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These healthy breakfast bars are a wholesome way to start your day! Made with plenty of oats and spices, these soft-baked oatmeal bars taste perfectly cozy. They\u2019re quick and easy to make too \u2014 less than 20 minutes of prep!<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0 Before those Hawaiian vacations, I excitedly packed my suitcase with all of the essentials for paradise. Shorts, tank tops, sundresses, swimsuits, coverups, sunglasses, sunscreen, sandals\u2026 Along with pajamas, toiletries, and spare chargers. I knew I could easily purchase anything I forgot, but I still triple and quadruple checked my list. I wanted to maximize every moment of my relaxation time by the pool and beach!<\/p>\n The night before each flight, I climbed into bed, turned out the light, and set my alarm\u2026 \u00a0 So in the pitch-black darkness, I threw off the covers, hurriedly dressed, and prepared to leave my house before the rest of the world even stirred. With so few people awake and in line, I quickly passed through the security checkpoint at the airport and found my gate with plenty of time to spare for a restroom stop and reorganizing my carryon items.<\/p>\n You know the drill\u2026 Grab a charging cord from one pocket, phone from another, books and magazines in a different slot, and a spare jacket or another extra layer accidentally shoved underneath everything else towards the bottom. (No? Just me?)<\/p>\n In my haste to arrive at the airport on time \u2014 yet still squeeze in a little extra sleep \u2014 I skipped breakfast before leaving the house. I knew the terminal offered plenty of options varying from warm bagels and fresh fruit to egg sandwiches and breakfast burritos to jumbo muffins and gooey cinnamon rolls\u2026 \u00a0 And since I\u2019m hoping to schedule another Kauai vacation with my family soon, I\u2019m already writing down reminders and notes to myself about what to pack\u2026 For clothes and<\/em> snacks! \u00a0<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong><\/span> Mainly easy, including for many beginner bakers.<\/p>\n Taste:<\/strong><\/span> Very lightly sweetened with lots of cozy oats set amongst a backdrop of warm spices.<\/p>\n Texture:<\/strong><\/span> Supremely moist and chewy, with a consistency somewhere between fudge-like brownies and soft-baked oatmeal cookies. \u00a0<\/p>\n Let\u2019s go over what you\u2019ll need to make these healthy oatmeal breakfast bars! Many of these items are common baking staples, so there\u2019s a good chance you already have everything in your kitchen. I\u2019m assuming your cupboards currently hold things like vanilla, baking powder, and salt, so we\u2019ll stick with the more interesting ingredients right now.<\/p>\n Oats.<\/strong><\/span> A very traditional breakfast bar ingredient! For this recipe, you\u2019ll need instant oats<\/a>. They\u2019re also called \u201cquick cooking\u201d and \u201cone-minute\u201d oats. Because someone always asks\u2026 They\u2019re not<\/u><\/em> the kind sold in individual packets with flavors like maple brown sugar or apple cinnamon!<\/p>\n Just like old-fashioned rolled oats, instant oats only contain one ingredient: oats! The main difference is their size. Instant oats are smaller and thinner than old-fashioned rolled oats, and that means they soften faster\u2026 Which gives your healthy oatmeal breakfast bars the best texture: moist, chewy, and even a little fudgy like brownies!<\/p>\n Tip:<\/span> If you\u2019d like to make your healthy oatmeal breakfast bars gluten-free, then use certified gluten-free instant oats<\/a>. They work perfectly! \u00a0 Tip:<\/span> If you\u2019d like to make your healthy oatmeal breakfast bars gluten-free, that\u2019s easy to do! I\u2019ve shared my favorite alternatives in the Notes section of the recipe, so check there.<\/p>\n Spices.<\/strong><\/span> That\u2019s right \u2014 plural! You\u2019ll stir in both cinnamon<\/a> and nutmeg<\/a>. Cinnamon provides that iconic extra cozy flavor, while the nutmeg adds a richness and depth that makes these healthy breakfast bars taste even more comforting.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/span> I highly recommend Saigon cinnamon! It tastes a bit stronger, richer, and sweeter compared to regular cinnamon. As a big spice fan, it\u2019s basically the only kind I use in my baking recipes now! I often buy mine online here<\/a> \u2014 it\u2019s also really affordable! \u00a0 Egg white.<\/strong><\/span> Just like in your favorite oatmeal cookie recipe<\/a>, the egg white helps bind together the ingredients. Because the white contains the majority of an egg\u2019s protein, it also gives your healthy breakfast bars a little protein boost!<\/p>\n Sweetener.