Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars (Print View)

Wholesome bars with oats, warm cinnamon, and sweet maple syrup for a cozy, grab-and-go option.

# Components:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup whole wheat flour
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
07 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
08 - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Add-Ins

11 - 1/3 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
12 - 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Mix rolled oats, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt thoroughly in a large bowl.
03 - Whisk together maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil), applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
05 - Fold in chopped nuts and dried fruits if desired.
06 - Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow bars to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using the parchment paper. Cut into 12 bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They hold together beautifully without crumbling all over your car seat or desk.
  • The maple and cinnamon make them taste indulgent even though they're made with whole grains.
  • You can mix the batter in under ten minutes with just two bowls.
  • They freeze perfectly, so you can pull one out the night before and have breakfast ready by morning.
02 -
  • Don't skip cooling them completely, cutting while warm makes them fall apart.
  • If the batter seems dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water to loosen it slightly.
  • Press the batter firmly into the pan or you'll end up with crumbly bars instead of chewy ones.
03 -
  • Use a pizza cutter to slice them into clean, even bars without pressing down too hard.
  • If you want softer bars, pull them out at 22 minutes, for chewier edges, go the full 25.
  • Double the recipe and bake in a 9x13-inch pan, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
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