Easy Granola Bars

2 recipes!

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Trail Mix Granola Bar:

• 2 cups of Rolled Oats

• 1 scoop of protein powder (i used vanilla flavored)

• 1/4 cup of peanut butter (may need to add more depending on the preference of consistency)

• 1 tbs maple syrup or honey

• trail mix:

• mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds)

• dried fruit

• chia or hemp or flax seeds (optional)

Chocolate Peanut butter Granola Bar:

• 2 cups of rolled oats

• 1 scoop of protein powder or cocoa powder

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 1/3 cup chocolate chips

• 1/4 shredded coconut (optional)

Steps:

1. prep the pan, I used a 12 x 6 in a baking pan and lined it with parchment paper. the best method is to have chip clips hold the sides down parallel

2. In a large bowl incorporate all dry ingredients such as oats and protein/cocoa powder and mix well

3. melt peanut butter in the microwave for 30 seconds until its a liquid mixture to make it easier to pour

4. add melted peanut butter and/or choice of syrup to the dry ingredients in the bowl

5. mix well the consistency should be similar to cookie dough and from here you have two routes. if you're going for aesthetics add your toppings to the top of the bars last OR if you're here for quality mix in your trail mix, chocolate chips, or coconut shreds or seeds.

6. now you want to pour your mix into your prepped baking pan and make sure you press and compact every little nook and cranky to make sure the bars are in one piece. if your hands get tired find something heavy enough to help you press it down for me I used another pan and separate both w a plastic wrap so it won't stick.

7. lastly, put your oats in the freezer for at least an hour to firm up

8. after letting it freeze flip over your pan onto a cutting board and cut up your bars into rectangles or squares whichever your preference is.

9. As an extra step, you can individually wrap your bars in small parchment wrappings and twine if taking them to go or gifting them. other than that I just stored it in a Tupperware back in the freezer for good keeping. shelf life is about a week to a week and a half depending

***If you have a peanut allergy feel free to use 2-3 blended dried dates as a substitute it has great flavor and consistency it can also replace the honey/maple syrup since it is also sweet***