Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these baked oatmeal bars! They’re just the best for breakfast or a quick snack when you’re on the go. Seriously, there’s nothing quite like biting into one of these warm, chewy bars, knowing you’re fueling your body with something nutritious. I remember the first time I made them—I was in a rush to get out the door, and I needed something that would keep me going. I grabbed one of these bars, and before I knew it, I was hooked! They’re filled with wholesome ingredients like oats and bananas, plus you can customize them however you like. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep a batch ready for those busy mornings or afternoon cravings!
Ingredients for Baked Oatmeal Bars
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups rolled oats: Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
- 1 cup milk: You can use any type of milk you prefer—dairy or plant-based works great!
- 1/2 cup honey: This adds natural sweetness; feel free to substitute with maple syrup if you want a vegan option.
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil: Melt it down gently before measuring for a smooth mix.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: The riper, the better! They’ll add moisture and sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This gives a lovely flavor boost that complements the oats.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the bars rise a bit, making them fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A sprinkle of warmth that makes everything taste cozy!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional): I love adding walnuts or dark chocolate for an extra treat!
How to Prepare Baked Oatmeal Bars
Making these baked oatmeal bars is super simple and totally rewarding! I promise you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to whip them up. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious, wholesome bars ready to go in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for getting those bars nice and golden.
- While the oven is heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a quick stir to mix everything evenly.
- In another bowl, mix together the milk, honey, melted coconut oil, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Make sure the bananas are really well mashed—this helps everything blend together smoothly.
- Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Stir gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—just enough to get everything coated.
- If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now. It’s like a little surprise in every bite!
- Grease a baking dish (an 8×8 inch works perfectly) and pour your mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when they’re golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready!
- Once out of the oven, let them cool in the dish for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These baked oatmeal bars come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for busy mornings!
- Nutritious: Packed with wholesome ingredients, they provide a good balance of fiber and healthy fats to keep you energized.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the flavors and add-ins—think dried fruits, nuts, or even spices like nutmeg!
- Grab-and-Go Snack: They’re great for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack anytime during the day.
- Kid-Friendly: My kids love them! They’re sweet enough to feel like a treat but healthy enough for me to feel good about serving.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time, and you’ll have delicious bars ready for the week!
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked oatmeal bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, if you’re out of honey, maple syrup works beautifully as a substitute and gives a lovely flavor. You can also use agave syrup if you prefer! For a little extra protein, try adding a scoop of your favorite nut butter into the wet ingredients—yum!
When it comes to baking, make sure your oven is preheated properly; this is crucial for even cooking. If your bars seem to be browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning. And don’t rush the cooling process—letting them cool completely before cutting helps them hold their shape better. Trust me, they’ll be easier to slice and way more enjoyable!
Variations on Baked Oatmeal Bars
The beauty of these baked oatmeal bars is how easily they can be customized to fit your taste buds or whatever you have on hand! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a chewy, sweet surprise. For a nutty crunch, chopped almonds or pecans are fantastic options, and they pair perfectly with the oats.
If you want to switch up the flavors, how about adding a teaspoon of pumpkin spice or cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist? You can even substitute the mashed bananas with unsweetened applesauce for a different fruit flavor. And for those who love a little indulgence, stir in some peanut butter or dark chocolate chips—they’ll melt into the bars and create a deliciously sweet treat! The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your baked oatmeal bars is super simple! Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. They’re perfect for grabbing on the run or enjoying at home!
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about two months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight, or you can warm it up in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel. Yum!
Nutritional Information for Baked Oatmeal Bars
When it comes to nutrition, these baked oatmeal bars are a wonderful choice! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, each bar contains about 150 calories, 5g of fat, 3g of protein, and 22g of carbohydrates. They also provide 3g of fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, with only 8g of sugar and no cholesterol, they’re a guilt-free snack that’s perfect for any time of the day. Enjoy knowing you’re making a healthy choice!
FAQ About Baked Oatmeal Bars
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While rolled oats give the best texture, you can use quick oats in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the bars might turn out a bit softer and less chewy.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
Easy! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats, and you’re good to go! The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add protein powder to the mixture?
Absolutely! Adding a scoop of protein powder is a fantastic way to boost the nutritional profile. Just be sure to adjust the liquid slightly if the batter seems too thick.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
After cooling completely, use a sharp knife to cut them into bars. If you want cleaner edges, try running the knife under hot water before slicing.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t worry if they seem a bit soft—they’ll firm up as they cool!
For more information on the health benefits of oats, you can check out this Healthline article.
For tips on meal prepping, visit this EatingWell guide.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, don’t forget to check out our breakfast section for more ideas!
Print
Baked Oatmeal Bars: 7 Irresistibly Healthy Snacks
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious and healthy baked oatmeal bars perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix milk, honey, melted coconut oil, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips if using and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- These bars can be frozen for longer storage.
- Experiment with different add-ins like dried fruits or seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: baked oatmeal bars, healthy snacks, breakfast bars, vegan breakfast
