Easy to make and bake, these oatmeal bars are a delicious, on-the-go snack or breakfast. Plus, you can tweak the bars to fit your taste. We’ll show you how to use less sugar, add fun flavors and more. Ready to give this anything-but-plain oatmeal bar recipe a try?
Prefer your oatmeal in a bowl? Check out some of our favorite recipes.
How to Make Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup raisins (Due to personal preference, I used just 1/4 cup.)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Oil and Sweeteners
In a large bowl, mix the sugar, applesauce, canola oil and maple syrup together until thoroughly blended.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, baking soda, salt and allspice. Fold in the applesauce mixture until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the raisins.
Step 3: Bake and Cut
Spread the batter into a prepared 8×8 baking pan (or two loaf pans). Bake at 350° F for approximately 20 minutes, until the edges are set and golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
Editor’s Tip: The original recipe recommended a 13×9-inch pan for baking. I found this made the bars very thin. Instead, I used two loaf pans, which approximately equate to an 8×8-inch pan. This made it easy to slice the snack into bar shapes, similar to the ones found in grocery stores.
Make ‘Em Your Own
While I made the original recipe almost to the letter (it was popular with my whole picky crew!), feel free to tweak the sugar content or add some fun mix-ins. It’s up to you! Here are some of our favorite modifications:
Pick a Sweetener
This recipe calls for 2/3 cup of sugar—half of some other recipes. However, if you’re working to avoid granulated sugar, try substituting one of these sugar alternatives.
Add More Mix-Ins
While this recipe includes raisins, feel free to try chopped nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips or even chocolate candies.
Keep Tweaking
Consider trying a canola oil alternative (like coconut oil), using whole wheat or gluten-free flour or even making your own allspice seasoning mix.
No matter what you try, this plain oatmeal bar recipe is a great base for making a multitude of tasty snacks. Enjoy breakfast (on the run) again!
Find More Healthy Breakfast Recipes Made With Oats
I tasted muesli on a trip to Switzerland, and when I came home, I made it my way. Keep things interesting (and avoid the mid-morning munchies) by adding different fruits and nuts every day. —Maddie Kirk, Springfield, Pennsylvania
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This light version of classic French toast is perfect for quick meals or Sunday brunches. My kids love it, and so do I! —Barbara Arnold, Spokane, Washington.
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This is great to eat with milk or yogurt—or to snack on by the handful. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan
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I've tried a number of different types of fruit for this recipe, but apple seems to be my family's favorite. I mix the dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls the night before and combine them the next morning when it's time to make breakfast.—Megan Brooks, Saint Lazare, Quebec.
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Start this breakfast the night before so you can get a few extra zzzs in the morning. My husband adds coconut to his, and I stir in dried fruit. —June Thomas, Chesterton, Indiana
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Start this breakfast the night before so you can get a few extra zzzs in the morning. My husband adds coconut to his, and I stir in dried fruit. —June Thomas, Chesterton, Indiana
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These pancakes have less sodium per serving than other pancakes made from mixes. Decrease sodium even further by stretching the mix with banana, oats and walnuts. In our house we just sprinkle these with a little confectioners' sugar, because the fruit is so sweet you don't need syrup. — Patricia Swart, Galloway , New Jersey
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There's nothing like a bowl of warm oatmeal in the morning, and my spiced version works in a pressure cooker. Store leftovers in the fridge. —Jordan Mason, Brookville, Pennsylvania
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My family loves to have this soul-warming granola before hiking, biking or even when camping. It smells delicious while baking up and you can easily make in large batches for special occasions or to send in gift packages to family and friends. —Sabrina Olson, Otsego, Minnesota
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Would you like breakfast ready for you when the sun comes up? If so, try my hot cereal. It's so simple...just place the ingredients in the slow cooker and turn it on before you go to bed. In the morning, enjoy a healthy, warm and satisfying dish. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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This is one of my family's favorite breakfasts. I love to dress it up with fresh mint and golden kiwi. It gives them the energy they need to get through the days chores. —Wilma Beller, Hamilton, Ohio
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The classic flavors of peanut butter and bananas come together in this kid- and adult-friendly oatmeal. Debbie Perdue of Westland, Michigan writes, “I tweaked one of my diet recipes to fit my husband's taste buds. We have eaten it many mornings.”
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Here's a great make-ahead recipe! Be sure to remove from the cookie sheets within 20 minutes after baking so the granola doesn't stick. —Lori Stevens, Riverton, Utah
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The beauty of this breakfast is that you can set the slow cooker overnight and, with nothing more than a ladle, spoons and bowls, feed a crowd in the morning. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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This warm breakfast cereal made in the slow cooker is a great way to get your veggies in the morning and keep a healthy diet! For extra crunch, I garnish individual servings with ground walnuts or pecans.—Debbie Kain, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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It's so simple to put this granola together, and it really helps with breakfast on busy mornings. Change up the fruits to fit your preferences or the seasons. —Arisa Cupp, Warren, Oregon
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There’s no better feeling than waking up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast. The oats, fruit and spices in this homey meal cook together while you sleep! —Valerie Sauber, Adelanto, California
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My family loves cranberries but we can only get them fresh during the holiday season. This recipe lets us enjoy the tartness of cranberry with the comfort of oatmeal all-year long. —Teena Petrus, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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Oatmeal for breakfast is a standard item, but I like to mix it up a bit. This version gets some natural sweetness from pinapple juice and tidbits. It is definitely worth trying! —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
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My son and I eat this peanut butter oatmeal recipe every day for breakfast. It's a hearty, healthy way to jump start our morning. — Elisabeth Reitenbach, Terryville, Connecticut
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Oatmeal is a favorite breakfast food, quick, easy and filling. I came up with this version by using some of the same ingredients from my favorite breakfast smoothie. Add bran cereal for a heartier taste and more fiber. A brown sugar substitute and soy milk also blend in well. —Jessi Rizzi, Odenton, Maryland
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The post How to Make Easy and Delicious Oatmeal Bars appeared first on Taste of Home.
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