Description

Hey there, breakfast rebels and snack enthusiasts! Say goodbye to frantic mornings and bland snacks. These Baked Oatmeal Bars are the soft, cinnamony answer to your time-starved, comfort-craving mornings. They’re preppable, portable, and endlessly customizable. Whether you grab one on your way out the door or cozy up with one and a coffee, they feel like a nostalgic hug—just like the ones mom used to make, only with a modern upgrade. Ready to make your kitchen smell like a cinnamon-scented bakery? Let’s do this.

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
1½ cups milk (any type: dairy or non-dairy)
2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan: 2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water)
⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana/pumpkin purée)
½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
½ cup dried fruit (optional, e.g., raisins or cranberries)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This makes clean-up and bar removal a breeze.

2. Mix the Dry Team

In a large bowl, whisk together:

Oats
Baking powder
Cinnamon
Salt

This ensures even distribution for consistent lift and flavor.

3. Mix the Wet Team

In another bowl, combine:

Milk
Eggs
Maple syrup or honey
Vanilla extract
Applesauce

Whisk until smooth and golden—this will smell amazing already.

4. Combine & Customize

Pour the wet mixture into the dry. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix. Fold in your extras: nuts, chocolate chips, and/or dried fruit. Save a small handful for sprinkling on top if you want that “wow” factor.

5. Pour & Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared dish. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is firm and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool Like a Pro

Let cool completely in the pan. Resist the urge to cut early or you’ll end up with crumbles instead of bars. For faster cooling, chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.

7. Slice & Store

Cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you like it warm.

Notes

Toasting the oats for 5 minutes in a dry pan enhances flavor.
Don’t skip the salt—it sharpens all the cozy flavors.
Make it a dessert: Drizzle with nut butter, yogurt, or a little honey.
Seasonal twist: Use pumpkin spice in place of cinnamon and swap in pumpkin purée!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 160 kcal per serving
Sugar: 9g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g