Real Fruit Protein Bars

1 cup packed dried fruit (apricots, cranberries, cherries, figs)

1 cup warm water

1 ½ cups old fashioned or quick cooking rolled oats

1 cup lightly packed, all natural, sweetened vanilla whey protein powder

3 tbsp. low fat milk

2 tsp finely grated lemon zest or orange zest (optional)

 

1. Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap and spray non-stick cooking spray.
2. Combine the fruit and warm water in a small bowl. Let stand 5-10 minutes until the fruit is soft (time will vary according to the dryness of the fruit). Drain and pat dry with paper towels
3. Meanwhile, place the oats in a food processor and process into a fine powder. Add the drained fruit, protein powder, milk and lemon zest, if using. Process, using on/off pulses, until the fruit is finely chopped and blended and the mixture begins to stick together and clump on the sides of the bowl.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Place a piece of parchment paper, wax paper or plastic wrap (coated with non-stick spray) atop the bar mixture and use it to spread and flatten the mixture evenly in the pan; leave the paper or plastic wrap to cover. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Using the liner, lift the mixture from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Uncover and cut into 6 bars

Bar Keeping

Tightly wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap

Room temp- 2 days

Fridge- 1 week

Freezer 3 months in airtight container; thaw 1 hour