Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the oats are evenly coated.
Step 3: Press into Dish
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press the mixture firmly into an even layer using the back of a spoon or your hands.
Step 4: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool in the dish for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles. For cleaner cuts, fully cool the bars before slicing.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the mixture before pressing into the baking dish.
- Nutty Oatmeal Bars: Incorporate a mix of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Notes
Be careful not to overbake the bars as they can become too hard. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these bars as a standalone snack, pair them with a piece of fruit for a quick breakfast, or top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Tips:
- For vegan bars, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Ensure the peanut butter is well-stirred if using natural peanut butter to avoid oil separation in the bars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 150 per bar
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Protein: 4 g