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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.
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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.
Have you tried Spelt or another grain? All-Purpose flour is a wheat product, but spelt or kamut are not wheat – they are a different grain. I know several wheat intolerant people who successfully use spelt (you can find it at most health food stores or order online. Wheat Montana is a great place to order grains. Bread Beckers is where my co-op orders our grains, and I just found eatgrains.com). Good luck!
Hi, this recipe looks good, is all purpose flour ok for this recipe instead of whole wheat flour? My daughter has a reaction to wheat but I’d love to try these out for her.
I cut them once they are cooled.
Hi there, we threw in a couple of spoons in peanut butter in our second batch…yum. ? for you, do you cut them after putting them ibbrge fridge or once cooled? Mine shred a bit, don’t cut neatly!
Thanks much.
I was thinking the same thing. You could throw in a couple of tablespoons of flax and maybe even some brewer’s yeast and really get the full effect. I am also going to try them with steel cut oats.
I have been looking for oatmeal recipes, besides oatmeal cookies, to help boost my milk supply. I remembered your site had a few different oatmeal recipes. This is something that I will make in the morning (minus the nuts since we don’t have any, will try with extra dried fruit)
Thanks! I love your recipes.
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My kids loved them! And of course, so do I. I did use the quick oats without a problem and I realized at the last step that I didn’t have any cranberries or raisins so I chopped up some dates. And the simplicity of the recipe is really great!
I cant wait to make these. I have a picky 2.5 year old, and a 18 month old. They both will not eat oatmeal!! So I am going to see if they will eat it this way! Thank you. I just found this website and its awesome!!!!
I make a double batch of these every other week. Then I cut into squares and individually wrap them in parchment paper and then put them in a large ziplock back in the freezer. I take them out as needed and reheat in the microwave or you could let them thaw for a while.
Has anyone tried freezing these?
I also would like to know if they freeze well. Just done it and the kitchen smells great!
Myself and my little 21 month old boy LOVED these! So healthy and so easy! Thanks! Will definately make more!!! And I thank you for putting the comments at the end on how to keep them (I never know how long things should last, etc).
Wonderful! I just made these this morning. Substituted honey for the agave and used finely chopped walnuts and a dried mixed berry blend for the dried fruit. I also added a 1/4 cup of Stevia in the Raw for a little more sweetness. My 3-year old has already eaten two of them. Thanks for the recipe!
Yes her recipe said that once they are cooled you cut them up and then you can freeze them for up to 4 months!
Could you freeze these? I am not sure we could eat them all in a few days