Protein Packed Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Bars

I’m always looking for good protein bars and when I think I find a good one in the store, there’s always SO much sugar!  And the price…ugh!  The other thing is that I have 2 PICKY growing boys who eat ALL of the time.  So I need to have options readily available for them at all times.
I’ve experimented with all sorts of recipes.  Protein balls have been a favorite in this house, but I need something a little easier and faster.  After trying so many recipes, I felt it was time to make up my own.   I think I have a winner, everyone in the house likes them and they were so easy to make!  You don’t even have to bake them 🙂
 

Ingredients
Yields 12 Servings
1 3/4 cups old fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups rice krispies cereal
1 Packet TLS Whey Protein Shake-Chocolate
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/2 cup carob chips
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4-1/2 cup agave or honey-use less if you don’t want them as sweet
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment or wax paper leaving a 2-inch overhang.
In a large mixing bowl, toss together oats, cereal, chia seeds, carob chips and protein powder, set aside.
In a separate microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine peanut butter and agave or honey.
Heat the mixture on high-power for 45 seconds to one minute, remove and stir. Return to the microwave and heat for up to 30 seconds longer, until the mixture is smooth and runny.
Remove from the microwave, pour in vanilla and whisk the mixture for 30 seconds. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture, and toss well to evenly coat.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, firmly press mixture into an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap, and freeze 10-15 minutes, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Lift bars from the dish using the foil overhang, and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container.
Enjoy!! Feel free to try different combinations.  I’m going to try using my chocolate mint from my garden in my next recipe.  Oh…and maybe coconut!  The possibilities are endless!  Let me know what you try too.