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Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

These wholesome Oatmeal Breakfast Bars combine rolled oats, sweetened with granulated sugar, and flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, and dried cranberries. Enhanced with crunchy walnuts and a moist texture from almond milk and unsweetened applesauce, they make a perfect grab-and-go nutritious breakfast or snack option loaded with fiber and natural flavors.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Add Nuts and Fruit: Fold the finely chopped walnuts and dried cranberries into the batter gently, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  6. Spread Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to the edges for uniform thickness and baking.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian