Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Protein Bars (Gluten Free)
Need a quick portable snack that is healthy and nutritious? Try these cinnamon raisin oatmeal protein bars. They are vegan, gluten free, low fat, and so easy to make! Naturally sweetened these cinnamon raisin oatmeal protein bars are perfect for kids lunch boxes, before or after sporting events or workouts for kids and adults or for your afternoon snack. Such a better option than anything you can get out of the vending machine or off your co-workers desk.
Since we moved to Austin, we have had days and days of rain. I have to admit, it’s been mentally really difficult. The dog, the cats and Dave are the only people/things I see most days. The gym we found to workout in is pretty empty and because of the rain I haven’t had a chance to really meet the neighbors or anyone in town. So I’ve been doing a ton of cooking and baking to pass the time! Oh and I joined a yoga studio. I think yoga is going to be the key to my sanity over the next few months. Where are my yogis at?
These cinnamon raisin oatmeal protein bars were made to fulfil a craving I’ve been having. I have been craving those chewy granola bars. You know the ones with high fructose corn syrup that are chewy, not crunchy and full of fun ingredients. I’ve also been craving oatmeal raisin cookies like no ones business. These cinnamon raisin oatmeal protein bars killed two cravings with one recipe.
I have to admit I end up taking on a ton of Dave’s allergy eating habits. He was doing gluten free oats for a long time and then one day decided they didn’t make him feel he best (I think it was the quantiy of oatmeal he was eating) so he cut the gluten free oats out of his diet. So then they pretty much left my diet as well. We haven’t been cooking any grains in the house. Not oatmeal, not quinoa, or beans. And as a mostly vegetarian that has left me eating all the fat and veggies instead to be honest.
And I’ve been missing these grains lately. I made a bowl of pumpkin oatmeal this past weekend and remembered how much I love oats. So today, I made these yummy gluten free cinnamon raisin oatmeal protein bars and a big pot of quinoa to enjoy the rest of the week. And guess who is eating these cinnamon raisin oatmeal protein bars – you guessed it DAVE!! He’s ready to slowly try to incorporate gluten free oats back in to see how he feels. I think he misses oatmeal too!
These cinnamon raisin oatmeal protein bars come together in just minutes with the help of your food processor! Simply soak your dates, whirl them in the food processor for a few seconds, add the protein and chia seeds, process again then add the oats. Ready for the oven in under 5 minutes! Pretty simple to make and just as simple to pack for an afternoon snack! The dates provide natural sweeteness and give the chewy consistency I was looking for like those granola bars I was craving!
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Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 8 dates - pitted and soaked in hot water at least 30 minutes
- 1/2 cup date water
- 6 tbs. chia seeds
- 2 scoop vegan protein powder
- 1 tbs. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2-3 tbs. raisins
- 2-3 tbs. pumpkin seeds - or seed or nut of choice
- 2-3 tbs. coconut butter - optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F
- Pit the dates. Soak them in hot water for at least 30 minutes to help soften them.
- Add the softened dates to the food processor, reserving the liquid they soaked in.
- Process the dates on high until a paste forms.
- Add the chia seeds, protein powder and date water. Process until combined.
- Add the cinnamon vanilla extract and half the oatmeal. Process until combined.
- Move the mixture to a large bowl. Add in the remaining cup of oats, the raisins and the pumpkin seeds. Stir well until combined.
- Spray a 8X8 baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour the batter in the pan and make one even layer or batter. You may need to use your hands for this (make sure they are clean)
- Bake for 20 minutes at 350
- Remove from oven. Let cool. Drizzle with melted coconut butter. Cool slightly to set the coconut butter
mmmmm I ould totally go for one of these as a PWO snack! Love all the things cinnamon raisin :)
Ohhhh those pumpkin seeds on this! What a great recipe. Gorgeous as always!
These look SOOOOO good! I can never decide between crispy or chewy granola bars so I feel like I need a bit of both :P
Yum!! These look so good! I need to buy a protein powder that is good for baking with.
Who on EARTH could ever say no to just ONE of these?! I think… NO ONE!
This would be a great snack for my son during his Co-op days. Thanks for the recipe :)
I wish someone (coughcough) would just send me these homemade things. That would be way easier than making them, lol. I know what you mean–when we have storms, it is like the gym empties out, especially because most of our members walk!