pecans or cashews
  • 3/4 cup dried fruit (dried cherries, diced apricots, or goji berries are great here)
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
  • 2/3 cup natural creamy peanut butter (salted or unsalted)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Spray a 10 x 10 or 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray.
  3. In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients (oats through coconut).
  4. In a separate bowl, stir together the wet ingredients (peanut butter through vanilla).
  5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until completely incorporated.
  6. Press the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes, until the edges are browned and the center is firm to the touch.
  8. Allow to cool, remove from the pan, and cut into bars. Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

- anne
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Savory Granola Bar Recipe: Cheesy Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza Bar

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34 comments
  • Megan
    February 5, 2014 · 12:30PM:
    Those look so good! Definitely want to try them this weekend. :)
    Reply
  • Jess | dearhealthyness
    February 5, 2014 · 12:53PM:
    I'm not a fan of dried fruits, can I omit them in the recipe?
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 13, 2014 · 9:14AM:
      Sure, they will still be tasty without the dried fruit!
      Reply
  • Kelsey at The Primal Yogi
    February 5, 2014 · 1:26PM:
    Yum! And it seems so easy!
    Reply
  • ches February 5, 2014 · 3:00PM:
    Thanks very much for sharing! I can't wait to try my hand at making them -- much cheaper than the similar prepared bars I normally buy.
    Reply
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    February 5, 2014 · 3:09PM:
    Yummy! They sound amazing! Love how loaded they are with nuts! My favourite ones I've made are PB Banana and Chocolate...no sugar just dates! You'd love em! http://peachypalate.com/2013/10/22/what-did-i-ever-do-without-pb-banana/
    Reply
  • Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog
    February 5, 2014 · 3:17PM:
    I have the hardest time finding store-bought granola bars I like, so I love the option of making them at home. Still quick and easy to grab and go, but healthier and tastier too!
    Reply
  • Jackie
    February 5, 2014 · 3:21PM:
    Holy yum these look great!
    Reply
  • Moira February 5, 2014 · 5:27PM:
    I just pinned to make them this weekend!
    Reply
  • Jo Lynn February 5, 2014 · 5:31PM:
    I'm looking forward to trying these. Your 5-Minute Granola Bars are my absolute favorite--hands down!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 5, 2014 · 5:59PM:
      I'm happy to hear that! :)
      Reply
  • Elizabeth @ Positive Change
    February 5, 2014 · 5:52PM:
    So good looking! I can't wait to try these out! I have been looking for a bar recipe for the mornings!
    Reply
  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More
    February 5, 2014 · 8:21PM:
    YUM! I wonder how they'd be with a plant-based protein powder instead of the whey?
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 5, 2014 · 9:31PM:
      Just as delicious I bet, just use an unflavored variety!
      Reply
  • Swami Mami Teas
    February 5, 2014 · 8:40PM:
    Homemade granola bars are so much tastier, healthier, and less expensive than the kind from a box. It's really easy to make your own granola bars once you have a recipe and know the the tip and tricks of baking.
    Reply
  • Monique @ Burpees to Bubbly
    February 5, 2014 · 9:06PM:
    I'm on a huge homemade granola bar and granola kick... adding these to the list!
    Reply
  • Hanna
    February 6, 2014 · 1:46AM:
    Yammy, I will definitely try these. Thanks for the recipe =o9
    Reply
  • Roadrunner February 6, 2014 · 9:15AM:
    You should figure out how to market these! fANNEtastic food breakfast bars! They look awesome!
    Reply
  • Nancy February 14, 2014 · 2:06PM:
    Do you have the nutrition breakdown on these? I'm looking for an easy recipe that is high protein to use for my wound care patients. They get so tired of the canned supplements.
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 14, 2014 · 4:35PM:
      I don't, no -- I recommend SparkRecipes.com if you would like to calculate it! That's amazing that you're looking to do something homemade for your patients!
      Reply
  • Cara's Healthy Cravings
    February 17, 2014 · 7:18PM:
    I just pulled mine out of the oven and they smell fantastic! Great recipe Anne! I can't wait to taste them once they cool.
    Reply
  • Allison @ Life's a Bowl
    February 20, 2014 · 5:25PM:
    Are these inspired by the bars at BUZZ Bakery?! A former coworker bought me a couple last year and I quickly became addicted :P Pinning this recipe!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 20, 2014 · 6:55PM:
      No, Firehook! Will have to try the buzz ones!
      Reply
  • Susan
    February 24, 2014 · 3:21AM:
    Wow! I’m sure they taste as good as they look! Can’t wait to get my hands busy re-creating your nutty-protein granola bars. Thanks for sharing your recipe. I’m off to get the ingredients!
    Reply
  • Christian
    February 28, 2014 · 10:15AM:
    Boy oh boy! Those nutty-protein-granola-bars just look so crunchingly delicious and I’ll bet they are! I’ll ask my wife to rush to the supermarket to get me all the stuff for her to do your recipe. Just hope she gets it right! They really look great I want to grab a piece!
    Reply
  • Susan
    March 26, 2014 · 3:01PM:
    Hello Anne. I have been enjoying your blog for a few months now. I am returning to the DC Metro area (VA specifically :) ) so I love your integration of health, fitness and your love for the Capitol! I made these granola bars and they were so good I had to host them on my blog! Of course, I gave you the full credit and a raving shout out. I also took care to link back to your blog in several places for the actual recipe. Please do check it out...I truly loved these and a few of my fans made them to rave reviews. Hopefully, I have increased your readership along with strengthening mine. Much thanks!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 4, 2014 · 11:03AM:
      Thank you so much, Susan! I just saw your post and left you a comment. I appreciate the love - and the fact that you linked over here for the full recipe vs. reposting it! :) Thank you again -- glad you loved the bars!
      Reply
  • Maureen April 29, 2014 · 7:58AM:
    A friend of mine was looking for a granola bar with protein powder in them for her brothers to have after wrestling practice. These look like they would be a perfect fit. Thank you for such a flexible recipe!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2014 · 8:22AM:
      I hope they like them!
      Reply
  • Duane July 4, 2015 · 8:48AM:
    Hey, couple questions. :) 1) Is it possible to substitute the unflavoured protein for Vanilla bean whey protein? I have an excess of it from a sale. 2) How big would I need to prepare these bars to provide about 25 grams of protein? Looking to use it as a post-workout energy booster. Thanks! :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      July 4, 2015 · 12:18PM:
      Sure, you could do vanilla protein - would just make the bars more vanilla-y. :) Regarding your second question, it will totally depend based on the protein powder you use. I would recommend putting the recipe into SparkRecipes to calculate the nutritionals using the specific protein powder you use. Enjoy!
      Reply
  • Edward Parker July 17, 2019 · 1:12AM:
    Tastes very good. My family loved it. Will definitely make it again.
    Reply
  • Steve Berry
    January 1, 2021 · 2:29PM:
    Just pulled them out of the oven. Not sure if they are done but followed the recipe. They do smell and look terrific.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 2, 2021 · 9:04AM:
      Great! Hope you enjoy them, they are an old fave!
      Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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