Chickpea Protein Power Oat Bars

Chickpea Protein Power Oat Bars 💛 Unlike many store-bought bars packed with preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or excess sugar, homemade protein bars give you complete control over every ingredient. You can choose natural sweeteners like bananas and incorporate wholesome fats from nut butters and seeds. Chickpeas are also an excellent way to boost the protein content for longer-lasting energy. Each bar becomes a balanced blend of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats—an ideal pick-me-up to keep your energy steady throughout the day. And when you add nutrient-rich ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, you’re fueling your body with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that support overall health and strengthen your immune system. The little yellow flowers my husband gave me for the 35th anniversary of the day we met added an extra touch of joy to snack time.

       Chickpea Protein Power Oat Bars 

Ingredients: 

3 large ripe mashed bananas

2 cups cooked chickpeas 

¾ cup peanut butter 

2 tsp vanilla extract 

2 ¾ cup rolled oats/sprouted oats 

2 Tbsp chia seeds 

1 tsp cinnamon 

½ cup dark chocolate chips (Lily’s brand with no added sugar)

½ cup raw pumpkin seeds

½ cup raw almonds, chopped 

 

Directions: 

1.     Heat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment.

2.     Pulse chickpeas in a food processor until roughly mashed.

3.     In a large bowl, combine bananas, chickpeas, peanut butter, oats, cinnamon, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, and chocolate chips. Stir and press together to form a sticky batter.

4.     Press evenly into the prepared pan and sprinkle with extra chocolate chips, if desired.

5.     Bake 30–40 minutes. Cool 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack and cool completely before slicing.