These breakfast bars are like a hug in the morning! Made with tasty oats, nuts, and a touch of honey, they’re chewy, sweet, and oh-so-easy to grab on the go.
Perfect for busy mornings, I pack a couple each day. Plus, they’re great for when you need a snack later on. Who doesn’t love a healthy treat that’s also delicious? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal for texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats work too, but the texture will be different.
Puffed Rice Cereal: This adds crunch! If you don’t have it, try using more rolled oats or substituting with puffed quinoa for a nutritious twist.
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and pecans all add healthy fats and crunch. If you have nut allergies, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds make a great substitute!
Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries, raisins, or dates give natural sweetness. Feel free to change this based on what you have—chopped apricots or figs are tasty alternatives too!
Sweetener: Honey is my favorite for its flavor, but maple syrup works great if you want a vegan option. Just remember, maple syrup will make the bars a bit softer.
Nut Butter: I love using peanut butter for its taste and creaminess. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are excellent alternatives if you prefer or need something different.
How Do I Get My Breakfast Bars to Hold Together?
The key to making sure your breakfast bars hold together is in the combination of wet and dry ingredients. The honey and nut butter act as a binder. Here are my tips:
- Warm the honey and nut butter slightly before mixing. This makes them easier to combine and coat the dry ingredients evenly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan. The more compact it is, the better the bars will hold together once baked.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting them. They will firm up as they cool, preventing them from falling apart.
With these tips and ingredients, you’ll have delicious breakfast bars that can be enjoyed anywhere! Happy baking!
How to Make Homemade Breakfast Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup puffed rice cereal
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates)
Sweetening Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-18 minutes to bake. Then, just leave them to cool down before enjoying your homemade breakfast bars. All in all, you can have them ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some paper hang over the edges. This will make it super easy to lift out your breakfast bars later!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, puffed rice cereal, chopped nuts, dried fruit, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together evenly.
3. Heating the Wet Ingredients:
Next, grab a small saucepan and warm the honey and peanut butter over low heat. Stir it gently until it’s smooth and all mixed together. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract, mixing again.
4. Combining Everything:
Pour the warm honey and peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients in your mixing bowl. Stir everything together until all the dry ingredients are well coated and sticky.
5. Pressing into the Pan:
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon or your hands, press it down firmly and evenly so that it holds together well.
6. Baking the Bars:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. This will give your bars a nice crispy edge!
7. Cooling:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely inside the pan. Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan.
8. Cutting the Bars:
When the bars are completely cooled, cut them into rectangles or squares of your desired size.
9. Storing Your Bars:
Store your delicious breakfast bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, they also freeze well!
Enjoy your chewy, nutrient-packed homemade breakfast bars for a quick and satisfying breakfast or snack whenever you need it! Happy munching!
Can I Use Different Nut Butters?
Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Can I Add More Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add extras like chocolate chips, seeds (like chia or flaxseed), or different types of dried fruit. Just be cautious not to overload it too much, or the bars may not hold together as well.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
Why Are My Bars Falling Apart?
If your bars crumble, it may be due to not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the pan or insufficient binding from wet ingredients. Make sure to press them down well and ensure that the honey and nut butter mixture is warm enough to coat everything evenly before baking!
