Description

Soft, chewy, and packed with fiber, these grab-and-go oat bars are designed for busy mornings. Made the night before and stored in the fridge, they offer a nutritious yet treat-like breakfast that kids love.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, dates, or apricots)
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, optionally lining with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. If using nuts or dried fruit, add them here to ensure even distribution.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until coated. The mixture should look shaggy and wet; add a splash of milk if too dry or more oats if too soupy.
Fold in chocolate chips if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Press down firmly with the back of a spatula to make the bars dense and chewy.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs.
Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cut into squares, cover, and refrigerate overnight to set before serving.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Press the batter down firmly to prevent crumbling. Chill bars overnight for best texture and ease of cutting. Toast nuts for enhanced flavor. Can be made gluten-free by using GF oats and flour. Can be made dairy-free by using coconut oil and almond milk.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 150
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 3
Protein: 5

Keywords: breakfast bars, oat bars, grab and go breakfast, school breakfast, meal prep, healthy breakfast, kid-friendly recipes, overnight oats