Name: Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; 2 large eggs; ½ cup almond milk; ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup walnuts, finely chopped; ¼ cup dried cranberries

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 5 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and wholesome snack that fuels your day with goodness, this Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe is an absolute game changer. These bars are chewy, packed with heart-healthy oats, and dotted with crunchy walnuts and tart dried cranberries, making every bite a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you enjoy them as a quick morning boost or a satisfying midday treat, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for meal prepping, ensuring your energy stays steady and your taste buds satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding five separate layers of ingredients arranged side by side. One layer is a pile of small beige granules, next to it is a light tan collection of rolled oats with a rough texture. Below the oats is a smooth layer of fine cinnamon powder in a rich brown color. Adjacent to this is a patch of white powder, and beside it is a smaller amount of white granulated substance. The layers contrast softly, each ingredient clear and distinct inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, contributing to the overall taste, texture, and appearance of these delightful bars. From the natural sweetness of applesauce to the warm hint of cinnamon, everything works together to create a nourishing and flavorful bar you’ll crave again and again.

2 cups rolled oats: The star ingredient that provides chewiness and hearty texture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Gives a slight lift so bars aren’t too dense.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and rounds out the taste.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warmth and a comforting spice note.
2 large eggs: Acts as a binder to hold everything together beautifully.
½ cup almond milk: Adds moisture while keeping it dairy-free and light.
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the bars moist and adds natural sweetness without extra fat.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
¼ cup walnuts finely chopped: Offers a delightful crunch and boost of healthy fats.
¼ cup dried cranberries: Adds bursts of tartness and chewy texture.

How to Make Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift out the bars once they’re baked and provides easy cleanup. Trust me, this little step saves a lot of hassle!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients build the foundation of flavor and contribute to that wonderful chewy texture you want in your oatmeal bars.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, then add the almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients bring moisture and help bind everything perfectly, ensuring the bars hold together without being dense.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together and Rest

Pour the dry mixture into the wet, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t over-mix here; you want to keep that delightful chewiness intact. Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes so the oats can soak up some of the moisture and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Fold in Nuts and Fruit

Once the mixture has rested, fold in the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. These add wonderful texture and taste contrasts, turning simple oatmeal bars into little bites of heaven.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the pan cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before slicing into 16 bars. The parchment overhang helps lift the whole batch out effortlessly.

How to Serve Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe

The image shows a tray of golden brown oat bars with a rough texture, cut into small square pieces. The bars are placed on white baking paper with some crumbs scattered around. The oat bars have visible oats and some dark spots, likely dried fruits, spread unevenly throughout. Several oat bars are separated from the main block, placed haphazardly around it on the white marbled surface. The overall look is rustic and homemade, with a warm, toasted color on top photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These bars are lovely just as they are, but if you want to dress them up, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with a little honey or maple syrup. A few whole walnuts on top before baking also adds a fancy look and extra crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair your oatmeal bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning ritual. They also go wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add some creamy balance and extra protein.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these bars alongside smoothie bowls or cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for a healthy party snack. You can even sandwich a bit of nut butter between two bars for a quick handheld breakfast delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover oatmeal breakfast bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay moist yet maintain their chewy texture, making them perfect to grab on busy mornings.

Freezing

If you want to keep your bars fresh for longer, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. This makes meal prepping a breeze — just pull them out as needed!

Reheating

To enjoy a warm bar, simply microwave an individual bar for 15-20 seconds or warm in a toaster oven until toasty. Heating brings out the wonderful aromas and softens the bar for a comforting treat anytime.

FAQs

Can I substitute the almond milk with regular milk?

Absolutely! You can use any milk you prefer, including cow’s milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but the bars will turn out delicious regardless.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Rolled oats themselves are gluten-free, but cross-contamination can happen during processing. To be safe, use certified gluten-free oats if you need the bars to be gluten-free.

Can I replace walnuts with another nut or seed?

Yes! Feel free to switch walnuts for almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds depending on what you like or have on hand. Just chop them to a similar size for even texture.

How do I make these bars less sweet?

You can reduce the granulated sugar by up to half or replace it with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Keep in mind that it might slightly change the texture, but the bars will still be tasty.

Can I add other dried fruits or mix-ins?

Definitely! Dried blueberries, raisins, chopped dates, or even mini chocolate chips are all excellent choices to customize your oatmeal breakfast bars to your taste.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe enough if you want a quick, wholesome, and utterly delicious way to start your day or satisfy your snack cravings. It’s easy to make, portable, and packed with good-for-you ingredients that keep you energized. Go ahead and make a batch—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!