<\/strong><\/span> I reached for pure maple syrup to make these healthy breakfast bars. It\u2019s the kind that comes directly from maple trees and only includes one ingredient: maple syrup! It\u2019s generally sold in thin glass bottles or squat plastic jugs (like this<\/a>), and you can often find it on the breakfast cereal aisle.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/span> Skip the pancake syrup and sugar-free syrup! These contain other ingredients, which affect the way they behave in baking recipes. This is particularly true of sugar-free syrup! It\u2019s often water-based, and that will make your breakfast bars bready or dry, rather than moist and chewy. \u00a0 Almost any type will work, so you\u2019re welcome to use whatever kind is already in your fridge! I buy unsweetened vanilla almond milk, unsweetened cashew milk, and nonfat milk the most. Each one works perfectly!<\/p>\n Hint:<\/span> If you use coconut oil (or vegan butter!) and dairy-free milk, then your healthy oatmeal breakfast bars will be entirely dairy-free. Some of my family members are lactose-intolerant\u2026 So that dairy-free option definitely comes in handy!<\/p>\n Mix-ins (optional).<\/strong><\/span> I think these healthy breakfast bars taste delicious when classic and plain, but you can also jazz up your batch, if you\u2019d like! Nuts, raisins, coconut, chocolate chips\u2026 I\u2019ve added lots of tasty twists for you in the Notes section of the recipe! \u00a0<\/p>\n Let\u2019s quickly cover how to make the best healthy breakfast bars! As I promised earlier, this recipe is simple and straightforward. I also have some tips to ensure your batch turns out beautifully!<\/p>\n Measure correctly.<\/strong><\/span> I know, I know\u2026 You\u2019ve probably heard this as often as the reminder to look both ways before you cross the street or lock your house before you leave \u2014 but it\u2019s incredibly<\/u><\/em> important. Make sure you properly measure all of the ingredients! Too much or too little can greatly affect the taste, texture, and consistency of your breakfast bars.<\/p>\n For the flour and oats, use this method<\/a> or a kitchen scale<\/a>. (\u2190 That\u2019s the one I own!) Do not<\/u><\/em> scoop either one directly from the container. This can result in adding 1 \u00bd times as much, and those extra dry ingredients will make your bars bready, cakey, and, well, dry. It\u2019ll also make them taste bland. So for soft, chewy, warm, and extra cozy breakfast bars, use one of those two measuring options!<\/p>\n For the pure maple syrup and milk, use measuring cups or spoons, not<\/u><\/em> a kitchen scale. I know many kitchen scales come with an \u201counces\u201d option, but that only works for liquids whose density is exactly 1.0g\/mL, like water. Unless you\u2019re prepared to research the density of the exact milk and maple syrup that you use, and then convert from mL to grams, measuring cups and spoons are more accurate \u2014 and much easier! \u00a0 Although it surprises some people, I recommend a fork to do this! The empty space between the fork\u2019s tines allows ingredients to pass through and mix more efficiently, compared to the wide and flat surface of a spatula or spoon. More efficient mixing means less stirring, which also helps guard against overmixing and therefore yields the best texture! \u00a0 If your pan is 9\u201d across the top rim, but closer to 8\u201d across the bottom, it\u2019s still a 9\u201d-square pan and too big for this recipe. (There isn\u2019t enough raw dough to comfortably cover the bottom, so your bars would end up incredibly thin.) Stick that pan back on the shelf and reach for a true 8\u201d-square one instead!<\/p>\n Hint:<\/span> Many circular and rectangular pans have sloped sides, so it can be a little confusing\u2026 But pan sizes are measured across the top edges, not the bottom ones!<\/p>\n Bake.<\/strong><\/span> These healthy breakfast bars finish baking relatively quickly, so don\u2019t stray too far from the kitchen! They\u2019re ready to come out of the oven when the edges look fairly firm but the center still looks soft and a little underdone. The residual heat from the pan will continue to cook the center all the way through while you let them rest on the counter, without overbaking the edges or drying out the bars. This easy baking trick helps give your bars the best moist and chewy texture! \u00a0 These breakfast bars turn softer and chewier the longer they rest. If you cut into them sooner, like right when they reach room temperature or \u2014 gasp! \u2014 when they\u2019re still warm, they\u2019ll be more cakey and bread-like. I know it feels virtually impossible to wait, especially with their cozy aroma wafting throughout the house, but I promise they\u2019ll have a much better texture if you do!<\/p>\n Moreover\u2026 They taste better the longer they sit too! That gives the spices a chance to meld and marry, so they taste warmer, richer, and more comforting the next day.