Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

In today's fast-paced world, finding a nutritious and satisfying breakfast can be a challenge. Many of us lead busy lives, rushing out the door in the morning without taking the time to prepare a meal that fuels both our bodies and minds. It’s no wonder that breakfast bars have surged in popularity as a convenient option. However, store-bought varieties are often loaded with refined sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that can detract from their health benefits. Enter our Wholesome Berry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars—a delicious, homemade alternative that is not only healthy but also incredibly easy to prepare.

Start your day off right with our Wholesome Berry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars! These homemade delights combine fiber-rich oats and vibrant berries for a nutritious breakfast that keeps you energized and satisfied. Easy to make, they're naturally sweetened with applesauce and bananas, avoiding refined sugars. Packed with antioxidants and healthy fats from nuts, these bars make an excellent on-the-go option for busy mornings or a healthy snack anytime. Discover the simple steps to create these wholesome treats and elevate your breakfast routine!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup almond milk (or any preferred plant-based milk)

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 ripe banana, thoroughly mashed

1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey, if preferred)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen, such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries)

1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds provide a delightful crunch)

1/4 cup flaxseed meal (optional, for boosted nutrition)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some excess over the edges to facilitate easy removal after baking.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the almond milk, then add the unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or fork to stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, and flaxseed meal (if using) to the wet mixture. Stir the ingredients together until just combined, ensuring everything is distributed evenly throughout.

Add Berries and Nuts: Gently fold in the mixed berries and chopped nuts. Be careful to distribute the berries evenly throughout the mixture without over-mixing to avoid mashing them.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the pan, ensuring it reaches the corners.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden brown and check that a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Slice: Once baked, let the bars cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. Grasping the edges of the parchment paper, lift the entire block out of the dish and transfer it to a cutting board. Allow it to cool completely before slicing into your desired bar size.

Store or Serve: These wholesome bars can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap and freezing them!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

Presentation Tips: Serve bars topped with a spoonful of almond butter or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch. You can also arrange them on a colorful plate with a few fresh berries to enhance the visual appeal.