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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! If you are looking for a new way to change up breakfast, this recipe is definitely one to bookmark!
There are mornings when all you want is a quick breakfast that is delicious yet good for you to eat. That's why I love these Baked Oatmeal Bars. Quick, easy, and yummy.
If you are looking for other breakfast ideas, my Banana Apple Muffins are moist and a family favorite. One of my other favorites is my Strawberry Lemon Muffins.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a keeper and quickly becoming a reader favorite because it's:
- Delicious
- Easy to Make
- Full of yummy flavor
- Versatile
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter - always use unsalted butter when baking so you can control your salt.
- Coconut oil - this is a great oil to use when baking.
- Almond flour - make sure to use almond when making this recipe.
- Steel Cut Oats - you must use steel cut for this recipe. It won't have the same texture if you use rolled.
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.
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 circulation. 1 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-3s. 1 tablespoon flax = 4 cups of spinach. Also 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.
Instructions
You will find a complete list of instructions at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Top Tips
The finished texture will be soft. You can also serve hot into a bowl with nuts or other toppings.
FAQ
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.
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.
📖 Recipe
BAKED STEEL CUT OATMEAL BARS
Equipment
- Large bowl
- 9 x 9" inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup coconut oil softened
- 1 cup brown sugar more or less according to taste
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ c almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Steel Cut Oats flavored or plain
- 1 - 2 cups dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Cook oats according to direction on the package
- While oats cook, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt 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.
- Bake 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 originally posted on September 15, 2014. It was updated on October 11, 2019 and 8/24/2021.
Thanks for sharing! Do they keep long?
Usually up to five days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
This looks so good! What a great snack or breakfast meal prep for the family!
Thank you for the kind words and for stopping by!
Those pudding squares look delicious! Excited for this giveaway!