Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal Bars

Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal Bars are full of dried fruit, are quite tasty and very easy to make. They make the perfect breakfast bar and make a great snack too! 

In less than a year I will be 50 and I found out I need to change my eating habits a bit. I, as many of you, love carbs. I mean who doesn’t love a good carb-filled dessert or meal?

The problem I am having is that it doesn’t always like me. I don’t have an intolerance, but my body is having a hard time digesting it. So in my journey of starting to eat clean and cut out my carbs, I am focusing on eating outside of the box, so to speak.

 
To go right to the recipe, click on the link below!
 

• • STEEL CUT OATMEAL BARS

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STEEL CUT OATS AND ROLLED OATS?

Each type of oats has a very distinctive texture. Even though the real difference is in how much time the oat groat has been processed.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE STEEL CUT OATS FOR ROLLED OATS IN RECIPES?

You can, however, you will need to make adaptations. Did you know that many ancient grains are gluten-free?

Since oats are considered an ancient grain, I thought I’d break down what some of the ancient grains are and what they offer.

What Are Ancient Grains?

Although ancient grains like quinoa and chia seem like a new food fad because of the media, they’ve actually been helping people improve their health for centuries. Ancient grains have remained unaltered and have retained their nutritional value while other food trends have come and gone – in fact, these “heritage grains” date back to more than 8,000 years ago! There are over 15 types of whole grains. Whole grains include the entire kernel of the grain — the endosperm, germ, and bran. Each of these components provides a unique nutrient & health benefit.

Ancient grains are full of protein, antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. They have preventative properties against stroke, diabetes and heart disease. They can also help curb hunger in a healthy way since they’re great at satiating appetite while providing essential nutrients.

Here is a list of ancient grains and what they do:

MILLET

A great choice for a healthy heart contains serotonin to help level hormones and maintain a calm mood naturally fights against PMS!

CHIA

Full of cancer-fighting antioxidants contains loads of protein and fiber to keep you feeling full

STEEL CUT OATS

Lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels with high levels of fiber contain phytochemicals that help reduce the risk of cancer

AMARANTH

Improves brain function and circulation1 cup amaranth (26 grams protein each) = 2 cups white rice (13 grams each)1 cup of uncooked amaranth has 31% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium, 14% for vitamin C, and 82% for iron

FLAX

Flaxseed improves heart and brain health through fiber, antioxidants and Omega-3s1 tablespoon flax = 4 cups of spinach contains lignans to help fight against certain types of cancer

QUINOA

Contains riboflavin to reduce the frequency of migraines. Aids in building muscle and maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails with amino acids

 

BAKED STEEL CUT OATMEAL BARS

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr

Course: Dessert
Servings: 18 – 24

Ingredients

1/2 c . unsalted butter softened

1/2 c . coconut oil softened

1 c . brown sugar (more or less according to taste)

2 eggs

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 c . almond flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tbsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp salt

1 c . Steel Cut Oats flavored or plain

1 – 2 c . dried fruit

Instructions

Cook oats according to direction on the package
While oats cook, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt in a bowl
In a large bowl, blend the butter and coconut oil. Add sugar and whip until smooth. Add vanilla and one egg. Beat thoroughly. Add the second egg. Beat again.
Add flour mix to egg mix. Add half at a time to avoid lumps.
Once the cooked steel-cut oats cool completely, add all mixes together BY HAND.
Add dried fruit and any other optional grains
Spread batter over a parchment paper-lined half sheet pan or a pan sprayed with cooking spray.
Cook at 350 degrees for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until the top is brown.
Allow the oat mixture to cool completely before cutting into squares.

The finished texture will be soft. You can also serve hot into a bowl with nuts or other toppings.

 

This recipe was original posted on September 15, 2014.