Are you on the lookout for a quick, nutritious snack that satisfies your cravings without the guilt? Well, look no further than baked oatmeal bars! These chewy, customizable bars are not only incredibly easy to make but are also perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a post-workout treat. Whether you’re a busy mom, a student, or just someone who loves healthy and delicious snacks, this baked oatmeal bars recipe will quickly become a favorite.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the best baked oatmeal bars, including pro tips, ingredient variations, and a ton of ideas for customization. Get ready for a healthy snack that’s simple, delicious, and can be made in no time. Let’s dive in!
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Why You’ll Love These Baked Oatmeal Bars
Baked oatmeal bars are one of those recipes that combine taste, convenience, and health all in one. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:
- Quick & Easy: You can whip up a batch in just 10 minutes of prep time, and in under 30 minutes, you’ll have a fresh batch of baked oatmeal bars ready to go.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Oats are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and protein, making these bars a great option for energy and digestion.
- Customizable: You can adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs—think fruits, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These baked oatmeal bars are perfect for prepping ahead of time. They last up to a week in the fridge and can even be frozen for up to 3 months.
So, if you’ve been looking for an easy, healthy snack to keep on hand, these baked oatmeal bars are exactly what you need!
What Makes These Baked Oatmeal Bars So Special?
Let’s break down what makes this baked oatmeal bars recipe stand out from all the others out there. First and foremost, they’re a delightful combination of chewy, hearty oats, with just the right amount of sweetness and flavor. You can experiment with flavors by adding in your favorite ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and spices.
But what really sets these bars apart is their versatility. You can make them vegan, gluten-free, or tailored to any dietary preference. If you’re a fan of meal prepping, these baked oatmeal bars are the perfect addition to your week. They’re portable, filling, and can be enjoyed anytime—whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Oatmeal Bars
Before we get into the recipe, let’s go over a few pro tips to make sure your baked oatmeal bars turn out perfectly every time!
1. Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
For the best texture and flavor, old-fashioned rolled oats are your go-to choice. They absorb the right amount of liquid and give your bars a chewy, hearty texture. Quick oats are a good substitute if you’re in a pinch, but they’ll give a slightly different result.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
When mixing your ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense, heavy bars. Stir just enough to combine the ingredients and make sure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Customize the Sweetness
You can control the sweetness of your baked oatmeal bars depending on your taste. I personally love using maple syrup, but honey, agave, or even mashed bananas work wonderfully too. Start with less sweetener and add more if needed!
4. Let the Bars Cool Completely Before Cutting
After baking, let your baked oatmeal bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will ensure they hold together well and don’t crumble.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Baked Oatmeal Bars
Here’s what you need for the most delicious baked oatmeal bars:
- 2 cups rolled oats – The base of your bars.
- 2 ripe bananas – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- 2 eggs – For binding.
- 1/2 cup milk – You can use regular milk or plant-based milk for a vegan option.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup – Or your choice of sweetener.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A hint of spice that pairs perfectly with oats.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – To balance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup add-ins – Optional: Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, seeds, etc.
That’s it! Simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a snack you’ll love.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Oatmeal Bars
Now, let’s get baking! These baked oatmeal bars come together in a few easy steps.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan (about 8×8 inches) with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Bananas not only add sweetness but also help keep the bars moist.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, and salt. Once mixed, fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is just combined (don’t overmix!).
Step 5: Add Your Favorite Mix-ins
Now’s the fun part! Stir in any add-ins you like—chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or seeds. Feel free to get creative!
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice them into squares or bars.
Flavor Variations for Baked Oatmeal Bars
One of the best parts about making baked oatmeal bars is how easy it is to customize them. Here are a few delicious variations:
1. Peanut Butter & Banana
For a classic combo, add peanut butter to the wet ingredients and extra banana slices to the batter for added flavor and healthy fats.
2. Berry Bliss
Add in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a fruity twist. You can even swirl in some fruit preserves for extra sweetness!
3. Cinnamon Apple
Dice an apple and stir it into the batter along with some cinnamon. These bars will taste like a warm apple pie!
4. Chocolate Chip & Walnut
For a decadent touch, add chocolate chips and walnuts to your baked oatmeal bars. This is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while still keeping things healthy.
5. Vegan & Gluten-Free
To make these baked oatmeal bars vegan, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and opt for plant-based milk. To make them gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Tips for Storing and Freezing Baked Oatmeal Bars
Baked oatmeal bars are perfect for meal prep, and they store really well!
- Room Temperature: Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: They’ll last up to a week in the fridge.
- Freezing: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Oatmeal Bars
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These baked oatmeal bars are perfect for meal prep. Make them on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week!
Can I make these bars without eggs?
Yes! You can easily replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons of water = 1 flax egg). This is a great option for vegans or those avoiding eggs.
How do I make these bars sweeter?
You can add more maple syrup, honey, or even mashed dates for natural sweetness. Adjust to your taste!
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Baked Oatmeal Bars!
There you have it! A simple, delicious, and nutritious recipe for baked oatmeal bars that are perfect for any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast or a quick snack, these bars have you covered.
Remember, the best part about baked oatmeal bars is how easy they are to customize to your tastes. Feel free to experiment with different fruits, nuts, and spices, and enjoy the results!
For more mouthwatering dessert ideas, check out this page for even more sweet treats you can bake up!
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Baked Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate healthy snack or breakfast on-the-go! They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prepping. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, bananas, and eggs, these bars are full of fiber and nutrients. They are soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, making them a guilt-free snack or breakfast option.
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
2 ripe bananas, mashed
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup add-ins (chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, seeds, etc.)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
Add wet ingredients: To the mashed bananas, whisk in the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, and salt. Stir this mixture into the wet ingredients until well combined.
Add your mix-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit as desired.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and slice: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cool, slice into squares or bars.
Notes
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
You can swap out the maple syrup for honey, agave, or a mashed date for sweetness.
Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
Experiment with different add-ins such as berries, coconut flakes, or nuts for a variety of flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Snack / Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American