Berry oat bars are a delicious and healthy snack option that are easy to make at home. They combine the goodness of oats with the sweetness of fruit preserves, making them perfect for a midday treat or breakfast on-the-go. If you love oatmeal recipes, you might also enjoy these strawberry oatmeal bars.
Why Make This Recipe
Making berry oat bars at home allows you to control the ingredients and make them to your taste. They can be a great source of energy and nutrition, especially if you use natural sweeteners like maple syrup and coconut sugar. Plus, they are great for meal prep, and you can store them for snacking throughout the week.
How to Make Berry Oat Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free substitute)
- 1 ½ cups quick oats
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup raspberry preserves
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8 baking pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl except for the preserves.
- Using your hands, press 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of your pan until it’s even and relatively flat.
- Gently spread the preserves, leaving 1/2" around the outer edge. (The preserves will scald if up against the edge of the pan.)
- Using your hands, evenly crumble the remaining 1/3 of the mixture over the top of the preserves and lightly press so the crumbles stay in place after baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes on a center rack until lightly browned on top.
- Let cool in the pan on top of a cooling rack. Cut and serve!
How to Serve Berry Oat Bars
You can enjoy berry oat bars on their own or serve them with a side of yogurt for added creaminess. They also pair well with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a great choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
How to Store Berry Oat Bars
To store berry oat bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen; just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
Tips to Make Berry Oat Bars
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting them to ensure clean, neat slices.
- Feel free to substitute the raspberry preserves with any fruit preserves you prefer or have on hand.
- For added texture, consider mixing in nuts or seeds into the oat mixture.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe to include different fruits. If you are a fan of blueberries or strawberries, try using their preserves instead. For an added crunch, consider adding a crumble topping; for example, check out this variation with a crumble topping, which can add an extra layer of flavor and texture: strawberry oatmeal bars with crumble topping.
FAQs
1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour substitute to make these berry oat bars gluten-free.
2. How do I know when they are done baking?
The bars should be lightly browned on top when they are done. You can also check the center with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
3. Can I use other sweeteners?
Absolutely! You can use honey or agave syrup as alternative sweeteners if you prefer.
Conclusion
Berry oat bars are not only delicious but also a simple and healthy treat to enjoy. If you’re looking for more options, explore recipes for Berry Oat Bars which offer a different twist, or try out the Simple Mixed Berry Crumble Bars for another delightful snack. Enjoy your baking!