Name: Sweet Potato Oatmeal Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats – Provides a fibrous base and satisfying texture.; 1 cup mashed sweet potato – Adds natural sweetness and moistness.; ½ cup almond butter or peanut butter – Brings a creamy texture and nutty flavor.; ⅓ cup maple syrup – Offers a subtle, natural sweetness.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.; 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise slightly.; 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice.; ½ teaspoon ground allspice – Gives a deep, aromatic flavor.; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves – Introduces a sharp, sweet spice.; ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.; ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – Provides a crunchy texture and extra nuttiness.

Sweet Potato Oatmeal Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack that combines the rich flavors of sweet potatoes with the heartiness of oats. Perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a healthy dessert, these bars are not only easy to make but also offer a wholesome alternative to processed snacks. Their spice-infused taste and chewy texture make them a favorite for all ages.

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats – Provides a fibrous base and satisfying texture.
1 cup mashed sweet potato – Adds natural sweetness and moistness.
½ cup almond butter or peanut butter – Brings a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
⅓ cup maple syrup – Offers a subtle, natural sweetness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise slightly.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice.
½ teaspoon ground allspice – Gives a deep, aromatic flavor.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves – Introduces a sharp, sweet spice.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – Provides a crunchy texture and extra nuttiness.

Preparation

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mashed sweet potato, almond or peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix these together until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3:

Stir in the baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and salt into the oat mixture. Ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 4:

If using, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts to add a crunchy texture to the bars.

Step 5:

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top.

Cooking Note

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving Suggestions

Allow the bars to cool completely in the dish before cutting into squares. Serve as is, or top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips

For a vegan version, ensure the maple syrup is certified vegan and use a plant-based nut butter.
Adding a protein powder or hemp seeds can boost the protein content if desired.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

25-30 minutes

Total Time

40-45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories:

Approximately 200-250 per bar (varies with substitutions and portion size).

Protein:

4-6 grams per serving, depending on the choice of nut butter and optional nuts.

Sodium:

Approximately 75-100 mg per serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned sweet potato? A: Yes, canned sweet potato is a convenient alternative. Just ensure it’s unsweetened and well-drained.

Q: Are these bars gluten-free? A: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rolled oats, these bars can be gluten-free.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Oatmeal Bars are not just easy to make but also pack a nutritional punch, suitable for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack. Experiment with different nuts and spices to tailor them to your taste preferences, ensuring these bars become a staple in your snack rotation.