Name: Healthy Oatmeal Bars Breakfast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 2 ripe bananas, mashed (or 1 cup unsweetened applesauce); 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut or almond); 2 eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit, chocolate chips, nuts, or shredded coconut

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Healthy Oatmeal Bars Breakfast is a simple, wholesome way to start the day. These soft-baked bars are packed with rolled oats, natural sweeteners, and nutritious add-ins like fruit or nuts. I love making a batch ahead of time so breakfast is ready to grab and go all week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy to prep, totally customizable, and made with ingredients I feel good about. The bars are soft, chewy, and lightly sweet—just enough to satisfy without being heavy. They’re perfect for busy mornings, school lunches, or a healthy snack anytime. Plus, I can make them dairy-free, gluten-free, or nut-free based on what I need.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rolled oats
Mashed ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce
Honey or maple syrup
Nut butter (like almond or peanut butter)
Eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
Cinnamon
Baking powder
Vanilla extract
Salt
Optional mix-ins: dried fruit, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, shredded coconut

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I combine the mashed bananas (or applesauce), honey, nut butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
I stir in the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until fully mixed.
I fold in any extras I’m using—like raisins, walnuts, or dark chocolate chips.
I pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
I bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Once cooled, I slice the bars and store them for the week.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 9 to 12 bars.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

I switch it up often—sometimes I use pumpkin puree instead of banana in the fall or mix in fresh blueberries for a fruity version. When I want extra protein, I stir in a scoop of protein powder or use Greek yogurt in place of some of the applesauce. For a nut-free version, I use sunflower seed butter or skip the nuts entirely.

storage/reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well—I wrap them individually and thaw overnight or microwave for 15–20 seconds when I need one. I usually eat them cold or at room temp, but they’re also delicious slightly warmed.

FAQs

Are these oatmeal bars gluten-free?

They can be. I use certified gluten-free oats to make sure they’re safe for gluten-free diets.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, I use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Not right away. I keep them at room temperature for a couple of days, but for longer freshness, I store them in the fridge.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. I prefer rolled oats for the best bite.

Are these good for kids?

Definitely. They’re naturally sweetened and easy to chew, so I pack them in lunchboxes or serve them as an after-school snack.

Conclusion

Healthy Oatmeal Bars Breakfast is one of my favorite ways to keep mornings stress-free and nutritious. Whether I’m in a rush or just want something wholesome with my coffee, these bars are always a win. With so many ways to customize them, I never get bored—and neither does anyone I share them with.