If you’re looking for an energizing start to the day that feels like a treat but packs all the goodness you want from breakfast, Oatmeal Bars Breakfast is about to become your new go-to. This recipe unites heart-healthy oats, cozy cinnamon, and a medley of nourishing add-ins into thick, chewy bars that are naturally sweetened and filling. Whether you rush out the door or savor your mornings slowly, these bars check every box: wholesome, satisfying, portable, and incredibly easy to whip up ahead of time. Get ready—you’re about to fall in love with your mornings all over again.

Oatmeal Bars Breakfast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in these Oatmeal Bars Breakfast plays an important role, coming together for a perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient deserves a spot in your mixing bowl:

Old-fashioned rolled oats: The star of the show, these create that tender chew and hearty texture.
Whole wheat flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and boosts the fiber for longer-lasting energy.
Brown sugar: Provides a rich, caramel note that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.
Baking powder: Offers just the right lift, ensuring the bars are neither too dense nor too cakey.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the bars with warm, comforting aroma and taste.
Unsweetened applesauce: Naturally moistens the bars and lessens the need for extra oil.
Honey: Gently sweetens the bars with a floral touch and helps bind everything together.
Large eggs: Essential for structure and tenderness.
Vanilla extract: Adds that subtle undertone of warmth and rounds out the flavors.
Milk: Helps keep the bars soft and makes everything blend seamlessly.
Vegetable oil: Just enough to keep things moist and give a satisfying mouthfeel.
Chopped nuts (optional): Brings a lovely crunch and extra protein—use your favorites.
Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries (optional): For bursts of sweetness and a pop of color in every bite.

How to Make Oatmeal Bars Breakfast

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your Oatmeal Bars Breakfast bake up evenly every time. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment for easy clean-up and removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Give them a good stir so that all the leavening and spices are distributed throughout, which guarantees flavor in every square inch.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl for the wet ingredients: whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, honey, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and vegetable oil. This blend not only sweetens and moistens the bars but also helps everything bind without feeling heavy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is mixed—don’t overwork the batter, or your bars might turn out tough. The mixture should look thick and a little rustic.

Step 5: Add the Extras

If you’re feeling fancy, this is the time to fold in those optional chopped nuts and dried fruit. They add color, texture, and little surprises of flavor in every bite, making your Oatmeal Bars Breakfast even more irresistible.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is the hardest part! Cutting them before they cool can make them crumbly, so patience pays off. Once cool, slice into 12 bars and get ready for crowd-pleasing goodness.

How to Serve Oatmeal Bars Breakfast

Garnishes

For a bit of flair, try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt on top of each bar. Fresh berry slices or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon can make your Oatmeal Bars Breakfast feel extra special, whether it’s a weekday morning or brunch with friends.

Side Dishes

Pair your bars with a bowl of tangy yogurt and fresh fruit for added protein, or serve alongside a smoothie for a more filling meal. A hot mug of coffee or chai tea also makes a perfect companion to the cozy warmth of these bars.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow guests or just to shake up your routine, stack the bars in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth, or wrap them up individually for on-the-go breakfasts. They’re perfect cut into bite-sized cubes for breakfast buffets, too—just add some skewers or toothpicks for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed your Oatmeal Bars Breakfast fresh from the oven, simply store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal-prepping your mornings or sharing with the family.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the bars cool completely and then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment. Pop them into a freezer bag or container, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Whenever you crave a quick breakfast, just grab one and let it thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you love your Oatmeal Bars Breakfast lightly warmed, a quick zap in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) will make them taste freshly baked. You can also heat them in a toaster oven for a slightly crispier edge—just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I substitute the applesauce with something else?

Yes! If you’re out of applesauce, mashed bananas or pumpkin puree work wonderfully in its place. The flavor will change a bit, but the moisture and binding they provide will keep your bars soft and tender.

Are there gluten-free options for Oatmeal Bars Breakfast?

Absolutely. Substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The results are just as hearty and delicious!

Can I make these bars vegan?

You can easily swap in flax eggs for the regular eggs (mix 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal with 5 tablespoons water) and use a non-dairy milk. Choose maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly sweetener—Oatmeal Bars Breakfast truly are customizable!

What are the best nuts and dried fruits to use?

Anything goes! Almonds, walnuts, or pecans add crunch, while raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots give a lovely chew and sweetness. Mix and match to suit your favorites or whatever you have on hand.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Definitely! A small handful of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) gives the bars a decadent touch, making Oatmeal Bars Breakfast feel almost like dessert. Just fold them in at the same step as the nuts and dried fruit.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Oatmeal Bars Breakfast enough—these bars are cozy, nourishing, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for yourself, there’s just something joyful about having a batch ready to grab and go. Give them a try soon; your mornings will thank you!

Oatmeal Bars Breakfast Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These delicious oatmeal bars are a perfect breakfast option that can also double as a healthy snack. Packed with oats, nuts, and dried fruit, these bars are easy to make and can be enjoyed on the go.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup honey
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Optional Add-Ins:

1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup dried fruit like raisins or cranberries

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together applesauce, honey, eggs, vanilla, milk, and oil.
Combine mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Add extras: Fold in nuts and dried fruit if desired.
Bake: Spread the batter in a greased 9×9-inch baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and cut: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into individual bars.

Notes

Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for variation.
Add chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American