These baked oatmeal bars are a nutritious and convenient breakfast option, perfect for busy mornings. Made with oats, nuts, and fruits, they provide a wholesome start to your day.
The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or seeds to suit your taste.
Creating the Perfect Breakfast Bars
Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast can set a positive tone for the hours ahead.
Baked oatmeal bars offer a delightful combination of taste and health benefits.
These bars are not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to tailor them to your preferences.
Ingredients That Shine
The foundation of these oatmeal bars is simple yet effective.
Rolled oats provide a hearty base, while nuts and dried fruits add texture and flavor.
Using honey or maple syrup as a sweetener brings a natural touch, making each bite satisfying.
Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or fruits to create a unique blend that suits your palate.
Whether you prefer walnuts, almonds, or cranberries, the possibilities are endless.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparation begins with gathering all the necessary ingredients.
Preheating the oven is crucial, as it ensures even baking.
Mixing wet and dry ingredients separately allows for better incorporation, leading to a uniform texture.
Once combined, the mixture should be spread evenly in the baking dish.
Baking time is essential; keeping an eye on the edges turning golden brown indicates readiness.
Cooling and Cutting
After baking, patience is key.
Allowing the bars to cool in the pan for a short while helps them set properly.
Transferring them to a wire rack ensures they cool completely, making cutting easier.
Once cooled, cutting into squares reveals the chewy, nut-studded interior, perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast.
Pairing Suggestions
To enhance your breakfast experience, consider pairing these oatmeal bars with a warm cup of coffee.
The rich flavors of the coffee complement the sweetness of the bars beautifully.
A small bowl of mixed nuts on the side adds an extra crunch and nutritional boost.
Storing and Enjoying
These oatmeal bars can be stored in an airtight container, making them a convenient snack throughout the week.
They maintain their texture and flavor, making them ideal for busy mornings or afternoon cravings.
Enjoy them fresh or warmed slightly for a comforting treat.
Easy Nutty Baked Oatmeal Bars Recipe
These oatmeal bars are baked to perfection, resulting in a chewy texture packed with flavor. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and yields 12 bars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup milk or non-dairy alternative
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish (9×9 inches) or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the milk, honey or maple syrup, nut butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until well combined. Fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruits.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g