Vegan Protein Bars

These vegan protein bars are great for after workouts and as an in-between meal snack!  

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (2 1/2-3 bananas)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/8-1/4 cup maple syrup (optional)
4-5 drops of doTERRA's Wild Orange Essential Oil
1-2 drops of doTERRA's OnGuard Protective Blend
2 cups gluten free rolled oats
1/2 cup  dried cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup shelled pumpkin seeds (pepita seeds)
1/4 cup hulled hemp seeds
1/4 tsp sea salt, 

Instructions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Lightly grease a large rectangular baking pan (approx. 8.5" x 12.5").  Line it with a piece of parchment paper so the bars are easier to lift out.

2.  In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.  Stir in the vanilla, maple syrup, and doTERRA's Wild Orange essential oil and the OnGuard Protective Blend.

3.  Place the rolled oats into a food processor (or blender on the lowest setting) and pulse until the oats are coarsely chopped.  Add to the bananas and mix.

4.  Place the dried cranberries, walnuts, and almonds into the food processor or blender and pulse until the nuts and fruit are coarsely chopped.

5.  Add all ingredients into the banana and oats mixture.

6.  Spoon mixture into the prepared pan and spread and press down until smooth and even.

7.  Bake for 25-30 minutes until firm and lightly golden along the edges.  Let cool for about 10 minutes then lift out onto a cooling rack by the parchment paper and let stand until completely cooled.

8.  Slice and enjoy!!