Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup almond milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Add-ins
- ¼ cup walnuts, finely chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined to ensure balanced flavor and leavening throughout the bars.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla bean paste. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl. Stir gently until just combined. Let the mixture rest for about 20 minutes to allow the oats to absorb moisture, creating a better texture.
- Add Nuts and Fruit: Fold the finely chopped walnuts and dried cranberries into the batter gently, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Spread Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to the edges for uniform thickness and baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool for about 5 minutes. Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out and slice into 16 equal-sized pieces while still slightly warm for clean cuts.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- You can swap the almond milk with any other dairy or plant-based milk according to preference.
- Storing the bars in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for up to 3 days; refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Optional: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Consider using maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian