Healthy Breakfast Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Healthy Breakfast Bars are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Packed with oats, nuts, and natural sweetness from dates and apple sauce, they offer lasting energy without refined sugars. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for on-the-go mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, pitted
- 3/4 cup peanut butter, natural no salt added
- 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups quick oats, gluten free if needed
- 1/2 cup almonds, raw or toasted and chopped
- 3/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsweetened dried coconut
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, raw or roasted and salted
- 3/4 tsp salt (omit if using salted peanut butter)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 11×7-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Step 2: Place the dates in a small bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for 5 minutes, then drain well to soften the dates.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the quick oats, chopped almonds, vegan chocolate chips, dried coconut, toasted sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
- Step 4: In a food processor, blend the softened dates, apple sauce, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Step 6: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly and press it down firmly.
- Step 7: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. I usually bake for about 25 minutes.
- Step 8: Cool the baked bars in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cool completely on the wire rack.
- Step 9: Slice into 24 bars and enjoy your healthy breakfast treats!
Tips & Variations
- Toast the almonds and sunflower seeds lightly to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different nutty taste.
- Add a handful of chia or flax seeds for an extra boost of fiber and omega-3s.
- Use maple syrup or honey if you want a sweeter bar, but the dates and apple sauce usually provide enough natural sweetness.
- If you prefer nut-free, replace nut butters and almonds with sunflower seed butter and additional seeds.
Storage
Store the breakfast bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before eating. Reheat slightly in the microwave if you like them warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to use certified gluten-free quick oats to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Can I replace the peanut butter with another type of nut butter?
Absolutely. Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter will work well and offer different flavors.
PrintHealthy Breakfast Bars Recipe
These Healthy Breakfast Bars are a nutritious and delicious way to start your day. Packed with natural sweetness from dates, wholesome oats, crunchy nuts and seeds, and a touch of vegan chocolate, they are perfect for a quick breakfast or an energizing snack. Easy to make and gluten-free if needed, these bars combine soft, chewy textures with satisfying crunchiness, all baked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, pitted
- 3/4 cup peanut butter, natural no salt added
- 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups quick oats, gluten free if needed
- 1/2 cup almonds, raw or toasted and chopped
- 3/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsweetened dried coconut
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, roasted and salted
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted peanut butter)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare pan and oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 11×7 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Soften the dates: Place the pitted dates in a small bowl and cover them with boiling water from your kettle. Let them soak for 5 minutes to soften, then drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Mix dry ingredients: While the dates are soaking, combine the quick oats, chopped almonds, vegan chocolate chips, unsweetened dried coconut, toasted sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Puree wet ingredients: Add the softened dates, unsweetened apple sauce, peanut butter, and vanilla extract to a food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture free of large pieces.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir well until all the dry components are fully coated and the batter is uniform.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the combined batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly and press the mixture down firmly to compact the batter for optimal bar texture.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center near the 25-minute mark; it should come out clean when the bars are done.
- Cool bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack for 15 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on the rack.
- Slice and serve: Once fully cooled, cut the bars into 24 equal pieces and enjoy your healthy breakfast bars anytime you need a nutritious boost.
Notes
- Use gluten free oats to keep this recipe gluten free.
- If you prefer less salt, omit the salt if using salted peanut butter.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Customize by substituting nuts and seeds according to preference or allergies.
- Make sure to cool bars completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Keywords: healthy breakfast bars, oat bars, vegan breakfast bars, gluten free breakfast, no refined sugar bars, peanut butter bars, snack bars
