Homemade Protein Bars

I originally posted this recipe Here, my very first blog post.  But, the post was more about starting a blog and I threw in the recipe at the end.  So I wanted to write a new post completely dedicated to these tasty treats.  These protein bars are soft, gooey, and the perfect snack.

Homemade Protein Bars

 

Ingredients:
* 3 1/3 cups quick cooking oats
* 2 scoops vanilla protein
* 4 tbsp flax meal or seed
* 2 small bananas, well mashed (you want them to be almost runny so they mix in well)
* 1 cup smooth peanut butter
* 4 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
* 1/2 cup egg whites or 2 eggs
* 4 tsp agave or honey
* 1-2 tsp vanilla
* Add-ins of your choice (chocolate chips, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, etc.)

Directions:
* Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
* Grease 9x13 baking pan.
* In a large bowl, combine the first 3 ingredients.
* Add banana and peanut butter.  Mix until the banana and peanut butter are combined into the dry ingredients.
* Mix in the applesauce and egg whites.
* Add the agave and vanilla.  Mix well.
* Fold in your add-ins. 
* Spread the mixture evenly into the baking pan.
* Bake for 10-12 minutes, but no longer than 12 minutes.
* Remove from oven and cut into bars immediately.  Let cool completely in pan.

The easiest way to store these is in an air-tight container.  Make sure you put plastic wrap between the layers or else they will stick together.

Y'all I swear these are THE BEST protein bars I've ever had.  They are my go-to snack and I make them at least twice a month.  And they don't taste like protein bars!  They taste like yummy oatmeal chocolate bar delicousness.  It's hard to explain, but just trust me, they are fabulous!

I hope everyone has a great week!