Baked oatmeal bars are a tasty and healthy snack or breakfast option. Full of oats, fruits, and nuts, they are chewy, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to grab on busy mornings!
These bars are great for meal prep. I love making a big batch on Sundays, so I have a yummy treat ready throughout the week. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to myself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: Use these for the best texture. Steel-cut oats won’t work here, as they require longer cooking times. Quick oats can be a substitute, but they may make the bars slightly mushy.
Bananas: They bring natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re out of ripe bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be a great substitute (1/2 cup applesauce for 2 bananas).
Nuts: I love walnuts or pecans for their rich flavor, but feel free to swap them for almonds or sunflower seeds if allergies are a concern. You can also omit the nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free bar.
Dried Fruits: Raisins and cranberries are popular, but you can mix it up with chopped dates, apricots, or whatever dried fruits you have on hand. They add a little chew and sweetness!
How Do I Ensure My Bars Hold Together Well?
To make sure your oatmeal bars stay firmly together, it’s essential to mix the ingredients properly and use the right moisture. Here’s a quick guide:
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly; this ensures even distribution.
- Press the mixture into the pan firmly! This helps them bond while baking.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. A slightly underbaked bar holds together better, so be careful not to overbake.
These steps will lead to perfectly chewy and cohesive bars that don’t fall apart easily when you slice them!
How to Make Baked Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (plus extra slices for topping)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Optional: 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt for extra moisture
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10-15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix everything together, plus 25-30 minutes for baking. In total, plan for about 45 minutes before your delicious oatmeal bars are ready to cool!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This little step makes it easy to remove the bars later!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, raisins (or dried cranberries), ground cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed evenly.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, milk, and the optional applesauce or Greek yogurt until everything is smooth and well combined. This is where the flavor comes from!
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Next, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until it’s thoroughly mixed. Don’t worry if the mixture seems thick—it’s supposed to be!
5. Spread and Garnish:
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly across the pan and press down lightly so that it holds together while baking. If you want, you can also add extra banana slices on top for some delicious finishing touches!
6. Bake Until Perfect:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the edges to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean.
7. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy!
8. Store for Later:
Store your baked oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be kept in the fridge for about a week or frozen for up to a month. Just reheat briefly before enjoying them again!
Enjoy your wholesome, chewy baked oatmeal bars—perfect for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack throughout the day!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
While you can use quick oats in a pinch, keep in mind that they may lead to a softer texture in the bars. Rolled oats are best for a chewy and hearty consistency.
How Can I Add More Flavor to My Bars?
You can easily enhance the flavor by adding in some vanilla or almond extract, or even incorporating spices like nutmeg or ginger. Stir in chocolate chips or coconut flakes for a little twist!
What’s the Best Way to Freeze These Bars?
To freeze, cut the baked oatmeal bars into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for about a month—just thaw in the fridge or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these bars vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based milk alternative. Maple syrup is already vegan, so you’re good to go!