Easy Oatmeal Bars for a Healthier Snack Time Delight are the perfect homemade snack to keep your energy up without any fuss. Crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, these bars are easy to make with pantry staples. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this recipe fits perfectly into your snack prep. Pair it with my Bananenwaffeln ohne Zucker - schnell & einfach for a wholesome treat.
Why You'll Love Easy Oatmeal Bars for a Healthier Snack Time Delight - Quick & Homemade
Try this Easy Oatmeal Bars for a Healthier Snack Time Delight recipe. Quick, homemade, and packed with wholesome ingredients for a family-friendly snack.
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have.
- Perfectly balanced texture: crispy outside and chewy inside.
- Family-friendly and great for kid’s lunchboxes or quick energy boosts.
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
Ingredients for Easy Oatmeal Bars for a Healthier Snack Time Delight - Quick & Homemade
Peanut Butter: opt for natural and unsweetened for a healthier option; almond butter works well as a substitute.Honey or Maple Syrup: use pure honey or real maple syrup; for vegan option, use maple syrup only.Oats: old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture; quick oats can be used but they will create a softer bar.
- Peanut Butter: opt for natural and unsweetened for a healthier option; almond butter works well as a substitute.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: use pure honey or real maple syrup; for vegan option, use maple syrup only.
- Oats: old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture; quick oats can be used but they will create a softer bar.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Easy Oatmeal Bars for a Healthier Snack Time Delight - Quick & Homemade are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Oatmeal Bars for a Healthier Snack Time Delight - Quick & Homemade
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add Dry Ingredients: Add oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to the wet mixture. Fold in nuts and chocolate chips if using. Mix until everything is combined but not overmixed.
Expert Tips for Easy Oatmeal Bars for a Healthier Snack Time Delight - Quick & Homemade
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbly bars.
- Let bars cool completely before cutting to hold their shape better.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a flavor boost.
Easy Oatmeal Bars for a Healthier Snack Time Delight - Quick & Homemade
Try this Easy Oatmeal Bars for a Healthier Snack Time Delight recipe. Quick, homemade, and packed with wholesome ingredients for a family-friendly snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Drizzle of melted dark chocolate
- Sprinkle of sea salt
Instructions
How to Make Easy Oatmeal Bars for a Healthier Snack Time Delight
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to the wet mixture. Fold in nuts and chocolate chips if using. Mix until everything is combined but not overmixed.
- Bake: Spread mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes until edges are golden and the center is set. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Easy Oatmeal Bars for a Healthier Snack Time Delight - Quick & Homemade FAQs
Yes! These bars store well in the fridge and freezer. Make a batch ahead and keep them ready for busy days.
Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives if peanut allergy is a concern.
Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
This usually happens if the mixture wasn’t pressed firmly or the bars were overbaked. Try not to overbake and press the mixture densely in the pan.
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Before You Go
If you try this Easy Oatmeal Bars for a Healthier Snack Time Delight - Quick & Homemade, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.