There is a saying I’m sure you’ve heard: “Never trust a skinny cook.”
I must call BS. Look at Giada – she resembles a bobble head and she makes a killer cheesecake!
Despite my best efforts, I’m probably not the largest cook around. But you can trust me. If you don’t trust me, you can certainly trust Lauren and Alicia, who both trusted my Spaghetti Squash Pie this week:
I’m especially excited to make a Mexican version of this one. I bought all of the stuff, but then went for Indian food last night. Whoops! It was tasty though. Maybe I should make a curry version…
In case you’re wondering what spaghetti pie has to do with the title of this post… well, I forgot… Skinny cooks… trusting me… tasty healthy oatmeal bars! Ok, I’m back with you.
Today’s Oatmeal Cookie Bars started out as cookies, hence the name. Months ago my trainer requested a protein oatmeal cookie. Unfortunately, the hard part about baking with protein powder is that is make the batter quite thin unless you add a lot of flour, which make them really high in carbs. This lesson presented itself to me again as I went to scoop my batter onto the baking sheet. Souper-runny.
No matter, that’s why I bought the bar baking pan. If you don’t have a bar pan a muffin tin will work just fine, or you can make one big cookie cake!
I added a little more flour, mixed the thing up again, and poured it into the pan. And by some pope-tacular miracle of God, it worked. And it was good.
These aren’t overly sweet, which was my goal. It is a deep oatmeal and cinnamon flavored bar, with bites of earthy chocolate from the carob chips.
Despite wanting cookies, I appreciated the moist, cake-like quality of these bars. It worked well with the oatmeal texture and at just 128 calories, you can slather a generous amout of nut butter on top of a warm bar as “icing.”
Not that I’ve been doing that. 
Pre-workout snack
The best part came when I took the fresh batch to the gym. Lee Haney (8x Mr. Olympia!) was there finishiing up a session and he took a bar to try… and the said they were DELICIOUS! I die.
In conclusion: If you don’t trust this cook, trust an 8x Mr Olympia and try these.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Protein Oatmeal Cookie Bars
- 1/4 C (1/2 stick) butter or Earth Balance, softened
- 1/4 C unsweetened applesauce
- 2/3 C tagatose (or other sweetener)
- 1 flax egg (1 T ground flax + 3 T water), or 1 regular egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar extract (optional)
- 1/4 C whole wheat flour
- 1/2 C protein powder (I used 1.5 scoops of Designer Whey White Chocolate)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 C rolled oats
- 1/2 C Scottish oats
- 1/4 C carob chips (or chocolate chips)
- 1/2 C walnuts, chopped
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, applesauce, sugar, egg, and extracts until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, protein powder, baking soda, and cinnamon together. Stir this into the butter/sugar mixture. Stir in the oats, carob chips, and walnuts.
Scoop batter onto grease square tine (or muffin tin). Bake them for 10-12 mins, until golden. Let sit on baking sheet for ~5 mins before transferring to a rack to cool.
Makes 12 bars.
Approximate nutrition: 128 calories, 6.6g fat, 14.3g carbohydrates, 2.7g fiber, 2.2g sugar, 6.8g protein.
Note: These can easily be made vegan by using a vegan protein powder.
***
I am especially grateful to Lauren and Alicia because they gave me a pie to post about on Pi Day!
Are you celebrating Pi Day?
Skinny cooks. Can you trust ‘em?
95 comments
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Lisa
March 14, 2013 at 12:20 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha, totally have heard of that saying. I kind of like it. But, I don’t believe in it obviously. Giada is a culinary genius, and same with some fellow food bloggers!
I seriously can’t wait to find spaghetti squash, I’m still dying to try that pie!
These protein oatmeal cookie bars look fantastic! I’ve been oat obsessed lately. It’s weird because I totally wasn’t into them for about 4 months, but now I have them at least once a day.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! The pie really was good… you can always try it the old school way with noodles!
Kristina
March 14, 2013 at 12:28 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I WILL be trying these – even before I knew they were Mr Olympia approved
I prefer a subtle sweet, a natural sweet, so yeah, these will get made this weekend! (I have still been taking treats up to the hospital, I better make a double batch…)
hmmm, perhaps I can make a spaghetti pie and bring it to the nurses at lunchtime…?
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
you are such a sweet person to bring the nurses snacks too! They must love you. I always was super nice to them just in case it meant better care for my dad (and it’s good to be nice – they deal with SO many a-holes)
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life
March 14, 2013 at 1:24 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
These looks so great! I’ve been looking for healthier cookie recipes to trick my little cookie monster. I’m such a sucker for specialized pans, too. I’ve been wanting a donut pan for months!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:19 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! I hope this is cookie-monster approved.
