Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe

Rolled oats: The main ingredient providing a hearty and chewy texture.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.

Eggs: Acts as a binding agent and adds protein.

Honey: Natural sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.

Baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.

Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Dried fruit: Optional, but adds extra sweetness and a chewy texture.

When mixing the oats with the milk, eggs, honey, and vanilla extract, ensure that the oats are fully coated and well combined. This helps in achieving a consistent texture throughout the baked oatmeal bars. Additionally, if you want to add a bit of crunch, consider toasting the rolled oats lightly in a dry pan before mixing them with the wet ingredients. This extra step can enhance the flavor and add a delightful texture to your bars.

• rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are also gluten-free, making them a good alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water per egg) are a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup is a plant-based sweetener that provides a similar level of sweetness and flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile that can enhance the overall taste of the bars.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to achieve the same leavening effect.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, spicy flavor that can be a good alternative to cinnamon.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and offers a slightly different mineral content.

• dried fruit - Substitute with chopped nuts: Chopped nuts add a different texture and a boost of protein and healthy fats.

• Allow the baked oatmeal breakfast bars to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bars soggy.
• Once cooled, cut the bars into individual portions. This makes it easier to grab a quick breakfast or snack on the go.
• Place the bars in an airtight container. You can use a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or a glass container with a seal.
• If stacking the bars, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The bars will stay fresh for up to one week.
• For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze the bars for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
• To reheat, place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Enjoy your baked oatmeal breakfast bars with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of yogurt for an extra treat!

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the baked oatmeal breakfast bars on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a baked oatmeal breakfast bar on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, checking halfway to ensure it doesn't overheat.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the baked oatmeal breakfast bars on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Heat for about 10 minutes or until they reach your desired warmth.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Place the baked oatmeal breakfast bars in the skillet.
  3. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.

• Oven: Used to bake the oatmeal bars at the specified temperature.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine all the ingredients together.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the rolled oats, milk, and dried fruit.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the honey, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

• Whisk: Used to beat the eggs and mix the ingredients thoroughly.

• Spatula: Used to fold in the dried fruit and to scrape the mixture into the baking dish.

• Baking dish: Used to pour the oatmeal mixture into for baking.

• Cooking spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.

• Knife: Used to cut the baked oatmeal into bars once it has cooled.

• Cooling rack: Used to cool the baked oatmeal bars before cutting.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix dry ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.

Use quick oats: Substitute rolled oats with quick oats for faster cooking.

Pre-mix wet ingredients: Combine milk, eggs, honey, and vanilla extract in a jar and refrigerate overnight.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper instead of greasing the dish for quicker cleanup.

Batch bake: Double the recipe and freeze extra baked oatmeal bars for future breakfasts.