Baked Oatmeal Bars

$To make delicious baked oatmeal bars, you need simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 ripe banana, thoroughly mashed (about 1 cup) - 1/2 cup almond butter (or your choice of peanut butter) - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option) - 1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk alternative you prefer) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup mixed nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, and pecans), roughly chopped - 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional for an indulgent touch) You can easily customize these bars. Some fun add-ins include: - Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins - Fresh berries like blueberries or chopped strawberries - Seeds such as chia or flaxseed for extra nutrition - Coconut flakes for a tropical twist - Different nut butters like cashew or sunflower seed butter These bars are not just tasty; they are also good for you. Here are some benefits: - Rolled oats provide fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you full. - Bananas add natural sweetness and potassium, which is great for your heart. - Nut butters offer healthy fats and protein, giving you energy. - Honey or maple syrup gives a natural sweetness and has antioxidants. - Nuts add crunch and deliver vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. This blend of ingredients makes these baked oatmeal bars simple and nutritious. For the full recipe, check back to the beginning. First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even baking. Next, grab an 8x8-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides a bit. This will help you lift the bars out later. In a large mixing bowl, add the well-mashed ripe banana. You need about one cup of mashed banana. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of almond butter. You can use peanut butter if you prefer. Next, pour in 1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup. This will add natural sweetness. Add 1/2 cup of almond milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a whisk or spatula to blend these ingredients smoothly. In this step, add 2 cups of rolled oats to the wet mixture. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir everything together until no dry bits remain. Now it's time to fold in 1/2 cup of mixed nuts and 1/4 cup of chocolate chips if you want a sweet touch. Make sure these extras mix well throughout. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking pan and press it down lightly. Follow these steps for a fun and simple treat! For the full recipe, check the section above. To bake your oatmeal bars evenly, use a pan that fits the recipe size. An 8x8-inch pan works best. Make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking. This step is key. If the oven is not hot enough, the bars may bake poorly. While baking, check halfway through. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil. This will keep your bars from burning while the center finishes cooking. The texture of your bars depends on how you mix the ingredients. Start by mashing the banana well. It should be smooth, with no lumps. When adding oats, mix gently to avoid overworking the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough bars. For a soft texture, let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and makes cutting easier. You can easily change the flavor of your bars. Add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm taste. If you want them sweeter, increase the honey or maple syrup. For a rich taste, try using dark chocolate chips. You can also swap the nuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. This gives a new twist and adds crunch. Experimenting is part of the fun! For more ideas, you can check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can mix things up with flavors. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet treat. Use about 1/4 cup in the recipe. You can also add berries. Fresh or frozen blueberries and raspberries work well. They add color and taste. For a fruity twist, add chopped apples or peaches. These fruits bring a bit of sweetness and moisture. To make these bars vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps it sweet and plant-based. For gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free oats. This ensures no cross-contamination. You can also try almond flour instead of regular flour for added texture. These swaps keep the bars tasty and safe for everyone. Use seasonal fruits to keep flavors fresh. In spring, add strawberries or rhubarb. In autumn, try pumpkin puree and spices like nutmeg. Winter calls for citrus zest, like orange or lemon. These seasonal changes keep your baked oatmeal exciting and fun. Mixing in nuts and seeds also adds crunch and nutrition. You can use whatever you have on hand. To keep your baked oatmeal bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Make sure to let the bars cool completely before placing them in the container. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Store them at room temperature for short-term use, or in the fridge for longer freshness. To freeze your bars, cut them into squares first. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date. When you want to eat one, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also microwave it for about 30 seconds to warm it up quickly. Baked oatmeal bars can last about 5 days at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to 10 days. For frozen bars, aim to eat them within three months for the best taste. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can use quick oats. Quick oats cook faster and absorb more liquid. This may change the texture of your bars slightly, making them softer. If you prefer a chewier bar, I suggest sticking with rolled oats. To make these bars vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey. Also, choose almond butter and plant-based milk. These swaps keep the bars delicious and suitable for a vegan diet. You can enjoy them without losing any flavor. You can serve these bars as they are or add toppings. Try spreading some nut butter on top. You can also add fresh fruit, like banana slices or berries. Drizzling with a bit of honey or maple syrup enhances the sweetness. To check if the bars are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. The edges should be golden brown. Letting them cool helps them firm up for easier cutting. Baked oatmeal bars are versatile and easy to make. We covered main ingredients, optional add-ins, and their health benefits. I shared step-by-step instructions for mixing and baking. You learned tips for even baking and customizing flavors. We explored different variations and best storage practices. Now, you can enjoy these bars fresh or frozen. Get creative with flavors and share them with others. They make a great snack for any time of day. Enjoy baking!$

Experience the deliciousness of Nutty Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars, a perfect healthy snack for any time of day! Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, ripe banana, almond butter, and mixed nuts, these bars are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Check out our simple recipe that guides you through every step to create these tasty treats. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover your new favorite snack!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 ripe banana, thoroughly mashed (about 1 cup)

1/2 cup almond butter (or your choice of peanut butter)

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)

1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk alternative you prefer)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup mixed nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, and pecans), roughly chopped

1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional for an indulgent touch)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring it overhangs slightly for easy removal later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-mashed ripe banana, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), almond milk, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or spatula to mix until all ingredients are smoothly blended.

Add the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and sea salt to the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly combined and no dry ingredients remain.

Gently fold in the chopped mixed nuts and, if desired, the chocolate chips. Ensure that these additions are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for delightful bites.

Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface and press it down lightly.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will help the bars firm up for easier cutting.

Carefully transfer the baked oatmeal to a cutting board using the parchment overhang, and let it cool completely before cutting it into bar shapes. This cooling period will enhance the texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 9 bars

- Presentation Tips: Serve these bars in a stack on a rustic wooden board, or wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with a string for a charming gift or snack on-the-go.