My granola cookies may be a good option too for a more traditional cookie. (I am a total cookie monster too.)
Julie
March 14, 2013 at 2:20 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This looks delicious. I’ve never heard of tagatose. Also where is that strawberry shortcake recipe? I think you mentioned something about one of those.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:26 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It was last Wednesday I think… yup… http://www.sprint2thetable.com/2013/03/designer-whey-wiaw/
Sue
March 14, 2013 at 3:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh no! I totally forgot about Pi day! Again. I’ll just celebrate my own birthday instead.
I’ve never baked with protein powder. Guess I need to try those bars. Thanks for making them vegan friendly!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:28 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s your b-day?? Happy Brithday!!!!! I’d make you a Pi if I was close.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More
March 14, 2013 at 5:28 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yum! These look great. And they remind me of Vitatops I think because of that pan. Ain’t nothing wrong with that!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:30 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I need to try these Vitatops!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
March 14, 2013 at 5:31 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You’re talking to a math teacher over here . . . yay for Pi Day!!!
Looks like a winner of a recipe–I’d expect no less from you. Personally, I’m a fan of cookies that are secretly healthy and not too sweet. I’d rather taste the cinnamon, oats and carob/chocolate.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:31 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Did you do anything withyour students to celebrate? We use to have Pi parties. And Mole Day celebrations – that was my favorite.
janet @ the taste space
March 14, 2013 at 6:47 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Way to go, Laura. I am more comfortable experimenting with savoury dishes since they are so forgiving. My latest baking experiments have been flops! Those bar molds are so cute.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am the same way! They can (almost) always be saved!
Angela @ hAppy fit mama
March 14, 2013 at 6:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yum yum yum! If they’re good enough for Mr. Olympia than they must be good enough for me.
Skinny cooks are just as good. Giada is definitely a good example!
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig
March 14, 2013 at 7:06 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You train at the same gym as Lee Haney?! And he ate your cookies?! Mind blown.
That pie still looks delicious!! I’m setting myself a reminder to make it next week
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:34 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
He works with my trainer closely – they are doing his certification program! Dude is HUGE.
Alex @ Alex Tries it Out
March 14, 2013 at 7:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ooo, these look tasty! I need to get some protein powder on hand still to make them, though.
Adding them to my list!
P.S. I love the bar pans because they make your brownies so cute, as opposed to doing a sheet and cutting them. Jealous!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:36 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have a pan problem . Have you seen the edless brownie pan . Have that one too.
Alex @ Alex Tries it Out
March 15, 2013 at 2:09 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I want that so bad! I keep telling myself that I need to wait and find it at Goodwill or a garage sale, or something.
Raise your hand if you’re OCD about your brownie shapes…
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
March 14, 2013 at 7:50 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
A compliment from an 8x Mr. Olympia? I’d say that makes them worth trying
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
March 14, 2013 at 7:57 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yum. I often find when making ‘healthier’ bars and cookies (or both) texture is the most difficult thing, especially if you have a very specific idea of what that texture should be. This is why I have taken so darn long to believe my Savory Protein Bars are ‘perfect.’ But now they are.
Also, as regards this recipe, the good news for you–and me–is that generally, I prefer chewy to super-crisp. [I hate crispy cookies. What's the point?]
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:40 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You are so right! Especially when using powder. You never know how they are going to bake. Sometimes I wish I’d just eaten the batter. LOL!
Linz @ Itz Linz
March 14, 2013 at 7:59 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i love protein. i love oatmeal. i love cookies. i love bars. i think i love this recipe!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you!!! Please let me know if you try it.
Heather (Where's the Beach)
March 14, 2013 at 7:59 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have a similar pan – more of a mini-loaf and I love it. I think it’s just fun to bake up stuff in it for gifts (like mini banana bread loaves). Anyway, this sounds great and I would totally trust a skinny chef b/c I think that means they’re probably cooking healthier. Or at least trying.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:48 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have a mini-loaf too! Love those.
And good point – healthy chefs > Paula Deen. Not to name names…
Lee
March 14, 2013 at 8:16 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yum, these look really good. I would like one now please.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 1:49 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Come on over!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
March 14, 2013 at 8:42 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have to admit that even with all the crazy indulgent cookies out there, a healthy chocolate chip oatmeal will always be my favorite. Thanks for sharing, lady!!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:04 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It really doesn’t get any better than oatmeal and chocolate!
Jody - Fit at 55
March 14, 2013 at 8:56 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am so jealous that you met Lee Haney! VERY VERY coll that he loved your bars!!!! They look amazing!!!! I am eager to try this one! I need to get a couple ingredients though.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
He’s at my gym all the time! Really nice guy. And BIG.
