Indulge in homemade goodness with these strawberry protein bars! Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavor, these bars are perfect for snacking on the go. Easy to make and store, they're a delicious way to stay fueled throughout the day.
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Looking for a tasty and nutritious snack that will keep you energized throughout the day? Look no further! These homemade strawberries and cream granola protein bars are the perfect solution. Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, freeze-dried strawberries, flax seeds, and vanilla-flavoured pea protein, these healthy snack bars are not only delicious with a very natural flavor but also a great source of protein and fiber. Each bar contains 6.7 grams of protein (this will vary depending on the protein powder you use)
Plus, they're easy to make and can be stored for several days, making them ideal for meal prep or on-the-go snacking. Follow this simple recipe to whip up a batch of these satisfying granola bars that will satisfy your cravings and fuel your body with goodness! They are so much better for you than store-bought protein bars as they are free from artificial flavors, palm kernal oil, sunflower lecithin, soy lecithin and ascorbic acid. Just make sure to use a natural protein powder.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats
- Freeze dried strawberries
- Whole flax seed
- Brown sugar
- Coconut oil
- Agave syrup
- Vanilla-flavoured pea protein
- Sea Salt
For exact quantities see the recipe card below.
The ingredients in these strawberries and cream granola protein bars offer a plethora of health and nutrition benefits.
Rolled oats serve as a fiber-rich base, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Freeze dried strawberries not only provide a burst of fruity flavor but are also packed with vitamins (Vitamin C and Vitamin B), antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to heart health and boosting the immune system.
Whole flax seeds are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, promoting brain health and reducing inflammation.
Brown sugar, while used in moderation, adds sweetness without refined carbohydrates, while coconut oil provides healthy fats that support heart health.
Agave syrup serves as a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Vanilla-flavoured pea protein offers a plant-based protein boost, aiding muscle repair and providing sustained energy. You might find a fortified protein powder which is a great way of getting added vitamins and nutrients such as folic acid.
Lastly, salt provides essential electrolytes, balancing hydration and supporting nerve and muscle function. Together, these ingredients create a nutritious and delicious snack option suitable for any lifestyle.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° F/180 C. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Line an 8" x 8"/20cm x 20cm square pan with 2 crossing sheets of parchment.
Spread the oats in an even layer on large baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes. Stir to redistribute and bake for a further 5-7 minutes until lightly toasted.
In a saucepan, combine coconut oil, brown sugar, agave, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes undisturbed. Remove from heat.
Once the sugar mixture has stopped bubbling, stir in the protein powder until smooth.
Combine the toasted oats, freeze dried strawberries, and flax seeds in a large bowl.
Pour syrup over oat mix. Stir until everything is sticky and coated.
Press into lined square baking pan. Use a spatula (sugar mix will still be hot) to press down and compact all the mix together into an even layer.
Loosely cover (so that some steam can escape) and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Cut into 10 pieces and store wrapped in parchment or in an airtight container. Will keep at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
📖 Recipe
Vegan Strawberry and Cream Granola Protein Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in homemade goodness with these strawberries and cream granola protein bars! Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavor, these bars are perfect for snacking on the go. Easy to make and store, they're a delicious way to stay fueled throughout the day.
Ingredients
230g Rolled oats
22g Freeze dried strawberries
30g (3 tbsp) Whole flax seed
55g Brown sugar
55g Coconut oil
60ml (¼ cup) Agave syrup
38g (6 tbsp) Vanilla-flavoured pea protein
2g (¼ tsp) Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F/180 C. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Line an 8" x 8"/20cm x 20cm square pan with 2 crossing sheets of parchment.
- Spread the oats in an even layer on large baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes. Stir to redistribute and bake for a further 5-7 minutes until lightly toasted.
- In a saucepan, combine coconut oil, brown sugar, agave, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes undisturbed. Remove from heat.
- Combine the toasted oats, freeze dried strawberries, and flax seeds in a large bowl.
- Once the sugar mixture has stopped bubbling, stir in the protein powder until smooth.
