These Baked Oatmeal Bars are a hearty and sweet treat packed with oats, fruits, and nuts. They are easy to make and perfect for breakfast or snacks!
Honestly, I love how they fill me up without weighing me down. Plus, they make mornings a breeze. Just grab a bar, and I’m ready to go! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These give the bars their hearty texture. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they may lead to a softer texture. Steel-cut oats aren’t a good match since they need longer cooking time.
Baking Powder: This adds fluffiness to the bars. If you’re out, you can substitute it with baking soda, but you’ll need to add a bit of an acid, like vinegar or yogurt, to activate it.
Cinnamon: It gives a warm flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or try nutmeg for a different spice kick.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeten the bars well. If you’re vegan, go with maple syrup. If you want a lower-calorie option, consider using agave syrup.
Banana: Ripe bananas add moisture and sweetness. Unsweetened mashed pumpkin or apples can also work as a substitute. Just keep in mind it may change the flavor slightly.
Milk: Any milk works here, be it dairy or plant-based, like almond or oat milk. If you need a dairy-free version, coconut milk adds nice flavor!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture for My Baked Oatmeal Bars?
Getting the right texture for your Baked Oatmeal Bars is crucial for that enjoyable bite. Start by ensuring your dry ingredients are well mixed — it helps with even baking!
- Use a spatula to blend the wet and dry ingredients just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense bars.
- Spread the batter evenly in the baking pan to ensure they cook uniformly.
- If they feel too crumbly when cutting, they may need more binding ingredients next time, like an extra banana or a bit more applesauce.
Letting them cool completely is essential, as they firm up as they cool. If you follow these tips, you’ll end up with soft, chewy bars that are a hit!
Baked Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g., raisins or cranberries)
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 to 35 minutes to bake. After baking, let the bars cool for a bit before cutting them into squares. Altogether, you’ll need about 1 hour to make your delicious Baked Oatmeal Bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps with easy serving later!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir these together so they’re evenly mixed. This will ensure every bite is flavorful!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then add the maple syrup (or honey), applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until they are just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps from the bananas; it adds character!
5. Add the Mix-ins:
Gently fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruit. This is where you can get creative—feel free to switch out the nuts and fruit for your favorites!
6. Spread and Bake:
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is important as it helps them firm up. When cool, cut them into squares or rectangles.
8. Store Your Bars:
Keep your Baked Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts!
Enjoy your wholesome, chewy Baked Oatmeal Bars! 💚
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that the texture will be softer compared to using rolled oats. Rolled oats provide a chewier bite, which is typically preferred for these bars.
What’s a Good Substitute for Bananas?
If you don’t have bananas on hand, you can use unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree as a substitute. Both will add moisture, but remember that they will slightly change the flavor of the bars.
Can I Freeze These Oatmeal Bars?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave them briefly for a fresh taste.
How Can I Customize the Mix-ins?
Feel free to get creative with the mix-ins! You can add different nuts, seeds, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist. Just make sure the total amount of mix-ins does not exceed 1 cup to maintain the right consistency.