Are you tired of boring, bland snacks that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your snacking game with these incredibly delicious Soft Baked Oat Snack Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, these bars are the perfect combination of healthy and indulgent. Whether you're a busy professional, a fitness enthusiast, or a parent looking for a nutritious treat, these bars will become your new obsession – and the best part? They're ridiculously easy to make!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup mashed bananas
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), mashed bananas, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a consistent, sticky mixture.
- If using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly and press it firmly into all corners.
- Smooth the top of the mixture to create an even surface, ensuring the bars will bake uniformly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire batch out of the pan and transfer to a cooling rack.
- Allow to cool completely for about 30 minutes before cutting into 12 equal bars.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use ripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and better binding of ingredients.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Don't overmix the batter – just combine until ingredients are well incorporated.
- For extra texture, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the mixture.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly and evenly in the pan for consistent baking.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to help them hold their shape.
- Experiment with different nut butters like cashew or peanut butter for varied flavors.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and soft texture.
- For a protein boost, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mix.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
