These healthy oatmeal bars are a fantastic start to your day! Made with oats, honey, and your choice of nuts or fruits, they are chewy and delicious.
They’re so easy to whip up, I can make a batch on Sundays and grab one each morning. Perfect for busy days when you need a tasty breakfast on the go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are essential for that chewy texture. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats can work in a pinch but they may not hold their shape as well.
Unsweetened Applesauce: It adds moisture and natural sweetness. For a substitution, mashed banana or even pumpkin purée are great alternatives, offering their own unique flavors.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both are natural sweeteners, but if you’re looking for a vegan option, go with maple syrup. Agave nectar or brown rice syrup also work nicely!
Greek Yogurt: This makes the bars soft and rich. If dairy-free, use almond or coconut yogurt. You could also use silken tofu for a similar texture.
Mini Dark Chocolate Chips: I find these add a delightful sweetness. You can substitute with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries if you’re looking for a healthier option.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture for My Bars?
Getting the texture just right is crucial to a satisfying oatmeal bar. Here are some tips to help:
- Make sure to mix your wet and dry ingredients properly. Don’t over mix; just combine until evenly moistened.
- Use fresh ingredients, especially baking powder, to ensure your bars rise correctly.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This will help them firm up and are easier to cut into squares.
- If they seem too soft after baking, give them a little extra time in the oven. Every oven is different!
With these tips, you can achieve those healthy, soft yet firm oatmeal bars you’re dreaming of! Enjoy them any time of the day, not just breakfast.
Healthy Oatmeal Bars Breakfast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, nonfat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll need a total of around 35-40 minutes from start to enjoying your delicious oatmeal bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a light greasing to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together so they are evenly mixed. This will give your bars a great texture!
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, honey or maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt until everything is smooth and combined. This will be the moist mixture that brings everything together.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until just combined; be careful not to over-mix!
5. Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts:
Fold in the mini chocolate chips (and nuts if you’re using them), keeping a few chocolate chips aside to sprinkle on top later. This will ensure every bite is delicious!
6. Spread the Batter:
Evenly spread the mixture into your prepared baking pan, making sure it fills the corners. Then, sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top for a fun finishing touch.
7. Bake:
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the bars are set and lightly golden on top.
8. Cool and Cut:
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
9. Store and Enjoy:
Store your oatmeal bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Enjoy these hearty, chewy, and chocolatey oatmeal bars as a nutritious and convenient breakfast on-the-go!
Happy baking!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but be aware that they may change the texture slightly. Quick oats can make the bars softer, whereas rolled oats provide a chewier bite. Just make sure you don’t over-mix if using quick oats!
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes until thickened) and use maple syrup as your sweetener.
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can use any other yogurt, such as dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option. Additionally, unsweetened applesauce or silken tofu blended until smooth can work as substitutes for moisture and creaminess.
How Do I Store Leftover Oatmeal Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
