Description
Delicious homemade oatmeal breakfast bars packed with wholesome ingredients, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk (120ml)
- 1/4 cup applesauce (60ml)
- 11/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
- 1 tablespoon honey (15ml)
- 11/2 teaspoon baking powder (5g)
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon (7g)
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (90g)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (90g)
- 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats (250g)
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Start by mixing all your wet ingredients in a bowl until smooth and well-blended. You will know it is ready when it has a silky texture and your kitchen smells pleasantly sweet. This step adds moisture for those gratifying chewy bars. Be careful not to overmix; it might create a gummy consistency.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Next, gently mix in your dry ingredients until you barely see any flour. It should look chunky and a bit lumpy, which is just right for these bars. You want those oats to stay intact for a heartier bite. Keep an eye out for a tough texture—overmixing can cause that!
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Carefully fold in any nuts or dried fruits you like. This part is so fun because you can choose your favorites! The whole mixture should feel thicker and more satisfying. Make sure not to mix too vigorously; you want those chunky bits to shine through, not blend into the batter.
- Spread in Pan: Spread the mixture evenly in your lined baking pan, patting it down gently. It should fill the pan nicely and look compact. This step helps keep the bars from crumbling when baked. Do not forget to spread it evenly or you might end up with unevenly cooked bars.
- Bake and Smell the Magic: Pop those bars in the oven and let them bake until golden and fragrant. You will know they are done when the edges are slightly browning and you can smell the sweet aroma wafting throughout your kitchen. One common slip is to leave them too long, leading to dryness, so watch the clock!
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the baked oatmeal cool completely in the pan. This can take a while, but it is crucial for getting those clean cuts. As they cool, they will firm up nicely. If you cut them too soon, they might fall apart—trust me, waiting is worth it for perfect bars!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For freezing, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Expert Tips: Let the baked oatmeal cool completely before slicing for cleaner bars. Gently fold ingredients together to avoid tough bars. Toast nuts beforehand for enhanced flavor. If the bars crumble when cutting, ensure they cool completely before slicing for better cohesion. If you find the bars too dry after baking, consider adding a little more wet ingredients, like applesauce. If the bars are too sweet for your taste, reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup; honey and fruit still provide sweetness.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for added protein. Enjoy with a fruit smoothie for hydration and vitamins. Serve alongside scrambled eggs for a heartier breakfast.
- Recipe Variations: Substitute mashed banana or peanut butter for applesauce if needed. Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweetness. Use raisins, dried cherries, or chopped dried apricots instead of dried cranberries. For a sweeter version, substitute chocolate chips for dried cranberries. Add a scoop of protein powder to boost nutrition. Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Ingredient Notes: When selecting your ingredients, opt for old fashioned oats for the best texture; avoid quick oats as they can lead to a mushy outcome. Substitutes like pecans, almonds, or cashews can work in place of walnuts. For optimal freshness, use nuts that are free from oils and preservatives whenever possible.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 39mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 21mg