Sometimes a good protein can be hard to find – especially when it has to be portable, stable without refrigeration, and ready to eat out-of-hand.
These bars fill the requirements and then some. Supremely easy to assemble (a great recipe to do with kids) with on-hand ingredients and less than an hour invested from start of prep to munching, makes these delicious protein bars top-notch.
Even though the list of ingredients may raise an eyebrow or two, just make them and hit the gym. Better yet: Just get outside!
Climbing Bars
1 cup whole wheat flour (spelt works fine, oat for gluten-free )
½ tsp non-aluminum baking powder
½ tsp cinnamon
6 Tbsp butter (3/4 of a stick), softened but not melted. 3 Tbsp. coconut oil and 3 Tbsp. butter is a nice combo too.
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 large apple, chopped
2 cups rolled or quick oats
2 cups grated cheese – cheddar or even pepper jack
1 ½ cup raisins (feel free to substitute craisins)
½ cup walnuts, chopped coarsely
½ cup raw sunflower seeds
Mix first three ingredients together.
Stir in butter, sugar and eggs.
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
Pour into a lightly oiled 9×13” pan.
Flatten mixture to create even thickness throughout pan.
Bake 25 minutes at 375 degrees.
Score into desired size bars. Cool and wrap in foil. These travel and freeze really well.
See you at the top, well fueled with some great food made by your own hands.