Protein-Packed Oat Bars for a Healthy Snack

I’m all about snacking, but it has to be the right thing that’s actually good for you. Fruits are always my go to, but sometimes I want something a little savory for my palette – and I can’t get away with brownies all the time! I have a few healthy snacks in my arsenal to pop out when I’m feeling peckish. And, since having picked up a few fresh ingredients from my local farmers market, I knew I had to make my protein-packed oat bars for a healthy snack!

Now, I’ve always been a major fan of the farmers market. My husband and I dream of having our own farm one day, but until that day, we enjoy the goods we get at the market. Today I was in search of blueberries for my oat bars, along with some fresh honey and almonds if I found any. Baking and cooking in season is a skill I have yet to master. I attempt to incorporate it often in the things I make. I knew that blueberries were thriving this time of year, and even a few farms might be harvesting their almonds!

With the new baby, the thought of going back to the farmers market didn’t even cross our minds. What with diapers and naps to plan around, I definitely forgot the market even existed. However, when the cold started biting, I knew I had to go back before it closed for the season!

At The Market

What a beautiful day it was, honestly. A light jacket and long skirt was making me feel like Autumn was coming, which (don’t hate me), got me absolutely excited. As usual the market was packed, but I like it! It’s important to support these hardworking farmers.

I think the hardest part is choosing who to buy your stuff from. Almost every farmer had blueberries in their stalls. Personally, I like to support the farmers who have prioritized sustainability packaging in their stalls. It makes me think that their farm must run on sustainable practices as well, which is always a bonus!

Along with our blueberries, we made a few more buys that we needed for the week. Sandwich bread, honey, some veggies and a hot sauce my husband really wanted. I definitely shamelessly dressed up for the occasion while bringing my cottagecore basket to really feel like a townsgirl from the 1860s. Which, if you know me, you know how much I wish I was in the 1860s.

Once finished enjoying every second outdoors, we headed home to start on my oat bar healthy snack!

Making The Oat Bars

Okay, onto the oat bars. Definitely becoming a healthy snack I can vouche for. As I mentioned before, my husband requires protein packed meals to keep up with his rigorous workout routines. Even the snacks!

To start off these oat bars, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, we start with washing our fresh blueberries. Since they’re organic, a good rinse is really all I need. Once those are ready to go, we take out the rest of our ingredients and tools!

I’m a one bowl kind of gal. I personally hate using two bowls for drys and wets. I just start with wets and pour the dry on top. It has worked for me 99% of the time!

So, to start, we throw our 2 eggs, 1 3/4 cups of milk, 2 tbsps of butter, some vanilla extract, and I personally like to add the sugar with the wets. That’s 3/4 cup of sugar!

Whisk those together nicely. Now, start on the dry ingredients. To ensure you get everything mixed together nicely, slowly add each ingredient while mixing. So start with the 3 cups of oats, stir, then add the 1 tsp of cinnamon, stir, then the 1 tsp of baking powder, stir, 1 scoop of protein powder, stir. Feel free to add chopped almonds to the recipe if you want some extra protein!

Add the blueberries in last. Once the blueberries are in, transfer your mixture to a pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the tops are golden brown!

The Result

Cut up the squares to your desired size and either serve immediately or pop in the fridge for 5 days or the freezer for 3 months! I like to make big batches of this because it really does relieve my snacking habits!

There are so many things you can add to this recipe. Don’t like blueberries? Choose whatever berry you want. Add chocolate chips to make it sweeter! Add a honey drizzle on top. The possibilities are absolutely endless!

Hopefully you get to enjoy this treat as much as my family and I do. Have a lovely week!