Baked oatmeal bars are a tasty and healthy snack that everyone will love! Packed with oats and your choice of fruit, they’re perfect for breakfast or a quick treat.
Honestly, these bars are so easy to make! I often whip them up on a Sunday for the week. Just mix, bake, and enjoy—you’ll want to keep a stash handy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats are essential for texture and structure in the bars. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats can work, but the texture will differ. Avoid instant oats as they may turn mushy.
Whole Wheat Flour: I like using whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients, but you can easily swap it with all-purpose flour if preferred. Gluten-free flour blends can also be used for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a lovely sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. You can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative to reduce calories, but the taste may vary slightly.
Berries: Fresh or frozen berries add natural sweetness and color. If you don’t have berries, try sliced bananas or diced apples. Just remember that bananas make the mix sweeter.
Nuts/Seeds: I enjoy adding nuts for crunch, but you can skip them if allergies are a concern or if you prefer a nut-free bar. Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds can substitute nicely.
How Can You Get Perfectly Baked Oatmeal Bars?
Baking oatmeal bars is a breeze, but a few tips can ensure they turn out just right. First, make sure to preheat your oven properly. An oven that isn’t hot enough can lead to uneven baking.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately first, as this allows for even distribution and prevents overmixing, which can make the bars dense.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and smooth the top to ensure even cooking. If the edges look a little brown before the center is done, you can cover the dish with foil.
- Cool before slicing; this helps the bars set and makes them easier to handle. If they are too warm, they might crumble when cut.
With these tips, your baked oatmeal bars will be a hit! Enjoy the wholesome goodness!
Baked Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds for crunch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake, making a total time of around 55-60 minutes. It’s a perfect option for a weekend breakfast or snack prep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is mixed evenly. This will be the base of your bars!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (or honey). Mix them until everything is well combined and it looks nice and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Now, if you’re using berries and/or nuts, fold them in gently.
5. Bake the Mixture:
Spread the oatmeal mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
6. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. After cooling, carefully slice into bars—you can make as many as you’d like!
7. Serve and Store:
Enjoy these delicious oatmeal bars warm or at room temperature. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. They make for an easy grab-and-go snack or breakfast!
Enjoy your wholesome baked oatmeal bars!
Can I Use Different Types of Fruit in These Bars?
Absolutely! While berries are a wonderful choice, you can substitute them with sliced bananas, diced apples, or even chopped dried fruits like raisins or apricots. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the sweetness and moisture level a bit.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them! Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan! Simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use plant-based milk and coconut oil. The bars will still be delicious and wholesome!
How Can I Make These Bars Sweeter?
If you prefer your bars sweeter, simply increase the brown sugar or maple syrup by a couple of tablespoons. You could also add chocolate chips or use sweeter fruits like ripe bananas to boost the sweetness naturally!
