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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.
Made these today as part of Once A Month Mom’s June Whole Food Plan. Yum!
Scratch that comment, I just saw commenter #2 and it answered my question.
Thanks!
My son loves the Earth Best breakfast bars, but they’re SO expensive, so I’ve come to Weelicious to find a breakfast bar recipe. This recipe looks yummy, but my son is 16 months old, so I don’t want to add the nuts or dried fruit (dried fruit would be ok if I finely chop it up). Do you have any substitute recommendations to make this more baby/early toddler friendly? Is there a better recipe suited for me that I didn’t see?
Thanks in advance!
[…] Oatmeal on the Go Bars […]
Thanks for the GF substitution. I keep my 9 month old GF and I am GF too. Never hurts to have everyone GF. Anyhow, I was wondering what a good sub for the WW flour would be. I will give it a try.
Cyndi
I made these with GF oats, substituted the flour with 1/2 cup GF Oat flour and 1/2 cup Almond flour. I also added a TBSP of Chia and Flax seeds – turned out great. My son loved them. Thank you!
[…] Oatmeal on the Go Bars – I am trying these out this month in my batch cooking! […]
Is there a way to boost the protein content?
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These are very tasty! I’m sure I will be making them all the time once I start breastfeeding again soon. 🙂
Just noticed 6pp is based on April’s post of 12 bars per batch – recipe is for 18.
Thanks for posting nutrition info April. For any others following Weight Watchers Points Plus – they are 6 pp per bar.
are these soft?
Can I make these with steel cut oats?
I made these thinking they would have more flavor…almost like a cookie. They don’t. Then I reminded myself they would be a great breakfast bar and in that regard they are pretty good. Then my 22 month old woke up from his nap and asked for a treat. I handed him one thinking he would throw it on the floor. He is happily gobbling down his 2nd one! He won’t eat a bowl of oatmeal so I’m pretty excited about this!
Great recipe. I omitted the nuts, and just did raisins. Also, did honey since I had no agave. They’re not that sweet, but not really bland either. Perfect for my toddler who gobbled up two. And, my two anti-oatmeal eaters in the family ate one as well and liked ’em. 🙂
I may try some mini chocolate chips next time, or pineapple.