Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love how these bars are a nutritious and tasty alternative to traditional breakfast options. They are packed with wholesome ingredients like gluten-free oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dried fruits. Not only do they keep me full and satisfied throughout the morning, but they also provide a great energy boost with a good balance of fiber and healthy fats. What’s more, they’re naturally sweetened with dried prunes and cranberries, so I don’t have to worry about added sugars. Whether I need a quick breakfast or a snack between meals, these bars are my go-to!
Ingredients
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2 cups gluten‑free rolled oats, soaked
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15–17 dried prunes, soaked and chopped
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½ cup sunflower seeds, soaked
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½ cup pumpkin seeds, soaked
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⅓ cup dried cranberries, soaked
(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Soak the gluten-free oats, dried prunes, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries in separate bowls with water for about 30 minutes. Drain well.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked oats, dried prunes, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries.
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Mix everything together until well incorporated. You may need to use your hands to help bind everything together.
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Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly spread out.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are firm.
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Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes around 12 bars, depending on the size you cut them. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, plus 30 minutes for soaking the ingredients. Once baked, the bars will need an additional 10-15 minutes to cool before cutting into them.
Variations
You can easily customize these bars to fit your flavor preferences:
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For added sweetness, I sometimes add a handful of raisins or chopped dates to the mixture.
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If I’m in the mood for something extra crunchy, I toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.
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To enhance the flavor, I like to sprinkle in a little cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Storage/Reheating
These bars store really well in an airtight container. I keep them in the fridge, where they’ll last for about 5-7 days. If I want to enjoy them later, I simply grab one from the fridge. They’re already perfectly chewy, so there’s no need to reheat them, but if I do, a few seconds in the microwave works just fine.
FAQs
Can I use regular oats instead of gluten-free oats?
If you’re not gluten-sensitive, regular oats can definitely be substituted. Just make sure they’re not processed in a facility that also handles gluten-containing products if you’re aiming for a gluten-free version.
How can I make these bars sweeter without using added sugar?
The dried prunes and cranberries already provide natural sweetness, but you could also add a little bit of maple syrup or honey if you want an extra touch of sweetness.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! These bars freeze well. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Can I use different seeds in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the sunflower and pumpkin seeds for other seeds like chia, flax, or hemp seeds. The recipe is quite versatile, and you can adjust the seeds to suit your preferences.
Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
Yes, you can definitely add a scoop of plant-based protein powder to boost the protein content of these bars. Just make sure to adjust the wet ingredients slightly to ensure the texture stays right.
Conclusion
These Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients, natural sweetness, and satisfying texture. They’re ideal for a quick, nutritious breakfast or a filling snack, and the best part is that they’re customizable to suit my personal taste. Whether I’m looking for a post-workout snack or a grab-and-go breakfast, these bars are a delicious and healthy choice that I can feel good about. Plus, they’re so easy to make and store, which makes them a go-to in my kitchen!
Print
Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (including soaking)
- Yield: About 12 bars
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These gluten-free oatmeal breakfast bars are the perfect combination of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. Packed with soaked oats, dried prunes, and seeds, they’re a delicious and nutritious snack or breakfast on the go.
Ingredients
2 cups gluten-free rolled oats, soaked
15–17 dried prunes, soaked and chopped
½ cup sunflower seeds, soaked
½ cup pumpkin seeds, soaked
⅓ cup dried cranberries, soaked
Instructions
Soak oats, prunes, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries separately in water for about 30 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine all soaked ingredients and mix well, using your hands if needed to bind.
Press mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until edges are golden and bars feel firm.
Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
Add raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness.
Toss in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch.
Spice it up with cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Swap seeds with chia, flax, or hemp seeds as preferred.
Optionally add a scoop of plant-based protein powder (adjust wet ingredients accordingly).
- Prep Time: ~10 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking)
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking, Soaking
- Cuisine: Health-focused, Gluten-Free
