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My oatmeal breakfast bars are chewy, soft, and the healthy way to start your morning. Made with three ingredients, they bake in just 15 minutes!
If I know I have a hectic week or a bunch of early morning meetings lined up, I make my oatmeal bars.
They store like a dream and taste fresh all week long. Plus, the added fiber and healthy fats leave me feeling like I got a real breakfast and keep me from getting hangry before lunch. I usually make these bars on Sunday evenings. That way, they’re ready to grab and go the rest of the week.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Made with 3 ingredients. And only one bowl!
- Healthy. Like my healthy granola bars, these bars are chock-full of hearty oats and are naturally egg, dairy, and gluten-free.
- Ready in 15 minutes. These bars are a whiz to make.
- The whole family will love them. Just ask mine!
If you need more healthy breakfast recipes, try my overnight oats, oatmeal breakfast cookies, breakfast muffins, or protein oatmeal next.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“I was serving these bars for our dessert, and my husband, grandson, and I loved them!! I need more recipes like this one, so easy! Thanks so much!” – Donna
Ingredients needed
- Rolled oats AND/OR oat flour. Adds a chewy and hearty texture while also being high in fiber and protein. Quick oats will work, but they won’t be as dense. I like to use a mix of rolled oats and oat flour for a softer more uniform texture.
- Bananas. Adds sweetness and moisture to the bars. The browner the bananas the sweeter the bars will be.
- Peanut butter. Smooth and drippy with no added sugar or salt. You can swap this out for almond butter, cashew butter, or a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter.
- Optional mix-ins. Maple syrup or honey for added sweetness. I also like to fold in some chocolate chips because why not?
How to make oatmeal breakfast bars
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1– Combine all of the dry and wet ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in mix-ins, if using them.
Step 2- Transfer the mixture to the lined pan and bake for 15 minutes or until the top is firm. Let them cool in the pan completely before slicing and serving.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Swap the mashed banana. If you’d rather not use bananas, use equal portions of unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree. If you make this swap, you’ll want to add some honey or maple syrup to make up for the sweetness.
- Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free oats.
- Add protein. Add 1/4 cup (34 grams) of your favorite protein powder to the batter for an extra protein boost and staying power.
- Add mix-ins. Fold in sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped walnuts. Cinnamon and vanilla are also delicious.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover bars should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To freeze: Place the cooled bars in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to six months.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Swap out the oats for equal parts quinoa flakes or buckwheat flakes. I found these have an almost identical texture to the rolled oats.
More ways to enjoy oatmeal
- Brownie baked oatmeal
- Baked oats
- Oatmeal smoothie
- Healthy oatmeal pancakes
- Or any of my oat based recipes
Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter can sub for any nut or seed butter of choice
- 4 cups rolled oats * See notes
- 6-7 medium bananas mashed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, mashed bananas, and peanut butter and mix well. If adding maple syrup or honey, add it now, along with any other mix-ins.
- Transfer the batter to the lined pan and bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is firm.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let them cool completely, before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally updated October 2022, updated July 2024, updated May 2025
OMG these are so good to make ahead for when you’re running out the door. Thanks for the recipe.
Soooo good! (Except I ate half the pan) lol
I love this confession! 🤣
Lovely recipes, so easy to make.
I enjoy everything you do, continue your great work
Very easy to make. It is slso nice that you can “mix” shapes of bars. Round, circle, amazing.
Pretty solid, I mean it’s what you expect, the taste is alright, it’s easy to make, and it’s healthy.
I gave it a 4 star, come on?
What a great meal prep breakfast or snack.
Love your recipes esp the least ingredient ones
I was serving these bars for our dessert and my husband and grandson and I loved them!! I need more recipes like this one, so so easy! Thanks so much!