- Pour syrup over oat mix. Stir until everything is sticky and coated.
- Press into lined square baking pan. Use a spatula (sugar mix will still be hot) to press down and compact all the mix together into an even layer.
- Loosely cover (so that some steam can escape) and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Cut into 10 pieces and store wrapped in parchment or in an airtight container. Will keep at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Substitutions and variations
Here are some substitutions and variations you can try for this recipe:
Substitutions:
- Rolled Oats: Substitute with quick oats or a combination of rolled oats and oat flour for a finer texture.
- Freeze Dried Strawberries: Fresh or frozen strawberries can be used instead, although the texture may be slightly different.
- Whole Flax Seed: Chia seeds or hemp seeds can be used as a replacement for flax seeds.
- Brown Sugar: Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can be used as alternatives to brown sugar.
- Coconut Oil: Substitute with melted vegan butter, or another neutral oil like canola oil, sunflower oil or vegetable oil. Just try to avoid palm oil for environmental reasons.
- Agave Syrup: Replace with maple syrup, corn syrup or date syrup.
- Vanilla-Flavoured Pea Protein: Any other protein powder flavor or protein blend of your choice can be used, such as chocolate or unflavored protein powder. Avoid whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate or whey protein isolate however, as this is not vegan.
Variations:
- Add Nuts or Seeds: Stir in chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts) or seeds (such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds) for added crunch and nutrition.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the bars for a decadent touch.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in other dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or blueberries for a burst of flavor and color.
- Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle coconut flakes on top of the bars before chilling for extra texture and flavor.
- Spices: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the sugar mixture for a warm and cozy flavor. You could also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract if you would like a stronger vanilla flavour.
- Nut Butter: Swirl in some almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter into the mixture for added richness and protein. Experiment to find your favorite flavors and combinations.
- Protein Powder: Experiment with different flavors and types of protein powder, such as soy protein isolate, or hemp protein, to customize the taste to your liking. If you want a more strawberry flavour try using strawberry powder protein or a strawberry juice concentrate.
- Crunch: If you prefer your snacks to have a crispy goodness about them you could add some crunchy ingredients such as Special K or Cornflakes, or toasted nuts to give an irresistible crunch.
Feel free to mix and match these substitutions and variations to create your own unique twist on these delicious granola bars!
FAQ's
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried. However, keep in mind that fresh strawberries contain more moisture, which may affect the texture of the bars slightly. You may need to adjust the baking time accordingly and possibly refrigerate the bars for longer to help them set.
Can I omit the protein powder?
Yes, you can omit the protein powder if you prefer. The bars will still be delicious and nutritious with the other ingredients providing plenty of flavor and texture. You may need to adjust the consistency of the syrup mixture slightly to ensure it binds the ingredients together well so that you still get chewy protein bars.
Can I substitute the coconut oil with another type of oil?
Yes, you can substitute the coconut oil with another type of oil such as melted vegan butter or a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Keep in mind that different oils may impart slightly different flavors to the bars.
How long do these granola bars last?
These granola bars will keep at room temperature for about 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container or wrapped in parchment paper.
Can I add other mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize these granola bars with your favorite mix-ins such as vegan chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or coconut flakes. Just be mindful of the additional moisture content or density of the mix-ins, which may affect the texture of the bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by ensuring that the oats and other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free. Additionally, you can substitute the oats with gluten-free oats or another gluten-free grain such as quinoa flakes.
How can I adjust the sweetness level of these bars?
If you prefer your bars less sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or agave syrup in the recipe. You can also experiment with alternative sweeteners such as maple syrup, or stevia to suit your taste preferences.
These strawberries and cream granola protein bars are not just a perfect protein snack - they're a lifestyle! With their perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, simple ingredients and convenience, they're sure to become the perfect bars for a go-to treat and are my new favorite protein bars. Whether you're enjoying them on-the-go, as a pre-workout boost, or as a satisfying midday pick-me-up, these bars are guaranteed to keep you fueled and feeling fantastic. So, why wait? Whip up a batch today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!
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