Cozy Baked Oatmeal Bars Recipe: Wholesome Breakfast Joy

Warm, gooey baked oatmeal bars bring comfort to any morning or afternoon snack.

These delightful heavenly baked oatmeal bars melt in your mouth with rich, wholesome flavor.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and vanilla waft through the kitchen while preparing this simple treat.

Rolled oats create a hearty, satisfying base that pairs perfectly with hints of brown sugar and nutmeg.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of softness and subtle crunch that makes these bars irresistible.

The recipe transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dessert that feels like a warm hug.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel and share these bars with everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 13

Everything You Need For Baked Oatmeal Bars

• Rolled Oats: Hearty base that provides satisfying texture and whole grain nutrition, choose thick-cut for robust chewiness.
• Baking Powder: Helps bars rise and become fluffy, ensure it's fresh for best lifting effect.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and comforting aroma, opt for high-quality Ceylon or Saigon varieties.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Ripe Bananas: Natural sweetener and binding agent, select soft, speckled bananas for maximum flavor.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness, choose organic or free-range for best quality.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients, whole milk creates richer bars.
• Maple Syrup: Delivers natural sweetness with distinctive flavor, prefer pure grade A syrup.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds complexity, use pure extract over artificial.
• Nut Butter: Optional protein booster that adds creamy texture, select natural, unsweetened varieties.

• Chocolate Chips: Brings indulgent sweetness, dark chocolate offers antioxidant benefits.
• Chopped Nuts: Provides crunch and healthy fats, toast before adding for enhanced flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Introduces natural sweetness and textural variety, unsweetened options recommended.

Helpful Tools For Baked Oatmeal Bars

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending wet ingredients into a creamy consistency.
• 8×8-inch baking dish: Ideal for creating perfectly shaped oatmeal bars.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: Helps check if bars are fully baked by testing the center.
• Cutting board: Great for slicing bars after cooling.
• Sharp knife: Needed to cut bars into clean, even squares.

How To Bake Baked Oatmeal Bars

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and grab a baking dish. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Create Dry Foundation

Toss oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt into a big mixing bowl. Stir them together until well combined.

• Blend Liquid Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk bananas, eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and nut butter until super smooth and creamy.

• Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour liquid mixture into dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together. Sprinkle in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra yumminess.

• Bake To Perfection

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when edges turn golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool and Slice

Let the bars chill for about 10 minutes. Then slice into delicious squares or rectangles. Enjoy your homemade treat!

Tips For Making Baked Oatmeal Bars Better

• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare bars in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk to make the recipe completely dairy-free and suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Protein Power Boost: Add a scoop of protein powder or chia seeds to increase protein content, making these bars more filling and nutritionally dense.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to make the recipe safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different mix-ins like shredded coconut, pumpkin puree, or different spices like nutmeg to create unique flavor profiles that keep the recipe exciting and fresh.

Ways To Share Baked Oatmeal Bars

• Breakfast Bliss Companion: Pair these oatmeal bars with a steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy morning treat.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped nuts to increase protein intake and add creamy texture.
• Fruit Fusion Delight: Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced peaches to complement the bar's sweetness and add extra nutritional value.
• On-the-Go Snack Pack: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper for a perfect portable breakfast or midday energy boost during busy workdays.

Storing And Planning Around Baked Oatmeal Bars

• Quick Fridge Storage: Transfer cooled bars to an airtight container, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, maintaining freshness and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for 2-3 months, perfect for grab-and-go breakfast or snack options.
• Portable Lunch Prep: Cut bars into uniform sizes, wrap separately in foil or wax paper. Pack in lunch boxes or meal prep containers for convenient, nutritious midday fuel.
• Room Temperature Tip: Store in sealed container at cool room temperature for 2-3 days, ideal for quick morning grab or afternoon energy boost. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Heavenly Baked Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Nourishing baked oatmeal bars blend wholesome ingredients into a delightful breakfast treat. Hearty rolled oats, sweet maple syrup, and warm cinnamon create a comforting morning experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
• 2 cups (200 grams) rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• ½ cup (120 ml/milliliters) milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (or ½ cup applesauce)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml/milliliters) maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup (60 grams) peanut butter or almond butter (optional for extra richness)
• ½ cup (90 grams) chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and line a square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete bottom and side coverage.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until evenly distributed.
3. Mix Wet Components: Whisk together mashed bananas, eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and nut butter until achieving a smooth, homogeneous texture.
4. Integrate and Enhance: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the oat mixture, stirring until fully combined. Delicately fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to elevate flavor and texture.
5. Bake and Monitor: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden edges and a clean toothpick test.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to rest for 10 minutes, enabling it to set and stabilize. Slice into uniform squares or rectangular portions for serving.

Notes

• Customize Texture: Adjust oat type (rolled vs. quick) to control density and moisture absorption, ensuring a perfect bar consistency.
• Balance Sweetness: Replace maple syrup with honey, agave, or monk fruit sweetener for alternative sugar profiles and dietary needs.
• Prevent Dryness: Ensure ripe bananas are very soft and well-mashed to maintain moisture and create a tender, soft bar texture.
• Enhance Nutrition: Experiment with protein powder, chia seeds, or ground flaxseed to boost nutritional value without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg