Make Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars for a Nutritious Start!

Starting your day with a healthy breakfast is crucial for maintaining energy, focus, and overall well-being. That’s why we’re excited to share this delectable recipe for Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. These bars are not only packed with wholesome ingredients, but they also provide a satisfying and portable breakfast option that can fuel you through the morning.

Table of Contents

The Benefits of Oats and Whole Wheat Flour

Oats are a powerhouse of nutrition, providing a wealth of fiber, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. The whole wheat flour in these bars adds an extra boost of fiber and nutrients, making them a truly nourishing choice for breakfast. Together, these ingredients create a breakfast bar that will keep you feeling full and energized, helping you tackle your day with ease.

Ingredients for Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

• 1 cup (100g) instant oats (gluten-free if necessary and measured like this)
• ¾ cup (90g) whole wheat flour or gluten-free* flour (measured like this)
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon (see Notes!)
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp (14g) unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 large egg white (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60mL) pure maple syrup (room temperature)
• 6 tbsp (90mL) unsweetened vanilla almond milk (room temperature)
• optional: mix-ins (see Notes!)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Preparing these Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a delicious and nutritious treat:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together melted butter (or coconut oil), egg white, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and almond milk until smooth.
4. Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in any optional mix-ins if using.
5. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment paper and cut into bars.
7. Serve & Store: Enjoy the Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Each serving of these Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars provides a balanced blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to keep you feeling satisfied and energized. The oats are a rich source of fiber, which can help support digestive health and regulate blood sugar levels. The whole wheat flour adds an extra boost of complex carbohydrates, while the cinnamon and nutmeg provide anti-inflammatory properties and a delightful flavor profile.

Customizing Your Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

One of the best things about this recipe is the endless possibilities for customization. You can experiment with a variety of mix-ins to suit your personal taste preferences and nutritional needs. Some delicious options include:

• Nut Butters: Swirl in a tablespoon or two of your favorite nut butter, such as peanut, almond, or cashew, for an extra boost of healthy fats and protein.
• Fruits: Fold in diced apples, mashed bananas, or dried cranberries, blueberries, or raisins for a pop of natural sweetness and additional nutrients.
• Seeds: Sprinkle in chia seeds or ground flaxseeds to amp up the fiber and omega-3 content.

For those with dietary restrictions, these Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars can also be made vegan by substituting the egg white with a flax or chia egg, and using dairy-free milk and melted coconut oil instead of butter.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once the Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars have cooled completely, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For best texture, you can gently reheat the bars in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before enjoying.

These bars make a fantastic on-the-go breakfast or snack. You can also get creative with serving suggestions, such as topping them with a drizzle of nut butter, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra boost of protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rolled oats or quick oats for this recipe?

While you can substitute rolled oats or quick oats for the instant oats in this recipe, the texture may be slightly different. Instant oats tend to create a more cohesive and dense bar, while rolled or quick oats may result in a chunkier, more granola-like texture. If using rolled or quick oats, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Can these bars be made vegan or gluten-free?

Yes, these Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars can be easily adapted to be vegan and/or gluten-free. For a vegan version, replace the egg white with a flax or chia egg, and use dairy-free milk and melted coconut oil instead of butter. To make them gluten-free, simply substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How should I store the bars to keep them fresh?

Once the bars have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the bars at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore their soft, chewy texture.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is the ability to customize it with your favorite mix-ins. Feel free to fold in chopped nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, or any other desired add-ins. Just be mindful of the overall texture and consistency of the batter, and adjust the baking time if needed.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake
• Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread
• Almond Flour Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Conclusion

Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. With their wholesome ingredients, customizable mix-ins, and portable convenience, these bars are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast option. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a satisfying and energizing start to your day!

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

Print