Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars with Walnuts and Cranberries

These Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are a wholesome, satisfying way to start your day! Combining hearty rolled oats, sweet applesauce, and a touch of cinnamon, they’re the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The walnuts add a crunchy element, while the dried cranberries provide a sweet contrast. These bars are quick to make and ideal for meal prepping, so you can enjoy a healthy breakfast or snack throughout the week. They are a great source of fiber and protein, making them both nutritious and delicious.

Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars with Walnuts and Cranberries

Servings

16

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories per serving

140

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup almond milk

• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup walnuts, finely chopped

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal later.
• In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: rolled oats, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
• In a separate large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, almond milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix well. Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
• Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries.
• Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared square pan.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
• Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before slicing into 16 equal bars.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Customization:
  Feel free to switch out the walnuts for other nuts like almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds, and swap the dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dried apricots.
• Storage:
  These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days, making them a perfect option for meal prep.
• Vegan Option:
  To make these bars vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and ensure the almond milk is unsweetened.

These oatmeal breakfast bars offer a simple and convenient way to enjoy a nutritious, homemade treat. With minimal prep time and basic ingredients, you can create a filling snack or breakfast that everyone will love. Plus, they’re versatile, allowing for easy swaps to suit different tastes or dietary needs. These bars are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!