Do you work out in the morning?! If so, do you have to eat beforehand!? I can get away with some cardio without eating before, but anything more intense, I need to eat something! If not, I’m getting dizzy, slightly nauseous, and cutting my workout way short.
Enter: these amazing protein bars!
Just grab one from the fridge and go. It also helps that they’re majorly yummy. Chewy, dense, peanut buttery, and full of protein to keep you going. What else could you ask for? (seriously).
I love the addition of hemp hearts here. I usually just use them to sprinkle on a salad or throw some in a smoothie, but I’ve never put them in a protein bar before. They work so well because they’re perfectly firm yet chewy. Plus, that protein profile is spot on.
Hemp hearts are crazy good for you. They’re an awesome source of protein, containing all essential amino acids that your body can’t produce on its own, and they’re great for healthy brain function with their high amounts of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 3s are essential for proper neuron function and structure, and have been shown to be beneficial for those with depression, bipolar depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Nuts, seeds, and oily fish are great sources of Omega 3s. Lots of nutty seedyness going on here, folks. You can read more on the importance of Omega-3s here!
These protein bars are great to pack up for a ski trip, camping trip, hiking day, work snacks, breakfast, you name it. Take them on your next adventure to keep you going! Enjoy!
| No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars | Print |
- 1 cup oats (quick cooking)
- 1 cup crisped rice cereal
- ¾ cup hemp hearts*
- 1¼ cup mix-ins of choice (i.e. chopped walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, etc., raisins or other dried fruit, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.) (I used ½ cup pumpkin seeds, ½ cup dried cranberries, and ¼ cup ground flaxseed)
- ¾ cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- Line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with parchment or wax paper and set aside.
- Mix the oats, crisped rice, hemp hearts, and your choice of mix-ins in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix honey and peanut butter together.
- Pour peanut butter mixture over oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. This takes a few minutes but it will get there! I like to use a spatula and alternate between stirring and using the thin edge to slice into any clumps and break it apart.
- Pour mixture into the baking dish and press evenly into the pan with the back of a spatula. Make sure to press firmly into an even layer so they stay together later when you cut them into bars. Pull up the edges of the parchment paper to create firm, compact edges to your bars.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to set.
- Once set, cut into bars or squares.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Separate bars with wax or parchment paper so they don't stick together.
15 Quick Egg-Free, Protein-Rich Breakfast Ideas | StyleCaster (STAGING)
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These are seriously amazing. Diane made them for me when she came in to visit after the birth of my first child, and they were a life saver. Easy to eat with one hand, and so delicious. Yum. I need to make a batch. Now.
Oh Anna B, you’re too kind! But yes, they are so good! haha!