RavieNomNoms
March 14, 2013 at 9:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha OMG, that is so funny. I call Giada “bobble head” all the time. I am so glad that I am not alone in this! haha
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:06 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! That or a Pez dispenser…
maria @ lift love life
March 14, 2013 at 9:24 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love that these are Mr. Olympia approved and that they’re pretty haha. Happy accidents are the best kinds!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Pretty? Thank you!!! I have the worst time with brown food.
Ed
March 14, 2013 at 10:39 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
K that is the first ecard thingy i have found funny…only because i could picture sterling archer saying that exact same thing!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:09 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Seriously? The first one? They all crack me up.
Lift, Sleep, Eat
March 14, 2013 at 10:44 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i totally trust you..these look delicious!! I definitely wouldn’t be able to stop at one haha…and if Mr Olympia approves then they’re definitely a must yumm!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m going to start branding stuff “My Olympia-approved.”
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
March 14, 2013 at 10:45 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I refuse to believe you only used 1/2 tsp of cinnamon in these bars.
I trust skinny cooks for healthy foods but if I want a pie, I’mma trust Paula Deen.
Sigh. Now I want pie. Happy Pi Day!!!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! I did and my trainer STILL picked it out!
Ina > Paula
Alex @ therunwithin
March 14, 2013 at 10:46 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I still need to try that spaghetti squash pie, i think I will make it for my family when I go home next weekend.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Let me know what you think!!!
Jenni
March 14, 2013 at 10:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The bars sound SO delicious! I am definitely going to try them:)
Love the ecard, HILARIOUS!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you!!! I should send you guys a box.
Melissa @ Treats With a Twist
March 14, 2013 at 10:52 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Girl! Love it!! I’d die if a real athlete approved of my treats too!
And I adore my bar pan. Makes awesome square muffins for a change of pace!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:19 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Right?! I wanted to drill him for feedback. LOL!
purelytwins
March 14, 2013 at 11:10 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
haha great quote!!! big song ever LOL
we need to start doing more with carob chips, as we adore carob!!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:23 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ohhhh… carob marshmallows??
Haley @ fullnfit
March 14, 2013 at 12:19 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I laughed out loud with your Giada comment.. A bobble head is SPOT ON!
Parita @ myinnershakti
March 14, 2013 at 12:24 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Giada does look like a bobble head, but you’re right, she makes delicious food. There must be something to that saying! I was just looking through my refirgerator, and I spotted a spagetti sqaush waiting to be made into your pie! Will report back on how it turns out.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:31 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Have you ever made her canoli cream? I LOVE it for a party dish.
Amy
March 14, 2013 at 12:27 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hey lovely lady! Did you consider banana to thicken the batter? Would that work? I’m new at this kind of thing so just a thought…
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:38 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have done a banana-based chocolate chip cookie before… but I really wanted these to be all oatmeal!
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots
March 14, 2013 at 1:10 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
you should always trust a skinny cook! They know how to make the healthiest stuff taste like its unhealthy! Um I will definitely be making these bars they look fab!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:39 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
AGreed!
Thank you so much – let me know how they turn out!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
March 14, 2013 at 1:38 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love the look of that oatmeal bar. And we made (and loved!) your spaghetti pie this week, too!! Added a little goat cheese to the top. It was amazing!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:41 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am so thrilled that you loved it… and that it was L approved. I’m still grinning voer that IG pic.
GiGi Eats Celebrities
March 14, 2013 at 2:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
HOW AWESOME ARE YOU! People making your recipes! WTF! Biggest honor EVER!! I have no doubt in my mind that people are going to be making these oatmeal bars too!
You are a recipe wizard!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:44 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks GiGi! You deserve and asward for maaking my spew coffee out my nose every day.
Jess @ Blonde Ponytail
March 14, 2013 at 2:34 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh these look amazing! Thanks for the tips on baking low-carb-a little flour probably doesn’t hurt right?!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:45 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks! Yeah – a little flour is no biggie.
Nadiya
March 14, 2013 at 2:51 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha! I remember watching “the Next Great Baker” and there being this skinny chick. Like honestly… I understand maybe a slim cook but a skinny person who makes cakes! I’d be constantly taste testing my work
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:47 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Seriously – it’s a thing to be admired. My self-control doesn’t work like that.
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family
March 14, 2013 at 3:56 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think you have to know your cooks. The fat ones might only know how to make really unhealthy food, which in turn I would not want to put in my bod.
However I think I can trust you (I’ve tried several of your recipes) and even though you are a little on the thin side (not that that is a bad thing) you know what you are talking about.
You just have to taste the end product to really know if the chef is worth their salt.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:50 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s a great view point! I appreciate your trust – I know you’re a honest one.
