Baked oatmeal bars are a tasty and healthy snack that you’ll love! Made with oats, bananas, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying.
These bars are great for breakfast or a quick treat. I often grab one on busy mornings while thinking, “Who knew healthy could be this yummy?” Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats are essential for texture. I always choose rolled oats over instant ones, as they give a nice chewiness. If you’re gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Flour: Whole wheat flour adds more nutrients than all-purpose. But if you need a gluten-free recipe, you can use almond flour or oat flour instead.
Brown Sugar: This sweetener adds moisture and flavor. For a healthier option, consider using maple syrup or coconut sugar, just adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
Milk: You can use any type of milk. I often choose almond milk for a lighter taste, but coconut milk enhances flavor too!
Dried Cranberries: They give a nice tart flavor. Feel free to swap them for raisins, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips if you want a treat!
How Do You Ensure Your Baked Oatmeal Bars Hold Together?
Making sure your bars stay together is simple! Here are a few tricks:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until combined. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Press the mixture firmly into the baking pan. This helps them hold together better.
- Let them cool completely. Cutting warm bars can lead to crumbling!
With these tips, your baked oatmeal bars will turn out deliciously chewy and satisfying. Enjoy them as a quick bite on the go or as a lovely afternoon snack!
Baked Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit/nuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30-35 minutes to bake, plus some cooling time. Total time is around 50 minutes, with the bars being perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, get an 8×8-inch baking pan ready by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with oil or butter. This makes it easier to lift the bars out later!
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir so everything is nicely blended. This dry mix will set the base for your bars!
3. Combining Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, large egg, applesauce, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract until it’s all smooth and creamy. This adds moisture and flavor to your baked oatmeal bars!
4. Combining Everything:
Next, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined — avoid overmixing. After that, fold in the dried cranberries or your chosen add-ins to the mixture.
5. Baking the Bars:
Transfer the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly and press it down slightly to make sure it sticks together during baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean!
6. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps them firm up and makes cutting easier. After cooling, slice them into squares and serve. These bars are great as a healthy breakfast or snack option!
7. Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week!
Enjoy your delicious, chewy baked oatmeal bars!
Can I Use Different Sweeteners in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener. Just remember to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly to keep the right consistency!
Can I Make These Oatmeal Bars Vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use plant-based milk. The bars will still be delicious!
How Do I Ensure My Bars Don’t Crumble?
To prevent crumbling, make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking. Allow them to cool completely before cutting, as this helps them set up nicely!
Can I Freeze Baked Oatmeal Bars?
Definitely! These bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to eat!