Imagine a treat that combines the bright, tangy essence of lemon with the nutty crunch of poppy seeds, all nestled in a perfectly golden oat base. These Lemon Poppy Seed Oat Bars are not just a snack – they're a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these bars are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help prevent the bars from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, poppy seeds, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, honey, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined. Make sure the butter is not too hot, as this can cook the eggs if you were to add them (though there are no eggs in this recipe).
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine everything until the oats are fully coated and the mixture is crumbly yet holds together when pressed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly and evenly across the bottom of the dish. This will help the bars hold their shape after baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not overbake, as they can become dry.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the dish and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- After the bars have cooled completely, cut them into 16 equal squares or rectangles. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Tips
- Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant flavor – the oils in fresh zest make a world of difference.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure your bars hold together perfectly.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to get clean, crisp edges.
- For extra lemony goodness, you can add a simple lemon glaze on top by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice.
- Store these bars in an airtight container to maintain their texture and freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
- These bars are incredibly versatile – try them as a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or even a light dessert!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