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/span> If you\u2019re feeling impatient, you can pop your pan in the refrigerator for a couple of hours once it\u2019s cool enough to touch with your bare hands. That\u2019ll speed up the resting and setting process! \u00a0<\/p>\n Are these healthy oatmeal breakfast bars low calorie, low fat, gluten-free, dairy-free, or clean eating?<\/strong><\/span> Can I use old-fashioned rolled oats?<\/strong><\/span> What about a different flour?<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0 What about another kind of milk?<\/strong><\/span> Can I add anything to them, like chocolate chips?<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0 The second is substituting sugar-free maple syrup. See the \u201cSweetener\u201d header in the \u201cKey Ingredients to Make Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars\u201d section for more info about this!<\/p>\n The third is using the wrong pan size. Double check its measurements before you spread the dough inside! (See the \u201cUse the correct pan size\u201d header in the \u201cHow to Make Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars\u201d section above for details about how to properly measure baking pans.)<\/p>\n The fourth is overbaking them. Don\u2019t leave them in the oven until the center feels firm! That completely dries them out. Check out the \u201cBake\u201d header in the \u201cHow to Make Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars\u201d section for more info!<\/p>\n And finally\u2026 Eating the bars before they\u2019ve cooled and fully rested. It still surprises me how different their texture can be after just a few more hours of sitting in the pan, but that extra time truly does make a big difference! (See the \u201cCool completely + rest\u201d header in the \u201cHow to Make Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars\u201d section for more details.)<\/p>\n I\u2019d like mine to taste sweeter. Is there a way to do that?<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0 Can I freeze these healthy breakfast bars?<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0 Then when you make your own, remember to snap a picture and share it on Instagram<\/a> using #amyshealthybaking<\/a> and tagging @amyshealthybaking<\/a> IN the photo itself! (That guarantees I\u2019ll see your picture! \ud83d\ude42 ) I\u2019d love to see your healthy oatmeal breakfast bars!<\/p>\n \u00a9 <\/span>Amy’s Healthy Baking<\/span><\/p>\n These healthy breakfast bars are a wholesome way to start your day! Made with plenty of oats and spices, these soft-baked bars taste perfectly cozy and comforting. They\u2019re quick and easy to make too! Leftovers will keep for at least four days (if not closer to a week!) if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/amyshealthybaking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/oatmeal-breakfast-bars-4183.jpg\")
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For my last two trips to Kauai<\/a> and the Big Island<\/a>, I booked the only nonstop flight offered by one of my usual airlines from my local airport. Surprisingly enough, it cost the same as other options with connections, and whenever possible, I strongly prefer avoiding the stress of dashing through unknown terminals while hauling an occasionally unruly wheeled bag in search of departure monitors, the ladies\u2019 room, and my next gate.<\/p>\n
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For 4:45 am. Apparently, the reason each nonstop flight was so affordable was because of its early departure time from the mainland!<\/p>\n
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But these healthy oatmeal breakfast bars<\/strong><\/span> would\u2019ve been the perfect option to tuck into my purse! They\u2019re great for busy mornings and portable on-the-go meals. (Snacks too!)<\/p>\n
\u00a0 <\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\nQUICK OVERVIEW \u2013 HEALTHY OATMEAL BREAKFAST BARS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\nKEY INGREDIENTS TO MAKE HEALTHY OATMEAL BREAKFAST BARS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Flour.<\/strong><\/span> To make these breakfast bars healthier, I opted for whole wheat flour. It has more fiber and micronutrients compared to all-purpose flour, which I really appreciate\u2026 Especially at breakfast time! You\u2019ll add plenty of spices (more on them momentarily!), so even with 100% whole wheat flour, these bars still taste deliciously cozy and comforting.<\/p>\n
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Unsalted butter or coconut oil.<\/strong><\/span> Unlike many traditional recipes, you only need a small amount to make these. That helps keep your healthy breakfast bars low calorie and low fat! Both work equally well, along with stick-style vegan butter (I like this one<\/a> and this one<\/a>!), so feel free to use whichever you already have on hand. No need for a special trip to the grocery store!<\/p>\n