Allie
March 14, 2013 at 4:53 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
“I must call BS. Look at Giada – she resembles a bobble head and she makes a killer cheesecake!”—> thank you for absolutely making me CRACK UP! She is a super good cook though!! I trust you too
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:51 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I do what I can.
She does rock. I like her wayyyy better than Ray.
Tenecia
March 14, 2013 at 7:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Lee Haney?!?! Shut up!!!!
T.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
For. Real.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers
March 14, 2013 at 8:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s awesome! It’s good karma for being kind enough to share them.
Ashley @ Freckles & Spice
March 14, 2013 at 8:25 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love Giada. Kids, a chef, and that banging body. I have never heard of tagatose. please elaborate. And I feel like I need that bar pan even though I have a square silicon baking dish. I’m just a sucker for convenient kitchen supplies
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:54 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I linked to it in the recipe. It’s another all-nautral sugar alternative. I liked it – no after-taste!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning
March 14, 2013 at 8:56 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Um yeah. That spaghetti squash pie was INCREDIBLE. I will be making it again and again (and I might have to try my own Mexcian version too!).
And the cookies… they made me DROOL when I was reading your blog on my phone this morning. That was ALMOST enough to get my butt up out of bed and bake a batch! Almost.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:55 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am SO glad you liked it! ANd it was man-approved!
We need to get on Skype and make a Mexcian Pie toegther virtually. Haha!
Angie @ Losing It and Loving It
March 14, 2013 at 11:50 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yum, those protein oatmeal bars look and sound good! Off to pin lol
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:56 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! Please let me know if you try them out!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
March 15, 2013 at 3:41 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Seriously, with Giada’s head AND her ginormous breasts (it had to be said), I don’t know how that girl manages to stay upright! Lol
Nice “holy” cookies you’ve got there, lady! I may or may not have just licked my computre screen…um, forgivv me uf Im makim any typoos…I rally needd to grab some screeen cleanr!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:57 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I wanted to also mention her ta-tas in the post SO BAD but I didn’t want to take it too far. So glad you did.
You need to lay off the booze while you’re on pain killers. LOL! I’m going to drive up there with a special delivery one day!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
March 15, 2013 at 3:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ahhh! Omg, that would make my day! But I’d have to know PLENTY in advance so I can get with the man-friend and scope out all of the BEST places in Nashville…we may not visit any underground supper clubs, but I gotta do what I can to show you ATL’s not the only place for foodies!
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi)
March 15, 2013 at 10:09 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Holy smokes…Mr. Olympia liked your food! aaack!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:58 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Right?! I die.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
March 15, 2013 at 12:14 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
“Pope-tacular miracle of God.” It’s getting thick in here; too bad you can’t add more protein powder to thin it out.
I love that Mr. Olympia gave you his seal of approval. Mr Olympia approved for the win.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 2:59 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
HAHAHA! I’m so glad you and Heather acknolwdged my joke. I feel validated now.
Hannah
March 15, 2013 at 6:28 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Pi Day doesn’t exist for me, because as an Australian we put the day before the month when writing out the date.
I trust any cook who makes desserts.
Laura
March 16, 2013 at 4:42 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I didn’t even think of that! Whoa.
Calee
March 16, 2013 at 4:09 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
aahhhhhh i see tagatose in there. So, do you have any issues with it? I made cookies with it when I got some samples of it. I had 2 cookies (and had cut the sugar in my recipe to 3/4 cup from 1 c so there was 3/4 c of tagatose) and I was on the toilet for the next 7 hours. I asked the company that sent that to me to add a better warning because it took me a week to get back to normal again since I have a sensitive GI system. Their current warning says “excessive consumption can cause diarrhea”. Last I checked, 2 cookies was not excessive.
Laura
March 16, 2013 at 4:43 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You have such a sensitive tummy! I didn’t have a problem. I gave them to my mom and 3 other friends and didn’t hear any thing back form them…
Calee
March 16, 2013 at 5:32 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
also, i am currently having a huge stomachache (allergic reaction) to stevia. i am allergic to ragweed, and come to find out Stevia is from the same plant family so if you have that allergy and have too much at once (or any, as I’ve found out), you get a huge tummyache, headache, and potentially life-threatening reactions.
weeeee … seriously. f. this. i want a GI system transplant.
Heather @ Better With Veggies
March 20, 2013 at 1:53 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I bet these would be great snack for a week of snowboarding…I think I need to find time to make these and bring them with us!
Laura
March 20, 2013 at 2:11 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
They totally would! They are sturdy enough to keep in your jacket. Let me know if they work for you! My Nutty Quinoa Bars would be good too, but you’d have to vegan-ize: http://www.sprint2thetable.com/2013/01/quinoa-fuel-bars/