Recipe: Homemade Protein-packed Gooey Granola Bars

I'm going to be honest...I was pretty hesitant to try this recipe, but I am SO glad I did because these granola bars were super easy to make and they are delicious! This is a "clean" recipe - meaning it contains all natural ingredients (nothing artificial, no refined sugars, and no hydrogenated oils). 

This whole batch contains 288 grams of protein from plant-based nutritional sources, which is about 12 grams per serving. These bars make a great on-the-go breakfast or mid morning snack. 

What I love most about this recipe is that it contains 2 cups of Juice Plus Complete powder which is all-natural, 100% plant based, whole-food nutrition. I normally use this whole-food drink mix with almond milk or added to smoothies, but I'm starting to think outside of the box with other ways to use it because it is packed with so much nutritional value...Check out the Nutrition Facts right off of the label:

 

OK...back to the recipe:

In a large bowl, mix together dry Ingredients: 

2 cups Vanilla or Chocolate Juice Plus+ Complete powder

4 cups Nature’s Path Organic Hemp Plus Granola (from Trader Joe’s)
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Stir in wet ingredients:
2 cups organic maple syrup or agave (I used a mixture of both because I don't like a really strong maple flavor)
2 cups organic, creamy peanut butter or almond butter

I started out mixing this by hand, but it was super gooey and thick, so I quickly transferred the granola mixture to my kitchen aid!

Once it's all mixed, transfer it into a greased 9x13 and press it into the pan

Sprinkle sesame seeds or shredded coconut on top and press them into the surface.

Refrigerate!

Cut into bars when the mixture is solid. Keep the bars in the fridge between servings.