Nutty Oatmeal Bars

Introduction

Nutty Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich flavors of nuts. Perfect for a post-workout snack or a quick breakfast on the go, these bars are packed with energy-boosting ingredients. In this article, we'll guide you through a simple step-by-step recipe to make these delightful bars at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of rolled oats
• 1 cup of mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, and pecans work well)
• 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup of peanut butter or almond butter
• 1/4 cup of dried fruits (such as raisins or cranberries)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bars will bake evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they are baked.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed nuts, dried fruits, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the honey or maple syrup, peanut butter or almond butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything together until the oats and nuts are fully coated.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press the mixture down firmly and evenly.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Cool and Slice: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper and cut them into squares or rectangles.

Conclusion

These Nutty Oatmeal Bars are not only easy to make but also customizable. Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts and dried fruits to suit your taste. They are a perfect blend of chewy and crunchy textures, making them a satisfying snack for any time of the day. Enjoy your homemade Nutty Oatmeal Bars!