Cooking with Kelly: Homemade Protein Bar Recipe

Protein bars are expensive and many aren't that tasty. Alternatively, the might be tasty, and have as many calories as two snicker bars. This recipe makes about 14 protein bars, which weigh in at a little less than 150 calories each and little more than 12 grams of protein. Plus, they don't taste like a chocolate-flavored pink eraser, which I've encountered with other brands. Best of all, these homemade protein bars are no bake.

I packaged these up for my lunches and snacks next week, because I'm trying to get into this whole being an organized adult thing. It's hard.

Homemade Protein Bar Recipe
1/2 cup instant oats
5 scoops protein powder (I used chocolate whey protein, but use what you have on hand)
1 cup nonfat powdered milk
2 Tablespoons flaxseed meal
1/4 cup smooth nut butter (I used peanut; almond, soy or sunflower works, too)
1/2 cup water
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

First, lay out a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper. This is where you'll roll out the bars.

Using a food processor or blender, pulverize the oats until smooth. Combine with the protein powder, milk and flaxseed. Chop the chocolate chips, then add to the dry ingredients.

In another bowl, whisk together the water, peanut butter and vanilla. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix to combine. You may need to add an extra Tablespoon or two of water to combine.

The dough will be very sticky. Scoop out onto the parchment paper, then top with plastic cling wrap. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough, then place into a 9" by 13" pan and smooth into the size of the pan. I pre-portioned the bars by pressing a bamboo skewer into the dough before freezing it for four hours. Then, when I removed it from the freezer, I just had to break it along the lines I made.

Keep in the freezer or refrigerator until you're ready to enjoy.