Oatmeal bars are a popular choice for those who want a healthy and filling snack or breakfast that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. They can be customized with a variety of add-ins, such as chocolate chips, peanut butter, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, to create a flavor that suits your taste preferences. Oatmeal bars are a convenient and tasty way to incorporate whole grains and fiber into your diet, and they are perfect for those with busy schedules who need a quick and nutritious snack on the go.
Here is a recipe for Oatmeal Bars that makes a delicious and healthy snack or breakfast:
Serving size and preparation time:
This recipe for Oatmeal Bars makes about 12 bars and the preparation time is approximately 15-20 minutes, while baking time takes around 25-30 minutes. So the total time for making these bars is about 45-50 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, honey, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined and the mixture forms a dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is firm.
- Let the oatmeal bars cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before cutting them into bars.
- Once cooled, the oatmeal bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Enjoy your homemade Oatmeal Bars as a healthy snack or breakfast on-the-go!
Health benefits:
Oatmeal bars are a healthy snack or breakfast option, and can provide a variety of health benefits, including:
- High in fiber: Oats are a good source of soluble fiber, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Rich in protein: Oats are a good source of protein, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time.
- Lowers blood sugar levels: Oats have a low glycemic index, which means they release glucose into the bloodstream slowly, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals: Oats are rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc, which are essential for good health.
- Boosts energy: Oats are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy throughout the day.
- May aid in weight loss: Oats are low in calories, high in fiber, and can help to reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness, which may help to support weight loss efforts.
By making your own oatmeal bars, you can control the ingredients and make sure you’re getting all the health benefits of oats, while avoiding the added sugars and preservatives found in many store-bought snack bars.