Save My college roommate used to laugh at me for eating oatmeal every single morning, but she stopped mocking when she smelled these bars baking. I stumbled on this recipe during a particularly broke month when I needed breakfast that would last all week, and now they are a permanent resident in my kitchen.
One winter, I brought a batch to my nieces birthday breakfast and my sister in law cornered me in the kitchen for the recipe within five minutes. The way the cinnamon hits your nose when they come out of the oven makes the whole house feel warmer.
Ingredients
- Old fashioned rolled oats: These give the bars their signature chewy texture that steel cut cannot replicate
- Whole wheat flour: Adds nutty depth and structure without making them taste like health food
- Ground cinnamon: Do not even think about reducing this amount
- Baking powder: The secret lift that keeps bars tender instead of dense
- Salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop
- Pure maple syrup: Real maple matters here because artificial syrup lacks the complexity
- Unsalted butter melted: Coconut oil works but butter gives that bakery quality taste
- Unsweetened applesauce: Keeps them moist without needing extra oil
- Large egg: Binds everything together beautifully
- Vanilla extract: Always use pure vanilla never imitation
- Chopped nuts optional: Walnuts add protein and a satisfying crunch
- Raisins or dried cranberries optional: Little bursts of sweetness throughout
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 350F and line an 8x8 pan with parchment letting the ends hang over like handles
- Mix the dry team:
- Whisk oats flour cinnamon baking powder and salt in a big bowl until evenly combined
- Whisk the wet team:
- Beat maple syrup melted butter applesauce egg and vanilla until smooth and glossy
- Bring them together:
- Pour wet into dry and fold gently until you no longer see dry flour streaks
- Add your extras:
- Fold in nuts and dried fruit if using being careful not to overmix
- Spread and smooth:
- Press the batter into your prepared pan using the back of a spatula to make it even
- Bake until golden:
- Bake 22 to 25 minutes until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean
- Patience is key:
- Let them cool completely then lift out by the parchment and cut into 12 bars
Save These bars became part of my morning commute ritual during my first real job. I remember eating them on the subway watching the sunrise and feeling like I had my life together at least until 9am.
Make Them Your Own
My daughter swaps the raisins for chocolate chips and honestly I cannot blame her. The chocolate melts slightly and creates these gooey pockets that feel incredibly indulgent for breakfast.
Storage Secrets
I learned the hard way that these freeze beautifully if you wrap each bar individually. During busy weeks having a stash in the freezer feels like having a secret weapon.
Serving Ideas
Sometimes I crumble a bar over Greek yogurt with fresh berries when I want something fancier. Other times I just grab one and eat it in the car on the way to work.
- Try spreading a little almond butter on top for extra protein
- Warm a bar for 15 seconds in the microwave if you have time
- Dip in hot coffee for the most perfect breakfast bite
Save Hope these bars become part of your morning routine too. There is something special about starting the day with food that actually cares about you.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, replace the egg with a flax egg made from 1 tbsp ground flaxseed and 3 tbsp water for a vegan-friendly version.
- → What nuts work best in these bars?
Walnuts and pecans are popular choices, but you can use any chopped nuts you prefer or omit them for a nut-free option.
- → How do I store these bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer preservation.
- → Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes, chocolate chips, seeds, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can be folded in to enhance flavor and texture.
- → What can I serve with these bars?
They pair nicely with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a more filling meal or snack.