Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of gingerbread with these scrumptious baked oatmeal bars. Sweet and satisfying, they’re the perfect blend of natural ingredients and delightful spices. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or part of a leisurely brunch, these wholesome treats will keep you full until your next meal. With their unique combination of maple syrup, date sweetness, and warming gingerbread spice, it’s no wonder these bars have become a staple in many households. As a fan of oat-based goodies, you might also appreciate our no-bake granola bars or cherry oat bars, not to mention the strawberry oat bars and lemon poppyseed loaf that are sure to tantalize your taste buds as well.
Why You’ll Love Them
These scrumptious oatmeal bars boast a medley of flavors, courtesy of rolled oats, spices, pumpkin puree, and other mouthwatering ingredients. They’re sure to satisfy the cravings of everyone in your household, making it worthwhile to whip up an extra batch of these wholesome treats. With such simplicity in preparation – just combine the ingredients, bake, and cut into portions – there’s no need to rely on store-bought baked oatmeal bars or coffee shop indulgences. Additionally, their portability makes them the perfect pick-me-up for a snack on-the-go, so stash a few away for your next adventure, whether that’s a busy workday or an afternoon spent exploring.
How to Make Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
To craft these scrumptious oatmeal breakfast bars, start by combining your dry ingredients in a blender or high-powered appliance like a Vitamix. Process the mixture until it reaches a finely ground consistency. Next, blend together the wet ingredients, followed by incorporating them into the powdered dry mix. Add some extra oats for good measure. Once the mixture is well combined, pour it into a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven until the oatmeal bars are cooked through. Allow the finished product to cool before cutting it into squares and serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to let your imagination run wild when crafting these healthier morning bars! Simply add your favorite mix-ins, such as decadent chocolate chips, chewy dried fruit, or crunchy shredded coconut. If you prefer a nutty flavor, try incorporating chopped pecans or peanuts into the mix. You can also experiment with different types of milk, swapping out oat milk for almond milk, soy milk, or dairy milk to suit your taste. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add other tasty ingredients like almond flour or butter, rich white or dark chocolate chips, or even tart cranberries if you’re looking to make this a special holiday breakfast treat.
How to Serve Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Bars
Savor your favorite bar as a satisfying brunch option or on-the-go snack. The compact size and convenience of these healthy treats make them a great choice for keeping at work, in the car, or anywhere else you might need a quick energy boost. If you’re passionate about crafting homemade bars, you may also enjoy exploring recipes like Starbucks-inspired cherry oat bars or decadent chocolate coconut bars.
How to Store Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Bars
To maintain optimal freshness and quality, store the gingerbread baked oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for consumption within a few days. If you’d rather enjoy them later, consider freezing. To freeze, individually wrap each bar in foil and place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. For thawing, allow the bars to sit overnight in the refrigerator before warming (if desired) in the microwave, making sure to remove any foil first.
Baked Oatmeal FAQs
When it comes to incorporating dates into your gingerbread baked oatmeal mixture, a crucial step is often overlooked: soaking the dates beforehand. This simple process allows the dates to meld seamlessly with the other ingredients, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. To soak the dates effectively, submerge them in warm water for around 15 minutes before adding them to the oatmeal mixture.In terms of serving, you have the flexibility to serve these warm or at room temperature. If you prefer a reinvigorated flavor experience, simply microwave the dish to bring out the warm, spicy notes. Alternatively, you can enjoy it straight from the refrigerator, where it will still retain its deliciousness.
Gingerbread Oat Bars Recipe
Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Bars
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of baked gingerbread oatmeal bars, perfect for a satisfying meal or snack. Made with natural ingredients, these delicious treats will keep you full and energized throughout the day. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and cooking time of 30 minutes, you can have this tasty treat ready to devour in under an hour. Enjoy 9 generous squares, each one packed with nutritious goodness.
Instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F. Prepare an 8×8-inch square baking dish by greasing it with butter or baking spray, as this will help the bars release smoothly. You can also use a 9×13-inch dish for thinner bars, but the 8×8-inch option is recommended for thicker, chewier treats. In a powerful blender like a Vitamix, combine 2 cups of dry oats, cinnamon, ground ginger, baking powder, black pepper, ground cloves, allspice, and a pinch of cardamom. Blend until the mixture is finely ground and well combined, ensuring that every spice is evenly distributed.Next, pour the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl and blend together 2 cups of oat milk, pumpkin puree, soaked Medjool dates, molasses, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in your blender. Once smooth, combine the wet and dry ingredients in the mixing bowl and mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, evenly combined batter.Once your batter is smooth, add the remaining 2/3 cups of whole oats and gently fold them into the mixture with a spatula. This will give your bars a delightful texture. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are set and the top is golden brown. Remove the dish from the oven and let the baked gingerbread oatmeal bars cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before cutting them into squares.Serve your delicious baked gingerbread oatmeal bars warm or at room temperature, perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon treat.