Why Make This Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and convenient option for breakfast or snack time. They combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the hearty goodness of oats, making them a nutritious choice. These bars are easy to prepare and can be a great way to start your day or enjoy as a sweet treat. In addition to being tasty, they are also quite versatile—you can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick breakfast option or someone who loves to meal prep, these bars are perfect for you.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars
Making these Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars is simple and easy, even if you’re new to cooking. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delicious batch ready to enjoy!
Ingredients
To make Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars, you will need:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup icing (for drizzling, optional)
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Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important as it ensures that the bars bake evenly.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish using butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent the bars from sticking to the pan.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, brown sugar, applesauce, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined. A wooden spoon or spatula works well for this.
Add Optional Ingredients: If you’d like to include nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor, fold them into the mixture at this point. This step is entirely optional, but it can add a delicious crunch or chewiness to the bars.
Spread the Mixture: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the dish. Make sure it’s level and reaches the corners.
Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the bars are done when the edges are golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve: Allow the baked bars to cool in the dish for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can cut them into squares or bars. Drizzle icing over the top for added sweetness if you desire. Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars
Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. They are tasty on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions:
- Breakfast: Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast.
- Snack Time: Cut the bars into smaller pieces for a quick snack. They are portable and perfect for taking on the go.
- Dessert: Drizzle extra icing over the top and serve them as a sweet treat after dinner.
- With Fruit: Pair with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries for a refreshing addition.
How to Store Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars
properly storing your Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars will help maintain their freshness. Here’s how to do it:
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bars within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 3-5 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This can keep them fresh for up to a week.
Freezing: You can also freeze the bars for later use. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars turn out perfectly:
Choosing Oats: Make sure to use rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats or instant oats may make the bars too mushy.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your taste. You can also use alternatives like maple syrup or honey if desired.
Adding Flavors: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile. You can also add a splash of almond or coconut extract for a twist.
Check for Doneness: Since ovens can vary, check the bars a few minutes before the minimum baking time to ensure they don’t overbake.
Variation
There are plenty of ways to customize your Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars to make them even more delicious:
- Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the mixture for a sweet treat.
- Fruit Variations: Swap out the applesauce for mashed bananas or pumpkin puree for different flavors.
- Nutty Options: Experiment with different types of nuts or seeds, such as pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds, for added crunch.
- Healthier Options: For a healthier version, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or use yogurt in place of applesauce.
FAQs
1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free rolled oats to make these Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars gluten-free. Always check that any other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
2. Can I leave out the sugar?
Yes, you can leave out the brown sugar or reduce the amount if you prefer. The applesauce adds natural sweetness, so the bars will still taste good with less added sugar.
3. How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it has some crumbs but no wet batter, it’s good to go.
With these tips and instructions, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying delicious and comforting Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars that everyone will love! Happy baking!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with hearty oats, making for a nutritious and delicious breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup icing (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a baking dish by greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Mix the rolled oats, milk, brown sugar, applesauce, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the optional nuts or raisins if desired, folding them into the mixture.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the bars in the dish for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with icing if using.
Notes
Store the bars at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freeze individually wrapped bars for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, oatmeal bars, breakfast bars, snack bars, healthy baking