Let’s face it, these days we are constantly on the go and feeling like there’s not enough time in the day to ensure that we are eating healthy meals. Most of the time (and I am guilty of doing this too), we just grab whatever sort of prepackaged food items are readily available to us, whether they are healthy options or not. For breakfast, this usually includes a processed granola bar or sugary snack that has so many ingredients, sugars, and preservatives we can’t even count them all. This is why I love to make these home-made granola bars. They are so simple and easy to make, AND (hold onto your hats!) they are also 3x the amount of protein, half of the calories, and a third of the sugar of normal bars! And believe it or not, they actually TASTE better than normal granola bars. Don’t believe me? Try them out for yourselves!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (or PB-fit powder)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup flax seed meal
• 1/4 cup chopped dried dates
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips (or cocoa nibs)
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (oat milk, almond milk, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 scoop of vegan protein powder (this can be any brand you like- I like to use vanilla flavor!) a half cup of peanut butter (or PB-fit powder if you want even less sugar), a half cup of unsweetened applesauce, a quarter cup of flax seed meal, a quarter cup of chopped dried dates, a quarter cup of chopped dried apricots, a quarter cup of chopped walnuts, cinnamon, a half cup of non-dairy milk, and a quarter cup of vegan chocolate chips (or cocoa nibs for less sweetness).
3. Add water (as needed) to this mix until everything is well combined and makes a thick (not watery) oatmeal consistency.
4. In a non-stick 8×11 baking dish, (if you do not have non-stick, you can also coat the bottoms and sides of the pan with vegan butter or a small amount of oil), add the contents of the bowl and spread it out evenly and flat in the baking pan.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes. (For more moist granola bars, bake for less time.)
6. Once the bars have cooled, cut into small squares and serve!

This recipe will usually make 9-15 granola bars, depending on how small or large you cut them. They can be stored in a container in the fridge and will usually stay good for at least a week and a half, saving you time in your morning routine while also staying healthy and full. Bon Appétit!