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Looking for a delicious and nutritious snack? These Healthy Oatmeal Bars are packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with berry goodness. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go or a midday treat!
I remember the first time I made these Healthy Oatmeal Bars. It was a chilly autumn morning, and I wanted something warm and comforting that would also keep me energized throughout the day. The combination of oats and berries was an instant hit with my family, and now it’s a staple in our home.
Get ready to cook up a batch of these delightful Healthy Oatmeal Bars. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Also, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking dish with parchment paper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Mixed Berry Filling | |
|---|---|
| 2 cups frozen berries (you can use any mixture of small berries) | |
| 1 Tablespoon lemon juice | |
| 2 Tablespoons coconut sugar | |
| 2 Tablespoons maple syrup | |
| a pinch sea salt | |
| 1 ½ Tablespoons tapioca starch (also known as tapioca flour) | |
| Oatmeal Crust and Crumble Topping | |
| 1 ¾ cups rolled oats (gluten free if needed) | |
| 1 ¼ cups almond flour (blanched) | |
| ½ teaspoon baking soda | |
| ⅛ teaspoon sea salt | |
| ½ cup maple syrup | |
| ⅓ cup coconut oil (solid at room temperature) | |
| ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Measure out your frozen berries and if there are any large strawberries, leave them out or cut them into 4 pieces.
- Place a small sauce pan on low-medium heat. Add your berries, lemon juice, coconut sugar, maple syrup and sea salt. Let the berries warm for 5-10 minutes or until they have let out a lot of liquid and become soupy.
- Take out a tablespoon or two of the liquid and add it to a small cup along with the tapioca starch. Stir until there are no clumps and add it back to the pot of berries. Stir while letting it heat for 1 minute and then remove the pot from the heat and set aside while you make the oatmeal layers.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda and sea salt. Then add maple syrup, vanilla extract and coconut oil. Use a fork to stir these ingredients together and cut in the coconut oil to incorporate. It may be helpful to use your hands to finish mixing.
- Reserve ½-¾ cup of the oatmeal mixture and transfer the rest to the baking dish. Press into an even layer that covers then entire bottom of the dish.
- Add your berry mixture on top of that oatmeal base and spread into an even layer.
- Now, use your fingers to sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture across the top of that berry layer. You can do large clumps or small to make them look the way you like.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until you see some edges turn lightly golden in color.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing so they stay together. Store lightly covered in the fridge for breakfast throughout the week.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the best results, make sure to let the Healthy Oatmeal Bars cool completely before slicing. This will help them hold their shape and make them easier to handle. Store them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
If you’re looking for another delicious oatmeal recipe, check out this Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal.
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Healthy Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Healthy Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate grab-and-go snack. Soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, they are packed with fiber-rich gluten-free oats and creamy nut butter. Completely vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free, they make for a nutritious breakfast or a guilt-free afternoon pick-me-up that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
— The Base —
2 cups (approx. 200g) gluten-free rolled oats (old-fashioned oats work best)
1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 large speckled bananas)
½ cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
¼ cup pure maple syrup (or agave nectar)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
— Mix-ins —
⅓ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (or cacao nibs)
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
2. Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until they are smooth and almost liquid.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the bananas. Whisk until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
4. Add Oats: Pour in the gluten-free rolled oats. Stir with a spatula until every oat is coated in the wet mixture.
5. Fold Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit if using.
6. Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press the mixture down very firmly and evenly. This ensures the bars hold together after baking.
7. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center feels set to the touch.
8. Cool Completely: Remove from the oven. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan (at least 30-45 minutes). If you slice them while hot, they may crumble. Slice into 12 bars once cool.
Notes
Oats: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Do not use steel-cut oats (too hard) or instant oats (too mushy); rolled oats provide the perfect chewy texture.
Nut-Free Option: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini for a school-safe version.
Ripeness Matters: The bananas should be spotty and brown. If they aren’t ripe enough, the bars won’t be sweet enough.
Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week (they hold their shape best when chilled) or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 0
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?
- Yes, you can use fresh berries, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as fresh berries release less liquid.
- Can I substitute the almond flour with another type of flour?
- Yes, you can use another type of flour, but the texture and taste may vary.
How can I make these Healthy Oatmeal Bars gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free rolled oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Dig In & Enjoy!
These Healthy Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack, these bars are sure to hit the spot. Enjoy!
For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.