Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Published Jan. 29, 2025

Recipe Overview

  • Total Time: 40 minutes (10 minutes prep, 30 minutes cook)

  • Servings: 16 bars

  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Wet Components

  • 1 cup (240 ml) plain whole-milk yogurt

  • ¾ cup (165 g) packed brown sugar

  • ½ cup (120 ml) unsweetened applesauce

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Components

  • 1¾ cups (161 g) quick-cooking oats

  • 1 cup (128 g) all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (e.g., Diamond Crystal)

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter, then line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch (5 cm) overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl (4-quart capacity), whisk the plain whole-milk yogurt, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, grapeseed/canola oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved (2–3 minutes). Ensure no visible sugar granules remain for even sweetness.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add the quick-cooking oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt to the wet mixture. Using a large flexible spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture by cutting through the center and lifting from the bottom, scraping the bowl’s sides to ensure thorough incorporation. Stop when the batter is thick, smooth, and free of dry streaks (avoid overmixing to preserve tenderness).

Step 4: Bake the Batter

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake for 27–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges with only a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The edges will be golden-brown, and the center will feel set when gently pressed.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Remove the pan from the oven and cool the bars on a wire rack for 30 minutes (until completely set). Using a paring knife, separate the bars from the pan along the parchment overhang. Lift the entire block using the overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 16 equal portions with a sharp serrated knife to avoid crumbling.

Step 6: Storage & Reheating

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap individually in parchment and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating: For room-temperature bars, enjoy directly. For frozen bars, wrap in foil (no thawing required) and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through (20 minutes if fully frozen).

Pro Tips & User Variations

1. Oat Texture Enhancement

Soak old-fashioned oats in the yogurt and applesauce mixture overnight (refrigerate) to achieve a creamier, more tender texture.

2. Quick Oats from Rolled Oats

For rolled oats, pulse in a food processor/blender for 10–15 seconds to mimic quick-cooking oats, preserving nutrient density.

3. Sugar Substitution

Monk fruit sweetener can replace brown sugar (1:1 ratio), adjusting sweetness to taste (monk fruit is highly concentrated, so slight flavor adjustment may be needed).

4. Creative Serving

Microwave a frozen bar for 10 seconds, dice, and mix with hot milk, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and fresh blueberries for a warm, layered breakfast.

5. Simplification Note

While 12 ingredients ensure balanced flavor, reduce complexity by using pre-ground spices or simplifying wet components (e.g., plain yogurt + applesauce) to align with healthier eating goals.

Community Comments

  • "The high sugar content and low protein content is not what I want from a breakfast bar."

  • "Soaking old-fashioned oats in yogurt/applesauce overnight works for a softer texture."

  • "Rolled oats can be blitzed in a food processor to make quick-cooking oats."

  • "Freeze bars and microwave 10 seconds, then dice with hot milk/syrup/yogurt/blueberries—Divine!"

  • "Can we replace brown sugar with monk fruit?"

  • "12 ingredients are off-putting; simplicity aids healthier eating."

Final Note: This recipe balances traditional oatmeal bar flavors with flexibility for customization, ensuring both taste and practicality for busy schedules.