Turn nutritious ingredients into the yummiest Baked Oatmeal Bars for breakfast or snack to share with the kids. Bonus: You can top with all kinds of fruit or chocolate chips!
I love our Banana Baked Oatmeal and wanted to turn it into a more versatile oatmeal bars recipe with a little more flexibility.
This Baked Oatmeal Bars recipe is easy to make, easy to slice, and can be topped with a range of fruit or chocolate chips to please the kids.
It’s a healthy toddler breakfast you can make ahead of time or a homemade toddler snack idea that can be enjoyed at home or taken on the go. It’s rich in fiber from the oats, protein from eggs and milk, plus natural sweetness from fruit.
Why This Recipe Works
With a simple batter made from affordable ingredients, you can make oatmeal bars that are easy to slice and eat for toddlers, big kids, and parents—and that contain similar nutrition to a bowl of oatmeal.
(You may also like my Banana Oatmeal Bars and my Strawberry Oatmeal Bars.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at what you need to have on hand to make these Baked Oatmeal Bars.
- Rolled oats: The base of this recipe is rolled oats, which are often called “old fashioned oatmeal.” You will find them in the cereal aisle of your supermarket.
- Cinnamon: I like to add ground cinnamon to this oatmeal recipe to enhance the banana bread flavor.
- Baking powder: Adding fresh, active baking powder helps the baked oatmeal bake through and bake properly.
- Mashed banana: Since banana is the primary flavor and sweetener, be sure yours is ripe with a lot of brown spots. You can swap in applesauce if you prefer.
- Large eggs: I use large eggs in my baking, so use that size here if you can to ensure the ratio of wet ingredients to dry ingredients is correct. (See the Notes at the end of the recipe for the egg-free variation.)
- Milk: I cook and bake with whole milk, so that’s what I use in this recipe. But you can use any milk you prefer, including nondairy milk.
- Maple syrup: A little maple syrup improves the overall flavor of the baked oatmeal. You can also use honey for kids over age 1 or omit it entirely and add an extra splash of milk.
- Vanilla: Use pure or artificial vanilla extract in this recipe according to your preference.
- Unsalted butter: Adding a little melted butter enhances the flavor of the baked oatmeal and ensures that it is not too dry after baking.
- Fruit and/or chocolate chips: Optional to top the oatmeal. I like to use sliced strawberries, blueberries, and chocolate chips to make a range of flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make this Baked Oatmeal Bars recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full recipe, including the timing and amounts.
Step 1. Mash the banana using a potato masher or a fork until very smooth and free from lumps.
Step 2. Add to a medium bowl with the rest of the ingredients except the toppings.
Step 3. Pour into a greased baking dish, spread evenly, and add optional toppings.
Step 4. Bake until just firm to the touch and lightly golden brown around the edges. Let cool, then slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cut into strips or small squares so little hands can hold them easily. They’re soft and great for self-feeding.
Yes! Bake, slice, and store in the fridge for up to 5 days or at room temperature for 3 days. You can also freeze the bars in a freezer bag or container.
Yes. Omit the maple syrup, and add an extra 1 tablespoon of milk.
How to Store
Store Baked Oatmeal Bars, once cooled, in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or at room temperature for 3 days. Serve it at room temperature, chilled, or warmed up as you like.
You can also freeze them in a freezer container or bag for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
Best Tips for Success
- Egg-free: Omit the eggs and increase the milk to ¾ cup. Soak 3 tablespoons chia seeds in the milk before adding to the batter. Decrease baking time to 30 minutes.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and nondairy milk.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it, so please comment below to share.
Baked Oatmeal Bars (In Any Flavor!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup applesauce (or 1 cup mashed ripe banana)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ¼ cup oat flour (or rolled oats ground up in a blender or food processor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sliced strawberries, blueberries, chocolate chips, or white chocolate chips (optional to top)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease an 9×11-inch baking pan.
- Stir all ingredients except optional toppings together in a bowl.
- Pour into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, or chocolate chips over the top. Press down lightly.
- Bake for 22-26 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Place pan onto a wire rack and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or at room temperature for 3 days. Serve it at room temperature, chilled, or warmed up as you like.
- Egg-free: Omit the eggs and increase the milk to ¾ cup. Soak 3 tablespoons chia seeds in the milk before adding to the batter. Decrease baking time to 30 minutes.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and nondairy milk.
- To make without added sugar, omit the maple syrup and add an extra 1 tablespoon milk.
- You can bake this in an 8×8-inch pan and bake for a few more minutes.
Another great quick & yummy recipe from Amy! Saw this recipe in this morning’s email and knew I had to make it!