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Blueberry Vanilla Protein Granola Bars

A close-up of delicious blueberry protein granola bars arranged on a rustic wooden table, showcasing their textured surfaces speckled with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of creamy vanilla. The bars are sliced to reveal their chewy interior, emphasizing oats and nuts intertwined with juicy blueberry pieces. Soft, warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere, highlighting the natural colors of purple, blue, and golden-brown tones. In the background, a blurred out rustic kitchen setting with a hint of healthy ingredients like raw oats and honey to complement the theme. The scene conveys a sense of health and indulgence, perfect for nutritious snacking.

These Blueberry Vanilla Protein Granola Bars are lightly sweet, soft, and bursting with fruity flavor. Juicy blueberries pair perfectly with smooth vanilla for a fresh, balanced taste that feels both wholesome and comforting. Ideal for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a healthy snack, these no-bake bars are easy to prepare and perfect for weekly meal prep.

Equipment Needed
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
8x8-inch baking pan or loaf pan
Parchment paper
Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan

Tips & Variations
Use dried blueberries to avoid excess moisture and ensure the bars hold together well.
Choose vanilla-flavored protein powder for the best flavor balance.
Chill bars thoroughly before slicing for clean, neat edges.
Add sliced almonds or white chocolate chips for extra texture and sweetness.
A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate adds a bakery-style finish.
Store bars in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh longer.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Rest Time 30 mins
Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 350  F
Servings: 12
Estimated Cost: 5
Calories: 240 kcal
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

These homemade granola bars are packed with protein and bursting with flavor, making them an ideal choice for a healthy snack or breakfast option.

Ingredients
    Ingredients for Blueberry Vanilla Protein Granola Bars
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (Use gluten-free oats if needed.)
  • 1 cup vanilla protein powder (Choose your favorite brand for optimal flavor.)
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (Maple syrup adds a lovely depth of flavor.)
  • 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter (Natural nut butter works best for a clean taste.)
  • 1 cup dried blueberries (Look for unsweetened varieties if possible.)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) (Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts.)
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds (These add texture and a nutritional boost.)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (For an extra touch of sweetness and aroma.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (Optional, but it brings warmth to the flavor.)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.)
Instructions
    Preparing the Base
  1. 1
    Preheat the OvenSet your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to get your granola bars nice and golden without burning them.
    Make sure to preheat the oven so that the bars cook evenly.
  2. 2
    Mix Dry IngredientsIn a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, protein powder, chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well mixed.
    Feel free to customize the nuts based on your preference or what you have on hand!
    3. Creating the Wet Mixture
  3. 3
    Combine Wet IngredientsIn a separate bowl, mix together almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Microwave for about 20 seconds if the almond butter is too thick; this will help in mixing.
    Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor! You can also substitute almond butter with peanut butter if you prefer.
    4. Bringing It All Together
  4. 4
    Combine Wet and Dry MixturesPour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and add in the blueberries. Stir until everything is well coated and sticky.
    Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there if needed! It helps to ensure everything is mixed well.
  5. 5
    Press into the PanLine an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the dish and press it down firmly with your hands or a spatula to create an even layer.
    Pressing it down really well is key to getting those bars to hold together!
    6. Baking and Cooling
  6. 6
    Bake the BarsPlace the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
    Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid over-baking.
  7. 7
    Cool and CutOnce baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before lifting it out and cutting it into bars.
    Cooling is essential; otherwise, they might crumble when you cut them!
    8. Storing Your Granola Bars
  8. 8
    Store ProperlyStore the cooled granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for longer-lasting freshness.
    You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap for on-the-go snacks!
Note
  • For a chewier texture, reduce baking time slightly and allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting.
  • If you prefer a crunchier bar, extend the baking time by a few minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.
  • Substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile.
  • Use fresh blueberries for a burst of juiciness or dried blueberries for a more concentrated flavor.
  • Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for added fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
  • Feel free to mix in other nuts or seeds, such as walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sliced almonds, to customize the texture and taste.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • For a protein boost, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients.
  • When cutting the bars, use a sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion to prevent crumbling.
Keywords: granola bars, protein snack, blueberry, healthy recipe, vanilla
Read it online: https://bestrecipesblog.com/recipe/blueberry-vanilla-protein-granola-bars/