{Dark Chocolate Peanut Protein Bar}

I have a real treat for you guys today!! These are OH SO GOOD!! I did a little dance after my first bite...if that tells you anything! They were a huge hit with my husband too!! The only problem is that I could have eaten the whole pan without any problem! Luckily, I packaged these up individually. That way I could convince myself that one was enough! They are super easy and way better for you than most other protein bars on the market. You know exactly what you are eating! No hard words to pronounce. OH and the best part, well other than the taste, is that they are CHEAP to make!! No spending $2.00 for one tiny bar! You can make these with ingredients that you already have!

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

adapted from: Running with Spoons

{Makes 10 bars}

• 1 cup oat flour (I just process old fashioned oats into a flour consistency with my food processor)
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder 
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate cocoa powder
• 1/2 crispy rice cereal (I used Natural Puffed Rice}
• 1/3 cup natural crunchy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp. dark chocolate chips (optional)

Spray loaf pan (9x5) with coconut oil or olive oil spray. Set aside. 

Combine flour, oats, protein powder, cocoa powder and rice cereal in medium sized bowl. Mix thoroughly.

Place peanut butter, honey and vanilla in a small microwavable bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. This will make it easier to mix!

Pour wet ingredients over dry and mix thoroughly until combined well. Pour into loaf pan and press firmly to spread evenly. 

Place chocolate chips (if using)  in microwavable bowl and microwave for 20 second intervals until chocolate is melted. Drizzle over top of protein bars.

Cover and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Cut into 10 bars.

**I like wrapping these up individually and keeping in the fridge. They are perfect to grab and go! Each bar is around 200 calories and makes a perfect snack!!

ENJOY!!