Chunky Monkey Protein Baked Oat Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Chunky Monkey Protein Baked Oat Bars are a delicious and healthy snack perfect for fueling your day. Packed with banana, peanut butter, protein powder, and chocolate chips, they offer a satisfying balance of flavors and nutrients.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the applesauce, honey or maple syrup, almond milk, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, salt, ground cinnamon, and baking powder.
- Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Step 6: Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the bars are set and golden around the edges.
- Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 bars.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
- Use chocolate or vanilla protein powder based on your flavor preference.
- For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of melted coconut oil to the wet ingredients.
- Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different nutty taste.
Storage
Store the oat bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave or enjoy chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened almond milk with any plant-based milk or regular dairy milk depending on your preference.
Are these bars gluten-free?
They can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats and protein powder. Always check labels to be sure.
Print
Chunky Monkey Protein Baked Oat Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and nutritious Chunky Monkey Protein Baked Oat Bars combine ripe bananas, protein powder, oats, and crunchy walnuts with chocolate chips for a healthy, energizing snack or breakfast option. These bars are easy to make, naturally sweetened, and perfect for on-the-go fuel.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan and Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the unsweetened applesauce, honey or maple syrup, almond milk, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and form a consistent wet mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder (vanilla or chocolate), chopped walnuts, dark chocolate chips, salt, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution of flavors and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined, careful not to overmix to maintain a good texture in the bars.
- Transfer to Baking Pan: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared 8×8-inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. The bars should be set and golden around the edges when done.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the baking pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars and slice into 12 equal pieces. Serve or store as desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Use gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
- You can swap walnuts for other nuts like pecans or almonds based on preference.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: protein bars, baked oat bars, chunky monkey bars, healthy snacks, banana oat bars, homemade protein bars
