Description
Deliciously healthy maple cinnamon oatmeal breakfast bars that are gluten free and perfect for on-the-go.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2–1/2 cups certified gluten free old fashioned oats, divided
- 11/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/21/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/41/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk, any kind
- 1/2 cup mashed banana
- 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 egg
- 11/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/3 cup pecan halves, chopped, optional
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Start by tossing together the oats, flour, cinnamon, and any sweetening agents in a large bowl. You will notice the warm scent of cinnamon filling your kitchen. Keep an eye on your proportions; too much flour can make the bars dense.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the maple syrup and any other wet ingredients. The mixture should start to clump together and feel sticky, making it easier to form bars later. If it is too dry, add a splash of water or milk. Avoid overmixing, as it can toughen the texture.
- Spread into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into a lined baking dish. Compact it, feeling firm and slightly sticky under your fingers to help keep everything together when slicing later.
- Bake & Check Progress: Slide the pan into the oven at 375 degrees F and let it bake until the edges are golden and the top looks set, around 30 minutes. Remember to check after 25 minutes to avoid over-browning edges.
- Cool & Slice: Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. After about 20 minutes, transfer them to a wire rack. Patience is key; cutting them too soon typically leads to crumbling. Wait until they are fully cooled, then slice into bars.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator or individually wrap bars in saran wrap and freeze.
- Expert Tips: Check on the bars at the 25 minute mark to prevent over-browning.
- If the bars seem too dry, checking the amount of banana or maple syrup used can help adjust moisture levels.
- When slicing the bars, waiting until they have cooled completely is key to achieving clean cuts.
- For edges that brown too quickly, covering them with foil after the first 25 minutes can help prevent over-cooking.
- If you want the bars warmer when serving, warming them for about 15 seconds in the microwave works well.
- For a chewier texture, letting the bars set in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving can be beneficial.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 233
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 108mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 21mg