Baked Oatmeal Bars
Kickstart Your Day with Nutritious Baked Oatmeal Bars
Back-to-school season is upon us, and there’s nothing like a wholesome breakfast to kickstart the day. Enter Baked Oatmeal Bars—a perfect blend of nutrition and convenience that will keep you and your little ones fueled throughout the busy mornings. These bars are not only delicious and filling, but they also make for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or a healthy snack. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes or looking for a quick bite before heading out, these baked oatmeal bars are the answer.
Packed with hearty oats, sweetened with a touch of honey, and bursting with your favorite mix-ins like nuts, dried fruits, and even chocolate chips, these Baked Oatmeal Bars are a family favorite. They are not only a time-saver but also a great way to ensure your kids get a nutritious start to their day. Imagine the delight on their faces when they find these tasty bars in their lunchboxes! Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, meaning you can whip up a batch on the weekend and have breakfast sorted for the whole week. Let’s dive into this simple yet delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
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Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Making baked oatmeal bars ahead of time can be a real game-changer, especially during the hectic back-to-school season. Here are some practical meal prep and storage tips to help you keep these delicious bars fresh and ready to enjoy:
Meal Prep Tips
Batch Baking: Double or triple the recipe to ensure you have enough bars for the entire week. Baking in bulk saves time and ensures you always have a healthy breakfast or snack ready to go.
Pre-Cut Portions: After baking and cooling the oatmeal bars, cut them into individual portions. This makes it easy to grab a bar on busy mornings without any additional preparation.
Mix and Match: Prepare different variations in separate sections of the same baking pan or use multiple pans. This way, you can cater to different tastes and preferences within your family.
Involve the Kids: Make meal prep a fun family activity. Let your kids choose their favorite add-ins and help with mixing and spreading the batter. This not only teaches them about cooking but also makes them more likely to enjoy the bars.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store the cut bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
Grab-and-Go: Pack the pre-cut bars into snack-sized bags or containers. This makes it easy to pop them into lunchboxes or grab one as you head out the door.
Reheating: If you prefer your oatmeal bars warm, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds. This brings back the freshly baked taste and makes them even more delicious.
Labeling: Don’t forget to label your storage containers or bags with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the bars have been stored and ensures you enjoy them while they are still fresh.
By following these meal prep and storage tips, you can ensure that you and your family always have a nutritious and tasty option ready for breakfast or snacks. Enjoy the convenience and satisfaction of homemade goodness with these versatile baked oatmeal bars!
Kid-Friendly Variations
Making baked oatmeal bars fun and appealing to kids can be a game-changer for busy mornings. Here are some kid-friendly variations that are sure to make these bars a hit with your little ones:
Chocolate Chip Delight
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter to create a delicious and kid-approved version of the bars. The small size of the chips ensures a little chocolate in every bite without overpowering the healthy ingredients.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Twist
Transform these bars into a PB&J favorite by swirling in 1/4 cup of peanut butter and 1/4 cup of your child’s favorite jelly or jam into the batter before baking. The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly adds a nostalgic touch that kids adore.
Fun Shapes
Use fun-shaped cookie cutters to cut the cooled oatmeal bars into stars, hearts, or other playful shapes. This adds a visual appeal and makes the bars more exciting for kids to eat. You can involve your children in this process, making it a fun kitchen activity.
Rainbow Sprinkles
Add a touch of color by mixing 2 tablespoons of rainbow sprinkles into the batter or sprinkling them on top before baking. The vibrant colors make the bars look festive and fun, enticing kids to give them a try.
Apple Cinnamon
Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped apples and a dash of extra cinnamon into the batter. The sweet and familiar taste of apples and cinnamon is always a kid-friendly combination. You can also drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup on top for added sweetness.
Banana Nut Butter
Mix in 1/4 cup of mashed banana and 1/4 cup of almond or cashew butter into the batter. Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while the nut butter provides a creamy texture and delicious flavor that kids love.
Berry Burst
Increase the amount of berries in the recipe to 1 cup of mixed fresh or frozen berries. Kids usually enjoy the sweet and slightly tart burst of flavor from berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
Marshmallow Magic
For a special treat, mix in 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows into the batter. The marshmallows will melt and create gooey pockets of sweetness, making these bars an occasional indulgence that kids will find irresistible.
These variations not only make the baked oatmeal bars more appealing to kids but also keep the process fun and engaging for the whole family. Encourage your children to help choose their favorite add-ins and assist with the preparation. This way, they’re more likely to enjoy the nutritious bars they’ve helped to create.
Baked Oatmeal Bars
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 1 9x9 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining the pan)
- 1 Oven
- 1 Wire cooling rack
- 1 Knife or bench scraper (for cutting bars)
- 1 Airtight container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Old-fashioned oats
- ½ Cup Almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- ¼ Cup Honey or maple syrup
- 2 Large eggs
- ¼ Cup Melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 Tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 Tsp Baking powder
- ½ Tsp Ground cinnamon
- ¼ Tsp Salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ Cup Chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- ½ Cup Dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins)
- ¼ Cup Chocolate chips
- 1 Mashed banana for extra moisture and sweetness
Substitutions
- You can substitute almond milk with any plant-based or dairy milk.
- Maple syrup can replace honey for a different flavor profile.
Add-ons Variations:
- Feel free to mix and match add-ins according to your preference. The nuts add a nice crunch, while the dried fruits and chocolate chips provide sweetness.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract. Ensure the coconut oil is not too hot to avoid cooking the eggs.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined. If using add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture now.
- For extra moisture and natural sweetness, you can also mix in a mashed banana at this stage.
Step 4: Bake
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
- Allow the baked oatmeal to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into bars. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Make Mornings Easier and Tastier
Baked Oatmeal Bars are the perfect solution for busy mornings and make an excellent back-to-school recipe. They are versatile, easy to make, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Give this recipe a try and make your mornings smoother and more delicious. Don’t forget to share your experience with us and subscribe to our blog for more delightful recipes like this. Enjoy a healthy, tasty start to your day with these wonderful oatmeal bars!
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