Description
Delicious and wholesome Oatmeal Breakfast Bars made with rolled oats, nuts, and dried cranberries. These bars are perfect for a quick and nutritious breakfast or snack, featuring a blend of warm cinnamon, vanilla, and naturally sweet ingredients baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup almond milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ¼ cup walnuts (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the rolled oats, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to ensure the leavening and spices are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently to combine. Let the mixture rest for about 20 minutes to allow the oats to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Add Nuts and Cranberries: Fold the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries into the oat batter evenly for a delightful texture and fruity bite.
- Bake the Bars: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes. Using the parchment paper, lift the bars out and slice them into 16 equal pieces. Enjoy warm or store for later.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before adding.
- You can substitute dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dried apricots.
- Use maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener alternative.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before eating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American