Protein Granola Bars

5 from 2 votes

These homemade Protein Granola Bars are thick, chewy and filling. Made with simple ingredients, no eggs and no sugar, they are healthy, low calorie, vegan and gluten-free. Perfect as a post-workout snack!

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: Gluten-free, High Protein, Low calorie, Vegan

Keyword: banana, Greek yogurt, oats, protein powder

Servings: bars

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas about 7.5 oz (225 g) in total
1 ⅓ cups (130 g) rolled oats
¾ cup (70 g) protein powder
⅓ cup (80 g) Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
a pinch of salt
2 to 4 tbsp maple syrup optional, to taste
chocolate chips optional

Instructions

Heat oven to 350°F (180°C) and fold a 7 x 7 inch (15 x15 cm) brownie pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl mash the bananas and combine with yogurt, vanilla extract, cinnamon and a pinch of salt. For sweetener bars, add 2 to 4 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey to taste. Stir until smooth.
Add rolled oats and protein powder to the wet mixture, then stir until combined. You can optionally add extra mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, walnuts or raisins.
Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake in hot oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they have set in the center. Let cool to temperature, then slice into bars.

Notes

Ingredient notes

Protein powder: I recommend vegan protein powder or casein for soft, chewy bars, as whey can make them dry. Choose a high-quality protein with a flavor you enjoy—vanilla and peanut butter are great options.
Bananas: Replace with 1 cup (220 g) of unsweetened applesauce or 1 cup (220 g) of pumpkin puree.
Sweetener: Bananas add plenty of natural sweetness. For sweeter bars, add a couple tablespoons of maple syrup or honey - taste the dough and adjust with sweetener if it is necessary.
Dairy-free: Replace Greek yogurt with your favorite nondairy yogurt, I recommend soy yogurt.
Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and protein powder.
Extras: Customize this recipe with extra chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, raisins or fresh berries.

Storage notes

To store: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze: Place in zipper bags and freeze for up to 4 months.
To reheat: Remove bars from the freezer, then warm up in hot oven or in the microwave.

Nutritional values

Nutritional values do not include additional maple syrup or extra ingredients such as chocolate chips.
Nutrition facts are approximations calculated by third-party apps, for precise values please calculate your own.

Nutrition