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Baked Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.1 from 75 reviews

Delicious and wholesome baked oatmeal bars made with rolled oats, mashed banana, and natural sweeteners. These bars are a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack option, combining the natural sweetness of bananas with the nuttiness of oats, optionally enhanced with chocolate chips or nuts. They offer a nutritious, fiber-rich, and filling treat that can be made quickly and stored for convenience.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 1/3 cup mashed banana
  • 6 tbsp water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, agave, or honey OR stevia equivalent
  • 3 tbsp oil, nut butter, or additional water
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

  • Handful of chocolate chips
  • Chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, mashed banana, water, salt, sweetener (maple syrup, agave, honey, or stevia), oil or nut butter, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth in texture.
  3. Add Toppings: Transfer the oat mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top for extra flavor and texture.
  4. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn off the oven but do not open the door. Allow the bars to sit in the closed oven for an additional 5 minutes to finish setting gently.
  5. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, slice into bars of your preferred size.
  6. Store: Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze them for longer storage, up to a few months.

Notes

  • For a banana-free version, try using the baked oats variation by substituting the mashed banana with additional liquid and adjustments.
  • You can customize these bars by adding various mix-ins like dried fruit, seeds, or different nuts.
  • Using stevia instead of sweeteners will reduce the sugar content.
  • Ensure the pan is well-prepared to prevent sticking, especially if skipping parchment paper.
  • Letting the bars sit in the turned-off oven helps them firm up without overbaking, maintaining moistness.