Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Before we get into the preparation steps, it’s essential to understand the wholesome components of the Berrylicious Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars. Each ingredient has been carefully chosen not just for its taste, but also for its nutritional benefits. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe so special:

Looking for a quick, nutritious snack? Try these Berrylicious Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars! Packed with rolled oats, fresh strawberries, and natural sweeteners, they're perfect for breakfast or a mid-day treat. This recipe is simple to follow and customizable for various dietary needs, making it a great option for everyone. Discover the health benefits of each ingredient, and learn how to prepare, store, and enjoy these delightful bars that satisfy your sweet cravings guilt-free!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (or frozen, thawed)

Optional: 1/3 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhanging on the sides for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir together until well mixed.

Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and gently stir until just combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.

Fold in Strawberries: Carefully fold in the chopped strawberries and nuts if using, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Transfer Batter to Pan: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and pressing it down with the back of a spatula to form a flat layer.

Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Enjoy: Serve as a healthy breakfast option, snack, or dessert. These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 16 bars