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Milk.<\/strong><\/span> To ensure these bars qualify as a breakfast<\/u><\/em> item, you\u2019ll only use half the amount of sweetener typically found in oatmeal cookies or dessert bars. To compensate for that \u201cmissing\u201d other half and achieve the correct dough consistency, you\u2019ll add milk.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\nHOW TO MAKE HEALTHY OATMEAL BREAKFAST BARS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Stir gently.<\/strong><\/span> To make the dough, you\u2019ll mix together the dry ingredients in one bowl, the wet in another, and fold the former into the latter. When you do this last bit, stir gently \u2014 and only until the dry mixture is barely incorporated! If you overmix or mix too vigorously, it creates a tough, rubbery, or gummy texture. But if you use a gentle hand, you\u2019ll end up with perfectly soft and moist breakfast bars.<\/p>\n
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Use the correct pan size.<\/strong><\/span> You need an 8\u201d-square pan to make these healthy oatmeal breakfast bars. Before you spread the mixture inside, measure your pan! It should be 8\u201d across the top edge.<\/p>\n
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Cool completely + rest.<\/strong><\/span> That\u2019s right \u2014 completely. Totally. Utterly. All the way to room temperature\u2026 And then wait some more.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\nFAQS ABOUT HEALTHY OATMEAL BREAKFAST BARS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Yes \u2014 to all of the above! When made as written, these breakfast bars are naturally clean eating, dairy-free, low fat, and low calorie (compared to many traditional recipes!). I included a gluten-free option in the Notes section of the recipe, as well as an egg-free and vegan option, so check there!<\/p>\n
In a pinch \u2014 but blitz them in a blender<\/a> or food processor<\/a> first! This makes them closer in size to instant oats, so your breakfast bars will still have a similar soft and chewy texture.<\/p>\n
Yes! White whole wheat flour<\/a>, whole wheat pastry flour<\/a>, and all-purpose flour perform just as well as regular whole wheat flour. Oat flour<\/a> (gluten-free<\/a>, if needed!) also works, but be extra careful when measuring it because it tends to be more absorbent than wheat-based flours.
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Can I substitute another sweetener?<\/strong><\/span>
You sure can! Honey<\/a> and agave<\/a> both work really well.<\/p>\n
Definitely! Almost any type will work, so feel free to substitute whatever you already have in your refrigerator.<\/p>\n
You bet! Chocolate chips, coconut, and chopped nuts (peanuts, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, pecans \u2014 you get the idea!) tend to work best because they don\u2019t change the consistency when folded into the dough. Blueberries and dried fruit, like raisins and craisins, also turn out well! Just be careful with other fresh fruits (like strawberries, raspberries, peaches, pineapple, grated apples, etc) since they often release lots of moisture as they bake, which can affect both the baking time and finished texture of your bars.
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Mine turned out cakey, bready, or kind of dry. Why is that?<\/strong><\/span>
There are a few common culprits. The first is adding too much flour or too many oats. Not enough milk or pure maple syrup will also do that, so make sure you\u2019re measuring all of these ingredients correctly. (See the \u201cMeasure correctly\u201d header in the \u201cHow to Make Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars\u201d section above for more details!)<\/p>\n
Absolutely! Substitute an equal amount of pure maple syrup for the milk. (For example, use an extra 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and reduce the milk by 2 tablespoons to compensate.)
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What\u2019s the best way to store these healthy breakfast bars? How long do they last?<\/strong><\/span>
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep for at least four days, if not closer to a week or more!<\/p>\n
Yes again! They freeze and thaw really well. I like to thaw individual breakfast bars in the microwave on 30% power until they\u2019re warmed all the way through. They almost taste like you just pulled them out of the oven when thawed like that!
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Time for breakfast! And maybe even time for another tropical vacation?\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHealthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars<\/h2>\n