Baked Oatmeal Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. These oatmeal bars are soft but sturdy enough to take on the go, and they’re naturally sweetened with ingredients you can feel good about. They’re great for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and an easy way to enjoy oatmeal in a new form.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (or ½ cup unsweetened applesauce)
• 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup add-ins (such as chocolate chips, nuts, or berries)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together mashed bananas, milk, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in your desired add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or berries.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
8. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 9–12 bars.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars: Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter for extra richness.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Berry Burst: Mix in fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries before baking.
• Apple Cinnamon: Add ½ cup diced apples and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of protein powder for a nutritious upgrade.

Storage/Reheating

Store the oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
To reheat, microwave a bar for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats provide the best structure.

Can I make these oatmeal bars vegan?

Absolutely. Use plant-based milk and replace honey with maple syrup or agave.

Can I use steel-cut oats?

No, steel-cut oats won’t soften properly in this recipe — stick with rolled or quick oats.

Do I have to use bananas?

No, you can substitute ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree instead.

Can I add eggs for extra binding?

Yes, adding one egg can help the bars hold together more firmly, though it’s optional.

How can I make these bars higher in protein?

Add a scoop of protein powder or mix in some Greek yogurt to the batter.

Are baked oatmeal bars gluten-free?

They can be! Use certified gluten-free oats to make them gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for about 35–40 minutes.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The edges should be golden, and the center should be firm but slightly springy to the touch.

Can I pack these in lunches?

Yes, they’re perfect for lunchboxes or as an afternoon snack — just wrap them individually for convenience.

Conclusion

Baked Oatmeal Bars are a delicious, healthy, and practical way to enjoy a grab-and-go breakfast or snack. Easy to make, customizable, and satisfying, they’re perfect for anyone looking for a simple homemade alternative to store-bought bars. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your meal prep routine.

Baked Oatmeal Bars

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Baked Oatmeal Bars are chewy, wholesome, and naturally sweetened breakfast or snack bars made with oats, bananas, and your favorite mix-ins. They’re easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and a healthy grab-and-go option for busy mornings.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 bars
• Category: Breakfast, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (or ½ cup unsweetened applesauce)
• 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup add-ins (such as chocolate chips, nuts, or berries)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix mashed bananas, milk, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in your desired add-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or berries.
6. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
8. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

• Use rolled oats for the best chewy texture.
• Customize with your favorite mix-ins like fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
• Store in the fridge or freezer for easy meal prep.
• Make vegan by using plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 3.5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg