The Perfect Protein Oats Bar

perfect protein oats bar www.cardiocoffeeandkale.com

I have no problem going out the door with my jar of quick oats in hand. Many a time, I've been caught eating from the magical jar while serving as my daughters' chauffeur. My kids, however, don't want to eat from the jar when they are in a hurry. Thus, the Baked Banana Oatmeal Protein Bar was born. Using the basic ingredients from our BRILLIANT overnight oats recipe, I came up with something you can cut up and store in bar form for you and your family to take on the run. Just as the overnight oats have a perfect combination of protein and carbs, the bars are a darn good alternative to the jarred perfection and my kids love them! ENJOY!

Ingredients:

1 large banana
1/2 cup protein powder
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup rolled oats
1 tbsp vanilla or almond extract
1/2 cup egg whites
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
optional: cinnamon, pumpkin spice, nuts, flax seed, dark chocolate chips (as a special treat:)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350*. Grease an 8X8" baking tin. Mash your banana in mixing bowl then add in all your other ingredients. Mix until well combined. Pour mix into your baking tin and bake for 20-25 minutes. Once baked, allow to cool before cutting and serving. I personally like mine cold, so I will put entire tin in refrigerator once it is cool and slice later. This will keep for a week in the fridge (they won't last that long) or can be frozen in individual baggies in the freezer to grab and defrost as needed. Again, dare I say....GENIUS!

Variables include; how big is banana, type of protein powder, quick oats vs. rolled oats, glass vs. metal pan. All of these things can effect consistency of batter and bake times. Don't be afraid to play with it to get it just the way you like it by adding more or less oats and/or adjusting baking time.