Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars (Printable Version)

Wholesome oats blended with cinnamon and maple syrup create soft, chewy bars perfect for on-the-go.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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)

# Steps:

01 - Set oven temperature to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, whole wheat flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk pure maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil), applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
05 - Fold in chopped nuts and dried fruit, if desired, ensuring even distribution.
06 - Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
08 - Allow bars to cool completely in the pan. Use parchment overhang to lift out and cut into 12 bars.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • They taste like a treat but actually keep you full until lunch.
  • No fancy equipment needed—just bowls, a whisk, and 15 minutes of your time.
  • One batch makes a whole week of grab-and-go breakfasts without the guilt.
02 -
  • Don't skip cooling completely; cutting warm bars turns them into crumbles, and nobody wants that.
  • Pure maple syrup isn't negotiable if you want bars that taste like something special, not a health food punishment.
03 -
  • Melt your butter and let it cool slightly before mixing—hot butter will start cooking the egg before everything comes together.
  • Don't overbake by even a minute or two; the bars continue cooking slightly after you pull them out, and that residual heat is your friend for achieving that perfect chew.
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