Description
These Peanut Butter Quinoa Protein Bars are a wholesome, nutrient-packed snack that’s perfect for a quick energy boost. Combining the rich flavors of natural peanut butter, sweet honey or maple syrup, and hearty quinoa with rolled oats and dried fruits or nuts, these bars are baked to a satisfying golden brown, offering a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup dried fruits or nuts (e.g., cranberries, almonds)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Cook Quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness, then cook it according to package instructions until fluffy. Allow to cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, natural peanut butter, and honey or maple syrup. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes thick and sticky, which will help bind the bars.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Fold in the rolled oats, dried fruits or nuts, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press the mixture down evenly and firmly to create a compact and uniform layer for baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the surface turns golden brown. This ensures the bars are set and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely. This helps them firm up. Once cooled, cut into 12 equal bars and serve or store.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup to make the bars vegan-friendly.
- Feel free to use any dried fruits or nuts of your preference for added texture and flavor.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan before baking helps the bars hold together better.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 1 month; just thaw before eating.
