These soft and healthy baked oatmeal bars are loaded with super seeds, rolled oats, and berries, and baked to golden brown perfection for a quick breakfast or snack option.
I’m always on the hunt for quick breakfast options; are you? If so, you neeeed to make these healthy baked oatmeal bars. They’re easy, simple and made with clean, wholesome ingredients. They’re Gluten-free, refined sugar free, and can also be made nut-free! Suffice to say, they’re super allergen friendly and a great option for practically anyone!
The Ingredients
Rolled oats. The base of these oatmeal bars are, you guessed it, rolled oats! I love using Bob’s Red Mill certified gluten-free rolled oats but use whichever brand you like. These treats are oatmeal in bar form – seriously.
Super seeds. I am leveraging the full power of the holy trinity of seeds in these bars: flax, hemp and chia seeds! All of these seeds are powerhouses of omega-3 healthy fats, protein, fiber and much more. They pack a giant punch for such itty bitty seeds. We’ve also got pumpkin seeds in there too for added taste and nutritional power.
Fruit. Instead of eggs, we’re leveraging the full power and sweetness of applesauce. Apples have a natural binder, pectin, so it helps keeps these bars formed well instead of crumbly. We’re also adding some natural sweetness in the form of berries. I love using blueberries but in the past, I’ve also added blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and cranberries. Fresh or frozen, all of these varieties work!
The sweetener. As I mentioned previously, these bars are refined sugar free. Instead, we’re using maple syrup to lend a tiny hint of sweetness, mostly relying on the berries and applesauce to lead the way.
These parts have a beautiful golden crust, a soft and flavorful inside and are sprinkled with crunchy toppings. They hold up really well in the refrigerator or in snack bags and lunchboxes. I personally love to nuke ’em quick in the microwave and eat them warm. I truly enjoy eating them with a hot cup of coffee in the morning.
Furthermore, I have to mention, they are a huge win for parents because kids generally love them! Our preschool is tree-nut and peanut free so I take out the pecans and make them compliant. They’re packed with fiber, protein, and fruity goodness.
I hope you’ll give them a try. Drop me a note in the comments and let me know what you think.
Cheers!
Healthy Baked Oatmeal Bars
Equipment
- 9×12 or 8×11 baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp ground flax seeds
- 2 tbsp hemp seeds
- 2 cups plant milk oat milk
- 1/2 cup apple sauce
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup berries
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 and grease your baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax and pumpkin seeds and pecans. Mix to incorporate.
- In a smaller mixing bowl, combine the milk, apple sauce, syrup and vanilla. Whisk until incorporated.
- Add the liquid to the oats and mix until incorporated. Fold in the berries with a spatula.
- Transfer the batter to the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly with the spatula. Top off with extra seeds of your choice.
- Bake at 375 for about 40 – 45 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for at least 10 minutes. The longer it sits, the better the oat bars will set.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #thewholescoopblog
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