Oatmeal Bars Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Treat
Are you looking for a simple yet satisfying treat that's also healthy? Look no further than homemade oatmeal bars! These chewy, delicious bars are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, and can be easily customized to your liking. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 16 bars. Adjust the quantities accordingly if you need more or less.
- For the Oat Base:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (not instant) - The star of the show!
- ½ cup all-purpose flour - Provides structure and binding.
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar - Adds sweetness and moisture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda - For a light and airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - Warm, comforting spice.
- ¼ teaspoon salt - Enhances the other flavors.
- For the Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted - Adds richness and keeps it moist.
- ½ cup milk (any kind works) - Adds moisture and binds the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- For the Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or your favorite) - Adds texture and flavor.
- ½ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots) - Provides sweetness and chewiness.
- ¼ cup chocolate chips - Who doesn't love chocolate?
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
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Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don't overmix!
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Add Topping (Optional): Stir in your desired topping – chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips – until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
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Cool and Cut: Let the oatmeal bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for the Perfect Oatmeal Bars:
- Use Rolled Oats: Avoid using quick-cooking oats as they will result in a mushy texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough oatmeal bars.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
- Storage: Store leftover oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations and Customization:
- Add Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger.
- Use Different Nuts and Dried Fruits: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
- Add Chocolate: Swirl in some melted chocolate before baking for an extra decadent treat.
This recipe is a perfect starting point for creating your own signature oatmeal bar recipe. Enjoy experimenting and creating your perfect, delicious, and easy homemade oatmeal bars! Remember to share your creations! #oatmealbars #baking #easyrecipe #homemade #delicious #treat #snack #breakfast
