Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Protein Bars

• Cooking oil spray
• ½ cup plain oatmeal (quick oats, not instant)
• ½ cup unsweetened soymilk
• ¼ cup egg whites (2 whites)
• ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder (1/3 cup)
• ½ cup Splenda granulated or sugar (or 12 packets Truvia)
• ¼ cup milled flaxseed
• 2 tablespoons white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¹/8 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons natural peanut butter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8″ pan with cooking oil spray.
2. In a microwave safe bowl, combine oats and milk; cook for 60 seconds. Stir and allow to cool; mix in egg whites and vanilla.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whey protein, Splenda, flaxseed, flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add oatmeal mixture to dry ingredients; mix just until everything is moist. Spread batter in pan.
5. Place peanut butter in microwave safe bowl and heat for 45 seconds or until melted. Spoon peanut butter over batter in pan and swirl with knife tip.
6. Bake for 10 minutes; allow to cool completely before cutting into 6 bars. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap and store in the freezer or refrigerator. Unwrap and microwave 30 seconds to warm.

Makes 6 servings

Per serving: 195 calories, 11 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 14 g total carbohydrate, 4 g dietary fiber, 12 g protein, 218 mg sodium.

Can you think of another protein bar flavor you’d like to see?  Leave a comment; if your idea sounds good – I’ll work on it!