Description
These wholesome Oatmeal Bars make a healthy start to your day with a perfect blend of oats, whole wheat flour, and mixed berries. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and enriched with applesauce, these bars are easy to prepare and delicious, ideal for breakfast or a nutritious snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup mixed berries, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until well blended.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir gently until all ingredients are just combined, taking care not to overmix and keeping the batter slightly lumpy.
- Fold in Berries and Nuts. Carefully fold in the mixed berries and optional chopped nuts, evenly distributing them throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter in Pan. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Bars. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are set, a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the top turns lightly golden.
- Cool and Slice. Remove the baked bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into 9 equal bars for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute mashed bananas for applesauce for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
- Use dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk to make this recipe dairy-free and suitable for lactose intolerant individuals.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars can also be frozen for extended storage; thaw before serving.
