Baked Oat Bars are a healthy, delicious, and energy-packed snack that combines wholesome oats, natural sweeteners, and nutritious add-ins to create the perfect bite. These bars are great for breakfast on the go, post-workout snacks, or a wholesome treat for kids and adults alike. They’re easy to make, customizable, and full of natural goodness without any refined sugar or preservatives. With their chewy texture, balanced sweetness, and rich flavor, baked oat bars make a satisfying snack that fuels your day naturally.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional for extra nutrition)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some extra on the sides for easy removal.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil and peanut butter together until smooth, then stir in honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon powder. Mix until well combined and slightly warm.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruits, salt, and seeds if using. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well until every oat is coated.
- Add the chocolate chips if desired and gently fold them in. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly with a spatula.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
- Once cooled, lift the parchment paper out and slice into equal bars or squares. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Just
A perfect mix of crunchy, chewy, and naturally sweet, these Baked Oat Bars are an easy homemade alternative to store-bought energy bars.
Servings
Makes 10–12 bars depending on size.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 210 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g
Notes
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste. For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey and plant-based butter or oil. Try experimenting with different nut butters and fruits to create your favorite combination.
Tips
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking to prevent the bars from falling apart.
- For a crunchy texture, bake for an extra 5 minutes, or for a softer bar, reduce baking time slightly.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet flavor boost.
Health Benefits
Baked Oat Bars are rich in dietary fiber that supports healthy digestion and keeps you full for longer. Oats help regulate blood sugar levels and promote heart health. Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats and protein for sustained energy, while dried fruits add natural sweetness and antioxidants. These bars are a great source of plant-based nutrients, making them an excellent choice for both kids and adults.
