Baked Oatmeal Bars

Baked Oatmeal Bars are a perfect breakfast or snack that’s chewy, slightly sweet, and packed with wholesome oats. They often include mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips, making…

By Julia • December 5, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

Save Recipe Print Recipe

Tip: save now, cook later.

Baked Oatmeal Bars are a perfect breakfast or snack that’s chewy, slightly sweet, and packed with wholesome oats. They often include mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips, making every bite full of tasty surprises. These bars are easy to make ahead and great for busy mornings when you need something quick and filling.

I love making baked oatmeal bars because they feel like a treat but still keep you full and satisfied. One of my favorite things is adding a handful of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla to the mix—it gives the bars a warm, cozy flavor that reminds me of homemade comfort food. Plus, they are really forgiving, so you can change up the ingredients depending on what you have on hand.

My best tip is to bake them in a square pan and then cut them into bars once they cool down a bit. That way, they hold together nicely and are super easy to grab for on-the-go. I like pairing these bars with a little drizzle of honey or a smear of nut butter to add extra flavor and keep me going all morning long.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats work best here because they hold texture when baked. Quick oats can be used but the bars may be softer.

Whole wheat flour: Adds nuttiness and fiber. All-purpose flour is fine if you want a lighter texture. Gluten-free flour blends can work for gluten-free bars.

Banana: This adds natural sweetness and moisture, helping bind the bars. Overripe bananas are perfect for best flavor.

Maple syrup or honey: Both add sweetness and moisture, but maple syrup gives a more subtle, rich flavor. Use what you prefer or have on hand.

Dried berries and almonds: These add chewiness and crunch. Try other mix-ins like raisins, chopped dates, walnuts, or chocolate chips to change things up.

How Do I Get Baked Oatmeal Bars to Hold Together Well Without Being Dry?

It’s all about balance between dry and wet ingredients and mixing well.

• Use ripe mashed banana and applesauce for moisture. Don’t skip these as they help bind the oats.
• Combine wet and dry separately first, then mix quickly to avoid overworking the batter.
• Press the mixture firmly into the pan so the bars hold shape when baking.
• Bake just until set and edges are golden—overbaking will dry out the bars.
• Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This gives them time to firm up nicely.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch baking pan – perfect size to get bars that hold their shape and bake evenly.
• Parchment paper – makes it easy to lift bars out without sticking or breaking.
• Mixing bowls – separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients keep mixing simple and tidy.
• Spatula – helps you spread the batter evenly in the pan without making a mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons – accurate measuring helps the bars come out just right every time.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap dried berries for chopped apples and cinnamon for a fresh, cozy twist.
• Add chocolate chips or a handful of mini peanut butter chips for a sweeter treat kids love.
• Stir in 1/4 cup shredded coconut for extra chew and tropical flavor.
• Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a buttery crunch.

Baked Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large ripe banana, mashed
• 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk)

Add-ins and Toppings:

• 1/2 cup dried mixed berries or blueberries
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds, plus extra whole almonds for topping
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds for topping
• Optional: 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut for mixing or topping

How Much Time Will You Need?

Get ready to spend about 10 minutes prepping and 25-30 minutes baking. Then, allow some extra time for the bars to cool completely—about 20 minutes. All together, plan for roughly 1 hour before you can enjoy these delicious bars!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar. Stir these together well to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash your ripe banana until smooth. Add the maple syrup (or honey), applesauce, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Stir everything until well combined and smooth.

4. Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredient bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are moistened and the batter comes together.

5. Add Berries and Nuts

Fold in your dried berries and chopped almonds carefully, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the batter without over-mixing.

6. Transfer and Top

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan using a spatula. Sprinkle the top with sliced almonds, whole almonds, and if you like, some shredded coconut for extra flavor and crunch.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the center feels set.

8. Cool and Cut

Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this helps them hold their shape. Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and cut them into squares.

9. Serve and Enjoy!

Enjoy your baked oatmeal bars warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They’re great reheated or eaten cold on the go!

Can I Use Frozen Berries Instead of Dried Ones?

Yes! If using frozen berries, thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that can make the bars soggy. You may want to reduce the almond milk slightly to keep the batter balanced.

Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This will keep the texture and flavor without gluten.

How Should I Store Leftover Bars?

Store your baked oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw before eating.

Can I Substitute the Banana?

You can swap mashed banana for an extra 1/4 cup of applesauce or even pumpkin puree to keep moisture and binding properties. The flavor will shift slightly but still tasty!