These breakfast bars are perfect for busy mornings! They’re made with oats, nuts, and fruits, giving you a tasty boost to start your day right.
Seriously, it feels like having dessert for breakfast without the guilt! I love grabbing one on my way out the door. They’re super easy to make in advance!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for the texture. If you don’t have them, quick oats work too but result in softer bars.
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead!
Dried Fruit: Use whatever you have on hand! Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates bring sweetness. You can replace dried fruit with fresh berries but be prepared for a slightly different texture.
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter is a favorite for its creaminess. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter also work great for variations.
Sweeteners: Honey gives a unique flavor, but maple syrup is a perfect vegan option. Use agave syrup if you prefer something milder.
How Do I Ensure My Bars Hold Together?
Getting the right texture is key to these breakfast bars. Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan. The tighter the mix, the less likely they are to crumble.
- When warming the peanut butter and honey, mix thoroughly so it’s smooth; this helps everything combine better.
- After baking, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This step ensures they set properly.
- Cut them into squares or rectangles when they’re cool to prevent them from breaking.
How to Make Delicious Breakfast Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or seeds (chia, flaxseed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 18-20 minutes for baking, making the total time approximately 30 minutes. Plus, you’ll want to let them cool, which takes about 10 minutes. Perfect for a quick breakfast prep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides for easy lifting later—this is a great trick!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, toss together the rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and salt. Make sure everything is mixed well so the flavors combine nicely!
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a small saucepan, warm the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) over low heat. Stir gently until everything is melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens—add in the vanilla extract and stir it all together for extra flavor.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the warm mixture over your dry ingredients. Stir everything together well, ensuring that every bit is coated in the yummy mixture. This will help keep your bars together!
5. Press into the Pan:
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly and evenly, creating a solid base for your bars.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put the pan in the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and look out for golden edges! This means they’re getting nice and crunchy.
7. Cool and Slice:
Once they’re done, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice them into bars or squares to enjoy!
8. Storage:
Keep your delicious breakfast bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them to keep them firmer for a little longer.
Enjoy these chewy, subtly crunchy breakfast bars packed with nutrients! They’re a wholesome way to kickstart your day!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats! Just keep in mind that the texture may be softer compared to using rolled oats, which gives a chewier bite.
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?
If you need an alternative to peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower seed butter work great! These will keep the bars creamy but will change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Can I Add Protein Powder?
Absolutely! You can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture. Just be mindful that it may change the texture slightly—you may need to add a splash more liquid to balance it out.