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Part 1/5:
Delicious Homemade Oat Bars: A Nutritious Snack and Breakfast Option
Homemade oat bars offer versatility as both a nutritious snack and a fulfilling breakfast option. They're simple to whip up, providing an ideal way to start your day or satisfy your cravings. Let’s delve into the delightful process of making these incredible oat bars, which are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Success
To kick things off, you'll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 150g Oats: Choose between rolled oats or quick oats depending on your texture preference. Rolled oats deliver a thicker and chewier bar, while quick oats are softer and will yield a texture that is light and fluffy.
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30g Cocoa Powder: The choice between natural and Dutch cocoa depends on your flavor preferences. Dutch cocoa is sweeter and milder, as it has been processed to remove acidity. This recipe does not require leavening agents, making both options suitable.
50g Creamy Peanut Butter: This ingredient not only adds flavor but also provides healthy fats. For an extra protein boost, consider using powdered peanut butter, which is lower in calories and higher in protein.
60g Vanilla Protein Powder: Ideally, use casein protein for a fudgier consistency. If unavailable, whey protein can also work, but be mindful that it may yield a drier texture.
A Pinch of Salt: Just enough to enhance the flavors.
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150g Skimmed Milk: This will act as a natural sweetener due to the lactose present, eliminating the need for additional sugar.
50g Water (optional): This can be used to adjust the thickness of your mixture, especially when using casein protein.
The Preparation Process
Begin by measuring your oats and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Next, sift in the cocoa powder and stir gently to combine. Introducing the peanut butter, measure it carefully to maintain the recipe's overall caloric balance. Add the protein powder and pinch of salt, mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly.
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Now, pour in the skimmed milk and use a spatula to combine until you achieve a thick, homogenous mixture resembling Nutella with oats. If using casein protein, be prepared to add water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Once your mixture is ready, prepare a baking tin (approximately 20 cm by 8 cm) lined with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the tin, spreading it evenly to cover the entire base, which will yield about six oat bars.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the mixture for approximately 25 minutes. After baking, let the bars cool on a plate for around 20 minutes. This cooling period is crucial, as it allows the bars to firm up for easier cutting.
Nutritional Benefits
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Upon completion, your homemade oat bars will reward you with a wholesome treat. The entire recipe contains 1,230 calories, comprising 122g of carbohydrates, 40g of fat, and an astonishing 89g of protein. When divided into six portions, each bar will clock in at around 200 calories with approximately 15g of protein, making it a satisfying option for pre- or post-workout fuel or a convenient on-the-go snack.
Conclusion
These homemade oat bars are a crowd-pleaser, brimming with taste and nutrition, perfect for any time of the day. The flexibility of the ingredients allows you to customize them to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. Try pairing them with a delicious protein pumpkin bread recipe for a complete meal. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and happy baking!