Description
These Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious breakfast option, perfect for starting your day with a healthy boost of energy. Made with rolled oats, natural peanut butter, and sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, these bars combine the goodness of fiber-rich ingredients with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla for a comforting flavor. Packed with optional nuts and dried fruit, they’re easy to customize and perfect for make-ahead meals or snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins (Optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt, ensuring they are well mixed to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the natural peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenized.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until fully combined, making sure every oat is coated.
- Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in your choice of dried fruit and chopped nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it firmly and evenly to create a compact layer that will hold together after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set, indicating it’s thoroughly cooked.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack; this step helps them firm up for easier slicing into 9 bars.
Notes
- Use certified gluten-free oats if you require a gluten-free recipe.
- Swap out the dried fruit or nuts for your favorite mix-ins like dark chocolate chips, sunflower seeds, or chopped dates for variety.
- Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage to keep them fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
