Vanilla Protein Bars

I was in search of a tasty energy bar that was filled with fiber and protein and after playing with a variety of granola bar recipes I came up with this. Now it's become a perfect on-the-go breakfast for both my husband and I. Based upon 18 bars per 9 x 13 pan = Cal = 287 Fat = 4.8 Carbs = 47.0 (Dietary Fiber = 4.8) Protein = 17.8

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 18
• Yields: 18 bars

Ingredients

• 4  cups rolled oats
• 2  cups whole wheat flour
• 1⁄2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup wheat germ
• 1⁄2 cup flax seed
• 8  scoops  vanilla protein powder
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon allspice
• 1  teaspoon nutmeg
• 1  cup  dried mixed fruit (optional)
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup honey
• 3  egg whites
• 6  ounces  nonfat vanilla yogurt
• 2  tablespoons canola oil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, wheat germ, flaxseed, protein powder, spices, dried fruit and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the honey, egg whites, yogurt and oil. Mix well. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, or they will be too hard to cut.