These Baked Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and healthy snack! Made with oats, nuts, and your favorite fruits, they’re chewy and packed with flavor.
They’re super easy to make, and perfect for breakfast on the go. I love having a bar or two with my morning coffee—it’s like a warm hug in food form! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are perfect for making these bars chewy. You can use quick oats if you need faster cooking, but avoid instant oats; they can make the texture mushy.
Baking Powder: This helps the bars rise slightly, giving them a nice texture. If you don’t have baking powder, you can substitute with baking soda, but use a little less (1/4 tsp) and add a splash of vinegar for activity.
Brown Sugar: It’s optional, but it adds a lovely sweetness. For a healthy twist, you can swap it for maple syrup or honey; just keep in mind it may slightly change the texture.
Eggs: The eggs bind everything together. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use flaxseed meal (1 tbsp mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce.
Milk: You can use any kind of milk—dairy or plant-based like almond or oat milk. Coconut milk adds a nice creamy texture! Try unsweetened varieties to control sugar levels.
Banana: This adds natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t like bananas, unsweetened applesauce works well, or even a 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree for a seasonal flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Oatmeal Bars Are Firm and Not Crumbly?
Getting the right texture is key, and it’s easier than it seems! Here are some tips to keep your bars firm and chewy:
- Use rolled oats instead of instant oats for a better texture.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly. It helps bind everything well.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the ingredients meld together as they bake.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them set up nicely.
Following these steps will help ensure your oatmeal bars come out great every time!
How to Make Baked Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (for natural sweetness and binding)
- Fresh berries for topping (such as blueberries and raspberries)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, let them cool completely for about 15-20 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to enjoy these delicious bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important! While it’s heating, you can get everything else ready.
2. Prepare Your Baking Pan:
Use a square baking pan, about 8×8 inches. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar (if using). Stir it all up until everything is well combined. This will ensure an even flavor throughout!
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter (or coconut oil), vanilla extract, and mashed banana until you get a nice, smooth mixture. This is where the flavor comes from!
5. Mix It All Together:
Pour your wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until it’s just combined. Be sure not to over-mix!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the oatmeal mixture to your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Press down gently to make sure it’s packed together nicely.
7. Add Fresh Berries:
Top your mixture with fresh berries! You can choose your favorites—blueberries and raspberries work wonderfully. Lightly press the berries into the batter so they’ll stick while baking.
8. Bake:
Put the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges to make sure they turn golden brown, and check that the center is set.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the bars out and let them cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve as an easy breakfast or snack!
Enjoy your delicious, chewy Baked Oatmeal Bars! They’re perfect for meal prep—just store them in an airtight container and grab a bar whenever you need a healthy bite. Happy baking!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Oats for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to choose certified gluten-free oats to avoid any cross-contamination. They will provide the same delicious texture!
How Long Can I Store the Baked Oatmeal Bars?
You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they freeze well for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly!
Can I Customize the Sweetness of the Bars?
Yes! Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking or omit it entirely. The ripe banana adds natural sweetness, and you can also experiment with adding chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor!
What if I Don’t Have a Baking Pan?
No problem! You can use a similar-sized dish, such as a round cake pan or a casserole dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly depending on the pan used!