These Baked Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and healthy treat! Packed with oats, fruits, and nuts, they make for a perfect breakfast or snack on the go.
I love how easy they are to whip up. Just mix everything, bake, and enjoy! Plus, they stay fresh for days, so I can grab one whenever I need a quick pick-me-up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are perfect for this recipe as they give a chewy texture and hold up well when baked. If you only have quick oats, you can use them, but the texture will be softer.
Brown Sugar: I love using brown sugar for its rich flavor, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar is a great substitute. You could also use maple syrup or honey, but reduce the liquid slightly if you do.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. If you need a vegan option, try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water, mixed and let sit for 5 minutes) for similar results.
Milk: Any type of milk works here! I often use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Just choose your favorite!
Mix-ins: You can get creative! I like adding nuts and dried fruits, but feel free to use chocolate chips or even fresh fruit like blueberries or chopped apples.
How Can I Ensure My Baked Oatmeal Bars Are Perfectly Set?
Getting the right texture for your Baked Oatmeal Bars is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t skip the baking powder; it helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
- Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them firm up and hold their shape better.
Following these tips will help you enjoy a deliciously chewy and satisfying treat!
Baked Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mix-ins (such as raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips) – optional
- Fresh blueberries for serving (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. You will need to let the bars cool completely before cutting them, which adds about 15-20 minutes. So, plan for around 1 hour total from start to finish!
Detailed Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure even baking. While the oven is warming up, get your 8×8-inch baking pan ready by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, brown sugar (or coconut sugar), baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This mix will be the base of your oatmeal bars!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract together. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined; this will give your bars a delicious flavor.
4. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix! If you want, fold in your optional mix-ins such as raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips at this stage.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the oatmeal batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. This helps it bake uniformly.
6. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You want the edges to be golden brown and the center to be set. You can use a toothpick to check—insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!
7. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This should take about 15-20 minutes. After cooling, cut into squares or rectangles.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These delicious bars are best enjoyed with fresh blueberries on the side for an extra burst of flavor! They’re perfect for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. Enjoy your nutritious treat!
These bars have a moist and chewy texture with a lightly golden top, showcasing their hearty oat goodness. The addition of fresh blueberries perfectly complements this healthy treat!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Oats for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to choose certified gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats. They will work perfectly in this recipe without compromising the flavor or texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Oatmeal Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Add Fresh Fruit Instead of Dried Fruit?
Yes, you can! However, if you’re using fresh fruits like berries or apples, reduce the amount of milk slightly to account for additional moisture. Gently fold in the fresh fruit right before pouring the batter into the baking pan.
What’s the Best Way to Make These Bars Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk and oil. This will help achieve a similar texture while keeping it entirely plant-based.