Description
These Peanut Butter Quinoa Protein Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack option, combining the rich flavors of natural peanut butter with the wholesome goodness of quinoa and oats. Perfect for a quick energy boost or post-workout refuel, they are packed with protein, fiber, and natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup. Enhanced with dried fruits, nuts, and chia seeds, these bars offer a satisfying crunch and chewy texture, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 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 the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. Cook it according to the package instructions until fluffy, then let it cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, natural peanut butter, and honey or maple syrup. Stir until the mixture becomes thick, sticky, and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Fold in the rolled oats, dried fruits or nuts, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt until all ingredients are evenly incorporated throughout the mixture.
- Transfer and Press: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or your hands to compact the bars properly.
- Bake Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which helps them set properly. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into approximately 12 bars.
Notes
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
- For vegan bars, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra taste.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
