baked oat bars recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best baked oat bars recipe

I’m so excited to share this baked oat bars recipe with you, it’s one of my family’s favorite treats. We’ve been making these for years and they’re always a hit, whether it’s for a quick breakfast on-the-go or as a snack for the kids after school. I love that they’re made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruit, which makes them a great option for a healthy treat.

The best part is that they’re incredibly easy to make, just mix everything together and bake until golden brown. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, measuring out the oats and nuts, and stirring the mixture together. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a random Tuesday.

We’ve even started making them for our friends’ kids when they come over to play, they’re just that good! I’ve experimented with different flavor combinations over the years, but this classic recipe is still my favorite. It’s hard to beat the combination of sweet and savory flavors from the oats and nuts, paired with the chewy texture from the dried fruit.

And let me tell you, these are perfect for packing in lunches or snacking on during a long car ride. I’ve even started making them in bulk so we can enjoy them all week long. The key to making these is to use old-fashioned rolled oats, they have a much better texture than instant oats.

Also, don’t skip the step of mixing in some chopped nuts at the end – it adds a nice crunch to each bite.

Baked Oat Bars

4.7 from 1174 votes

These baked oat bars are a delightful and nutritious snack. They are easy to make and perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon treat.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 16Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 200 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
3In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt.
4Add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7While the crust is baking, prepare the filling.
8In a large bowl, mix together 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/3 cup honey, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
9Stir in 1 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1/4 cup chopped nuts (if using).
10Remove the crust from the oven and spread the filling mixture evenly over the top.
11Use a spatula to press down gently to ensure the filling is evenly distributed and compacted.
12Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set.
13Allow the baked oat bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
14Once cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan and cut into 16 equal pieces.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 200 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 80mg🌾Total Carbs: 24g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a healthier option, use natural peanut butter and reduce the amount of honey. You can also add dried fruits or other mix-ins to customize the flavor.

Watch Video Of How Baked Oat Bars Works

These baked oat bars are always a hit at family gatherings and are perfect for packing in lunches or snacking on during a long car ride.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize with different mix-ins – try adding chocolate chips or coconut flakes next time you make it!

They also freeze beautifully if you need to make them ahead of time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Oat Bars

Q: What type of oats should I use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use old-fashioned rolled oats. They have a much better texture than instant oats and will give your baked oat bars a nice chewy bite.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with different mix-ins?

Yes! One of the best things about this recipe is that you can customize it with your favorite mix-ins. Some ideas include chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even chopped peanut butter cups.

Q: How do I store leftover baked oat bars?

You can store leftover baked oat bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I freeze these baked oat bars?

Yes! These baked oat bars freeze beautifully. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Q: Do these baked oat bars make good gifts?

Absolutely! These baked oat bars make wonderful gifts for friends and family. You can package them in cute containers or bags and add a personal touch with ribbons or labels.

Q: Can I make these baked oat bars gluten-free?

Yes! To make these baked oat bars gluten-free, simply substitute the rolled oats with gluten-free oats and be sure to check the ingredients of any mix-ins you add.

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