No-Cook Protein Bars

FLKeysJen's Note:

From "Recipes for a Six Pack" by Oxygen Magazine. Cook time is freezing time.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 9

Yield: 9.0 no-cook ...

• nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups dry oatmeal
• 2 scoops chocolate whey protein powder
• 2 tablespoons flax seeds or 2 tablespoons hemp seeds, finely ground
• 1 cup powdered nonfat dry milk powder
• 1/2 cup natural-style peanut butter
• 1/2 cup water (more or less, depending on the protein powder)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup raisins (or other dried fruit)

Directions:

1. Spray an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oatmeal, whey powder,flax seeds and nonfat dry milk; mix together.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter,water and vanilla. Add the peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to form a sticky dough. Stir or knead in the raisins.
4. Using wet hands or a rubber spatula sprayed with cooking spray, spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Freeze for one hour or refrigerate for several hours, until the mixture is firm enough to cut.
6. Cut into nine squares. Wrap individually and store in your refrigerator to grab on your way out the door.

Reviews

[J-Lynn]

I give this recipe 3 stars for the wonderful ingredients, but the flavor is only just tolerable. We only had vanilla whey protein powder, so maybe the chocolate really adds a lot. I was pleased that this recipe had no added sweeteners, but next time I am going to have to try decreasing the water and adding some honey for flavor.

[Chef #1553202]

These are absolutely wonderful although I use craisins instead or none at all. This is the first recipe I've found for homemade protein bars that actually turn our well and taste great! Thanks for sharing it with us!!

[CoffeeB]

These are really really good Jen. I don't know if you have tried them, but I'm thinking that even the vanilla whey-powder would be exceptional as well. I followed your recipe but instead of using flax seed I used 1 T. flaxmeal and 1 T. Wheatgerm. I did as you suggested and chilled for 1 hour b/f cutting into squares and then wrapped individually for the freezer. Great treat to have on hand. And, totally guilt free and healthy is the best part. I'll be making these repeatedly. I'll be trying different flavors of powder too!! So glad I tagged for the Photoforum~