Description
These wholesome healthy breakfast bars combine the hearty texture of rolled oats and nuts with a naturally sweet berry chia topping, providing an energizing start to your morning. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and naturally sweetened with honey and maple syrup, these bars are both nutritious and delicious, ideal for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups Rolled Oats (Substitution: Quick oats or gluten-free oats for a gluten-free variation)
- 1 cup Chopped Almonds (Substitution: Any chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be used)
- 1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds (Substitution: Pumpkin seeds for a different taste)
- 1/2 cup Honey (Substitution: Agave nectar or brown rice syrup for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil, melted (Substitution: Butter or nut butter for different flavors)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (No substitutions recommended; can omit if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Adjust as needed)
Topping Ingredients
- 2 cups Mixed Berries (Substitution: Any berry variety such as strawberries or blueberries or a combination of fruits)
- 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds (No substitutions recommended; can omit if needed)
- 3 tablespoons Maple Syrup (Substitution: Additional honey or agave syrup for consistency)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until all the dry ingredients are well-coated with the wet ingredients, ensuring an even mixture.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the oat and nut mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, creating a solid base layer.
- Bake the Base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before adding the topping.
- Prepare Berry Topping: While the base is baking, combine mixed berries, chia seeds, and maple syrup in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like in texture.
- Spread Berry Topping: Once the base has cooled slightly, evenly spread the cooked berry topping over the surface of the oat base in the pan.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature. This helps the topping set firmly on the base.
- Cut and Store: Once cooled, cut into squares. Store the bars in an airtight container. For best freshness, enjoy within 3 days if stored at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated.
Notes
- To make the bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.
- For a vegan variation, substitute honey with agave nectar or brown rice syrup.
- You can swap almonds and sunflower seeds with any nuts or seeds you prefer.
- If you omit chia seeds from the topping, the texture will be less jam-like but still delicious.
- Use fresh or frozen berries; thaw frozen berries before cooking.
- Pressing the base mixture firmly is key to keeping the bars intact.
- Store bars properly to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
