These nutty oat bars are a healthy and satisfying snack option, perfect for on-the-go energy. Made with oats, nuts, and a touch of honey, they provide a delicious balance of flavor and nutrition.
The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite nuts and dried fruits. They are great for breakfast or as a midday pick-me-up.
Wholesome Ingredients for Nutty Oat Bars
Creating nutty oat bars begins with selecting quality ingredients that contribute to both flavor and nutrition. Rolled oats serve as the base, providing a hearty texture and a good source of fiber.
Mixed nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans, add crunch and healthy fats. These nuts not only enhance the taste but also deliver essential nutrients. For sweetness, honey or maple syrup can be used, offering a natural alternative to refined sugars.
Preparation Steps Made Simple
The process of making these oat bars is straightforward and quick. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and any dried fruits you choose to include. This mixture forms the dry base of the bars. In another bowl, blend together the honey, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth, creating a deliciously sticky binding agent.
Baking to Perfection
After mixing the wet and dry ingredients, transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly to ensure the bars hold together during baking.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld and the bars to firm up.
Cooling and Cutting Your Bars
Once baked, it’s important to let the bars cool completely in the pan. This cooling period allows them to set properly, making it easier to cut them into squares or rectangles without crumbling.
After cooling, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice them into your desired shapes. The result is a batch of nutty oat bars that are perfect for snacking anytime.
Customization Options
One of the best features of these oat bars is their versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding chocolate chips for a hint of sweetness or experimenting with different types of dried fruits.
Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts or even incorporate seeds for added nutrition. This adaptability makes the bars not only delicious but also a fun way to use up pantry staples.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These nutty oat bars are ideal for breakfast on the go or as a midday snack. Pair them with a piece of fruit or a dollop of yogurt for a balanced meal.
To store, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate them for longer freshness. They also freeze well, making them a convenient option for meal prep.
Easy Nutty Oat Bars Recipe
These oat bars are packed with wholesome ingredients, featuring rolled oats, mixed nuts, and a natural sweetener. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and yields 12 bars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts chopped (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots) optional
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, salt, and dried fruits if using.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the honey, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly into an even layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting into squares or rectangles.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g