For any parent with young children, mornings can be a real challenge. That’s why I regularly whip up a batch of these convenient Oatmeal-On-The-Go Bars every couple weeks. They serve as a quick, healthy breakfast option, whether enjoyed at the table or on the move. These bars are loaded with oats, dried fruits, nuts, and apple sauce, making them a perfectly balanced and time-saving morning meal!
I’m a self-proclaimed oatmeal fanatic! Oatmeal is my ultimate go-to not only for its nutritious goodness but also for its quick-fix nature, perfect for us parents dashing through hectic mornings. But I’m not the only one crazy about it at home. My kids ask for oatmeal just as much as they ask for their fluffy pancakes, omelets, and golden waffles.
I wanted to create something with oatmeal that’s ideal for those crazy, no-time-to-cook mornings (which, let’s be real, is almost every morning for many of us!). So, I brainstormed and came up with the concept of these Oatmeal On-The-Go Bars. Considering how every mom I know seems to have a trusty LARA, Clif, or Odwalla bar stashed in her bag alongside the chaos essentials like wallets, diapers, wipes, and sippy cups, I assumed coming up with a delicious and healthy oatmeal bar would be a welcomed idea!
Why I Love Oatmeal On-The-Go Bars
- Quick & Nutritious Breakfast: Oatmeal bars provide a fast, healthy breakfast option for busy mornings, perfect for kids (and parents) on the go.
- Convenient Snack for Outings: These portable bars are mess-free snacks ideal for busy parents and active kids during travels and outings.
- Sustained Energy for Activities: Loaded with nourishing ingredients, they offer a long-lasting energy boost for active days and after-school activities.
- Versatile Treat Anytime: Enjoy them as morning bites, lunchbox additions, or after-school snacks, catering to kids’ needs throughout the day.
- Healthy & Filling Snack: Packed with fiber and essential nutrients, these bars keep hunger at bay, making them an ideal option for both parents and kids.
The Ingredients
- Old Fashioned Oats
- Whole Wheat Flour
- Ground Cinnamon
- Kosher salt
- Baking Powder
- Milk of Choice
- Honey, Agave or Maple Syrup
- Applesauce
- Large Egg
- Vanilla
- Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, blueberries, and/or cherries)
- Nuts or Seeds (walnuts, pistachios, pecans, sunflower seeds, and/or pepitas)
*See recipe card for exact measurements and substitutions*
How to Make Oatmeal On-The-Go Bars
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the oats, flour, cinnamon, salt and baking powder thoroughly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, applesauce, egg, honey (agave or maple syrup), and vanilla.
4. Blend the Mixture: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, combining them well. Add the dried fruits and nuts and mix thoroughly.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into a buttered, greased or parchment lined 7 x 11 inch baking dish.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the mixture thickens and turns a golden hue.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool, then cut it into squares for serving.
Are Oatmeal Bars Allergy-Friendly?
These Oatmeal-On-The-Go Bars are really easy to customize to fit any dietary preferences you or your family may have. Here are some ways you can make these bars suitable for many common allergies and sensitivities.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour for the whole wheat flour in this recipe to make these oatmeal bars gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free: Use any kind of milk, such as oat, almond, or rice milk, as a suitable alternative for these oatmeal bars, making them dairy-free for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
- Egg-Free: Replace one egg with a small mashed banana or create a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flax with 3 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for two minutes before using, making these oatmeal bars suitable for individuals with egg allergies or those following a vegan diet.
- Nut-Free: Leave the nuts out entirely or opt for a mixture of seeds (such as sunflower or pepitas) instead of nuts to create nut-free oatmeal bars, catering to those with nut allergies.
How to Store/Freeze Oatmeal On-The-Go Bars
- Room Temperature: You can store the oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring they are placed in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
- Freezing: To extend the shelf life even further, wrap the bars individually or place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours or defrost gently in the microwave.
More Breakfast Bar Recipes
- Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
- Protein Bars
- Protein Cereal Bars
- Fruit and Oat Crumble Bars
- 5 Ingredient Cereal Bars
- Homemade Fig Bars
For all of you “on-the-go” parents, these oatmeal bars are for you! They’re easy to make, super healthy and convenient for busy mornings! I’ve even had parents tell me that their little ones who were picky about oatmeal LOVED these bars! Give them a try and let me know what you think in the comments or tag me on social media if you make them!
Oatmeal On-The-Go Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- pinch kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups milk of choice
- 3 tablespoons honey, agave or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3/4 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, blueberries, and/or cherries)
- 1/2 cup nuts (walnuts, sunflower seeds, and/or pepitas)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place the first 5 dry ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Mix the milk, applesauce, egg, agave, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stir to combine and then fold in the dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture into a buttered, greased or parchment lined 7 x 11 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until thickened and golden.
- Cool completely then cut into squares or bars and serve.
Video
Notes
- Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour for the whole wheat flour in this recipe to make these oatmeal bars gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free: Use any kind of milk, such as oat, almond, or rice milk, as a suitable alternative for these oatmeal bars, making them dairy-free for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
- Egg-Free: Replace one egg with a small mashed banana or create a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flax with 3 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for two minutes before using, making these oatmeal bars suitable for individuals with egg allergies or those following a vegan diet.
- Nut-Free: Leave the nuts out entirely or opt for a mixture of seeds (such as sunflower or pepitas) instead of nuts to create nut-free oatmeal bars, catering to those with nut allergies.
- Room Temperature: You can store the oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring they are placed in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
- Freezing: To extend the shelf life even further, wrap the bars individually or place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours or defrost gently in the microwave.
Excited to try these! Was wondering if you’ve experimented with steel cut oats and if that would or wouldn’t work. Thanks!
[…] Oatmeal-on-the-go Bars I’m no stranger to this recipe, I’ve made it at least 3 times before, and I loved it every single time. I’m in the […]
I love these! Just made them with walnuts, dried apricots & raisins, they came out so good!!
Can I use almond meal instead wheat?
I have made these a couple of times and they were very good! My 19 year old even enjoyed them and he can be picky sometimes about “healthy” stuff!
Anyone know the calorie breakdown on these?
[…] for my friend Kristyn passing along this recipe to me for my inspiration! I veganized it and tweaked a few […]
You can replace one egg with one small mashed banana or 1 tablespoon of ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for two minutes before using!
Hi! My baby is allergic to egg how can i substitute the egg when baking? or cooking in general?
Made these for 14 month old. I ground the nuts and seeds in the food pro to a consistency that she is able to digest and used softer dried fruits like blueberries and cherries. They are bland for my taste, but my daughter can’t stop eating them. My mom suggested putting whip cream on top. 🙂
yes…BLAND. loved the texture though. next time more salt and more honey or maple syrup or ANYTHING.
Made these today and they are a little bland for my taste. I would definitely add a little more salt and more sweetener. 3 tbsp of honey wasn’t quite enough
Finally made these. Delicious! 4 year old, 3 year old, and 1 year old all loved them! Personally I’d like them to be a little sweeter so I’ll add a little brown sugar next batch. I chopped up the pecans (could do the same with the dried fruit) so my 1 year old could eat them. She had no problem. And the chopped nuts gave it a nice crunch. I used my 8×8 pan to make them and just cooked them an extra 5 minutes. Will be making these on a regular basis now. Thanks Cathrine for another delicious easy recipe!
I just made these tonight – dried cherries, no nuts (both girls are in nut free classrooms). Delicious. Next time I am making them in muffin form though.
[…] Oatmeal-on-the-go Bars […]
Made these today and they are yummy!