These healthy oatmeal bars are the perfect start to your day! Packed with oats, honey, and your favorite fruits, they are chewy, sweet, and so easy to make.
I love grabbing one for breakfast on busy mornings. Plus, they keep me full until lunch—who needs a mid-morning snack when you’ve got these tasty bars? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-fashioned rolled oats: These oats provide the perfect chewy texture. You can use quick oats if you’re in a rush, but keep an eye on the baking time since they cook faster.
Whole wheat flour: This adds fiber to the bars. If you’re gluten-free, oat flour works well as a substitute. I’ve also tried it with almond flour, which gives a nutty flavor!
Ground flaxseed: This is optional, but it’s an excellent source of omega-3s. Chia seeds can be used instead, or you can just skip it if you don’t have it on hand.
Peanut butter or almond butter: Use your favorite nut butter! Sunflower seed butter is a great option if you have nut allergies, and it adds a different flavor profile, too.
Honey or maple syrup: Both are sweeteners, but maple syrup is a wonderful vegan option. I personally love using honey for its rich flavor and texture.
How Can You Make Sure Your Oatmeal Bars Hold Together?
To ensure your oatmeal bars don’t fall apart, proper mixing and pressing into the pan are key. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients thoroughly so all oats and flour are coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the bars stick together when baking.
- Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This extra time helps them firm up!
Remember, the more you press them down, the denser they’ll be, which I find makes for a more satisfying chew.
Healthy Oatmeal Bars Breakfast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour)
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional, for extra fiber)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake, plus a little time to cool. So, in total, you’re looking at under an hour to have delicious, homemade oatmeal bars ready for breakfast or snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang. This will make it super easy to lift the bars out later!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, whole wheat flour, ground flaxseed, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir them well so they’re evenly mixed—this is the base for your yummy bars!
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the peanut butter (or almond butter), honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, mashed banana, vanilla extract, and milk. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and blended together.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Pour your wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. If you want a chocolatey touch, fold in the chocolate chips now!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer your mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula (or your hands) to press the mixture down evenly. This helps form the bars and gives them a nice texture!
6. Bake:
Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is set and lightly golden. If you insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is essential because cooling helps the bars firm up. After they’re cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares.
8. Store and Enjoy:
Store your oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. You can also freeze them if you want to save some for later—just thaw when you’re ready to enjoy!
Now, enjoy these chewy, wholesome oatmeal bars as a tasty grab-and-go breakfast or as a delightful snack anytime during the day! Happy munching!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats, but keep in mind that they will create a softer texture. You’ll need to adjust the baking time slightly, as they tend to cook faster!
How Can I Make These Oatmeal Bars Vegan?
To make these bars vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Also, ensure you use a plant-based milk and choose a nut or seed butter that fits your dietary needs.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bars by adding nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or even coconut flakes. Just keep an eye on the overall consistency, as adding more ingredients may require slight adjustments in wet or dry components.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They freeze well too! Just wrap them individually and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.