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Take your granola bars up a notch with a chewy, oven-baked these Blueberry Protein Breakfast Bars packed nutrients and antioxidants! Made with a protein-walnut-oat base and topped with a blueberry, walnut and oat crumble this breakfast has everything and more!
With the cool weather approaching, what could be better than a chewy, oven-baked breakfast bar bursting with crunchy walnuts and sweet, ripe blueberries? Look no further! I’ve got you covered with these omega-3 packed Blueberry Protein Breakfast Bars!
We all know breakfast is the most important part of the day, but getting the right mix of nutrients in your breakfast is really what’s important.
Quite often my weight loss clients focus their breakfasts around only a protein or carbohydrate which can lead them to feeling hungry soon after they’ve eaten. A balanced breakfast is necessary to keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce cravings.
By combining whole grains with protein and a healthy fat, you’re guaranteed to feel full and satisfied all morning long and these Blueberry Protein Walnut Breakfast Bars do just that!
Made with a protein-walnut-oat base and topped with a blueberry, walnut, oat crumble, these breakfast bars are the ideal balance of macronutrients.
When it comes to walnuts, they are the champion of plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic-acid which is an essential amino acid our bodies need to survive.
Our bodies cannot produce it on their own which means they need to get from foods, and walnuts are the only nut to provide a significant source of this essential nutrient. They’re also high in protein in fiber. Double health bonus!
I know, I know. I’m turning into a nerdy nutrition, but I can’t help it. Food is fun!
While walnuts are a calorie dense food they’re a nutrient our bodies needs and they offer a number of health benefits including but not limited to being protective of heart disease, improving cognitive function, reducing inflammation and reversing damage from free radicals. There’s a lot of power in these little nuts!
You could say, when it comes to walnuts, a little goes a really long way to promoting good health. As with any food, it’s a matter of controlling your portions and not going overboard.
But these Blueberry Protein Walnut Breakfast Bars. Oh, my! They’re warm, bursting with sweet blueberries and you get a nice crunchy bite from the walnuts in every bite.
What more could you need? Okay, maybe some coffee. I’ll make the breakfast bars, you get the coffee. Deal?
Blueberry Protein Breakfast Bars
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 cup Walnuts
- 2 cups Gluten Free rolled oats, or regular rolled oats
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Crumble:
- 1/4 cup Gluten Free rolled oats, or regular rolled oats
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped finely
- 1/4 cup pepita seeds
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, or milk of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare a 9-inch x 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper crisscrossed for easy removal.
- Add all the ingredients for the base to your food processor and process on high until fully broken down and the mixture is doughy.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer with a spatula.
- Place in the oven for 8 minutes to bake.
- While the crust is baking, all the ingredients for the crumble to a bowl an combine.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven, top with the crumble mixture into an even layer pressing the mixture gently into the crust.
- Bake another 12 minutes in the oven.
- Remove from the oven and cool in the pan 30 minutes prior to lifting the bars out of the pan with the parchment paper and slicing into 12 bars.
- Store bars in the refrigerator in a container up to one week.
Notes
- My Amazon shop has more products similar to those used for this recipe and that I recommend to my nutrition clients.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What can I use in place of coconut milk? Will regular skim milk work?
Yes, any milk should work!
YES! I completely agree, I love a whole balanced breakfast and always make sure to get lots of healthy fats in! Great recipe as always.
http://www.courtneyvioletbentley.com
Thanks lady!
What could I substitute for the protein powder?
You could try oat flour. I haven’t done it so no guarantees.
So much goodness in these bars…and I love how convenient they are for busy mornings. My blueberry-loving boys would probably devour them too! Love your pics!
I’m imagining big blue lips on their little faces!
These breakfast bars look absolutely phenomenal, Megan! Wish I could grab one out of the screen 🙂
Now wouldn’t that be fun? Thank you Rachel!
I love making granola bars but I’ve never make Protein Breakfast Bars. I’m addicted to blueberries and nuts, there’s something about that combination that makes my tummy happy and gives me a much-needed burst of natural energy. This recipe looks awesome 🙂
Thanks Mary and I agree 100% with you on blueberries and nuts. They’re definitely my go to energy!
I love that these look like little cakes with crumb topping!
Girl, I’m going to start coming to you to help me name my recipes.