Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

A sure winner are these Oatmeal Breakfast Bars which surely will get your attention. They are made with healthy ingredients that are so much better for you than store-bought oatmeal bars in a box. This recipe wins votes being made with just one bowl. Topped with a sweet brown sugar maple glaze the breakfast bars are guaranteed to be a hit for a wholesome morning treat or any time of the day.

Cooking Tips: 

• How to Make Your Own Oat Flour If you don’t have oat flour on hand you may make your own by adding ½ cup rolled oats to a blender or a food processor and pulsing until it is a fine powder. Measure out ⅓ cup for this recipe and discard or save the remaining flour for another use.
• Store baked bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If freezing the bars, use parchment paper to separate the layers. 
• I used a glass pan. If using a metal pan adjust your baking time. 

Bar Ingredients:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 cup oat flour
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
•  1 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon or 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3-1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup chopped nuts

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon real maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon milk

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray an 8 x 8-inch pan with cooking spray. If desired line with parchment paper leaving a 1-inch overhang. If using a glass pan can skip this step. 
• Add all breakfast bar ingredients into the bowl and mix until thoroughly combined. Stir in nuts and chips if using.
• Bake for 26 minutes or until the bars are set and the top is lightly browned.
• Mix glaze ingredients. Add glaze (drizzle on) after the bars have cooled. 
  

And don't forget your favorite beverage, stay warm, and HAVE A GOOD DAY!