Description
These Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are a wholesome and delicious way to start your day. Packed with rolled oats, walnuts, and dried cranberries, they provide a perfect balance of fiber and natural sweetness. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these bars make a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack option for the whole family.
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 extract
Add-ins
- ¼ cup walnuts (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir these together until evenly mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Combine and Rest: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl and stir until just combined. Let the mixture rest for about 20 minutes to allow the oats and flavors to meld.
- Add Nuts and Cranberries: Fold in the finely chopped walnuts and dried cranberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Bake: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the baked bars to cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to the rack if needed. Once cooled, cut into 16 equal bars and serve.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts and substitute with sunflower seeds or additional dried fruit.
- You can substitute dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- To make the bars gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds can boost the nutritional content.
