These chewy oat nut bars are a nutritious and satisfying snack, perfect for on-the-go energy. Made with rolled oats, a variety of nuts, and sweetened with honey or maple syrup, they provide a great balance of flavor and texture.
The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite nuts and add-ins like dried fruits or chocolate chips.
Wholesome Ingredients for Nutritious Bars
Creating chewy oat nut bars begins with selecting quality ingredients.
Rolled oats serve as the foundation, providing a hearty texture and essential fiber.
A mix of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans, adds crunch and healthy fats, while dried fruits contribute natural sweetness and chewiness.
Honey or maple syrup acts as a binding agent, ensuring the bars hold together while enhancing flavor.
Nut butter, like almond or peanut, enriches the bars with creaminess and protein, making them a satisfying snack option.
Simple Preparation Steps
Making these oat nut bars is straightforward and requires minimal time.
Start by preheating the oven and preparing your baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, sweetener, nut butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
Mix until everything is well incorporated, then press the mixture into the prepared dish.
Baking for about 20-25 minutes will yield golden brown edges, indicating they are ready to cool.
Customizing Your Bars
The beauty of these oat nut bars lies in their versatility.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits.
Chocolate chips can also be included for a touch of indulgence.
Experimenting with different combinations allows you to create a snack that suits your taste preferences while maintaining the nutritious profile.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once cooled, these bars can be cut into squares or rectangles for easy serving.
They store well in an airtight container, making them perfect for meal prep.
Enjoy them as a quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a post-workout treat.
Pairing them with a small bowl of mixed nuts or a drizzle of honey on top can enhance the experience.
The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion
These chewy oat nut bars are not only delicious but also provide a balanced energy boost.
Whether you’re heading out for a hike, need a quick breakfast, or looking for a healthy treat, these bars fit the bill.
They are a fantastic option for families, as they can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.
With their wholesome ingredients and customizable nature, they are sure to become a staple in your snack rotation.
Health Benefits of Oats and Nuts
Incorporating oats and nuts into your diet offers numerous health benefits.
Oats are known for their heart-healthy properties, helping to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Nuts provide essential nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, contributing to overall well-being.
By enjoying these oat nut bars, you’re not just satisfying your taste buds, but also nourishing your body.
Healthy Oat Nut Bars Recipe
These oat nut bars are packed with wholesome ingredients and take about 30 minutes to prepare and bake. They are great for breakfast or a quick snack and can be stored for several days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans), chopped
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried fruits or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, honey or maple syrup, nut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined. If using, fold in dried fruits or chocolate chips.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly into an even layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper. Let them cool completely before cutting into squares or bars.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
